White spined and tailed Hellcats, possibly VF-38?

[G0ALY]

Here is a link to a modeling site with a model of a F6F Hellcat white spine and tail. It includes a good original photo of the aircraft. It’s interesting that this paintjob was not on just one aircraft. And that the Hellcats had individual nose art too.
http://imodeler.com/2014/07/148th-hasegawa-f6f-3-hellcat/

[Greebo]

Fencer PM'd me this scheme a few days ago, it is certainly a bit different and I had never seen its like before. The only real problem WRT skinning it is the lack of definite unit info. The suggestion that it is from VF-38 comes from the pilot's name, Lt Lochridge, that can be seen on the photo. There was a Lt. Lochridge in the Air Group 38 but listed as a TBM pilot with VT-38, although it is possible he transferred to VF-38 at some point. Photos of planes known to be from Air Group 38 do not show these white spine markings, although it could have been a short lived thing. I'd like something more clear cut to go on before starting a skin though.

[Saxman]

Well, SOMEONE flew F6F-3s with that white spine and empennage as evident from the photo.

Incidentally, I love the fail by the decal artist. Nice close-up pic of the pinup on the side, and the guy STILL botches it.

[Vraciu]

Well, SOMEONE flew F6F-3s with that white spine and empennage as evident from the photo.

Incidentally, I love the fail by the decal artist. Nice close-up pic of the pinup on the side, and the guy STILL botches it.

 

[TonyJoey]

Well, SOMEONE flew F6F-3s with that white spine and empennage as evident from the photo.

Incidentally, I love the fail by the decal artist. Nice close-up pic of the pinup on the side, and the guy STILL botches it.

"The decals came from ‘ye ole decal stash box except for the plane’s name ‘Lolly’ and the pilot’s name which were custom printed for me."

[Saxman]

"The decals came from ‘ye ole decal stash box except for the plane’s name ‘Lolly’ and the pilot’s name which were custom printed for me."

D'oh, I missed that somehow.

[Vraciu]

 

D'oh, I missed that somehow.

I thought the critical comment was about the accuracy of the custom decals.  I didn't do a forensic analysis....

[Volron]

Another call needs to be put out to the lyric1.

[Vraciu]

Another call needs to be put out to the lyric1.

Send him over to my AO when you are done with him. 

[Fencer51]

It was VF-38.

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=53664&start=30#p534131

[lyric1]

It was VF-38.

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=53664&start=30#p534131

Nice two paint schemes from the same squadron.

[Greebo]

There are some slight differences on the second lot of photos; a white nose ring with black numbers on the nose and tail, plus no individual nose art. I'll definitely skin one of these aircraft soon though.