First rate packaging of my car and Modelcars handled my order in an expedient manner. No issues with their services.
SKU:
SM1013
Grumman F8F-2 Bearcats Fighter Aircraft "121717 VF-61 Jolly Rogers" (1949) United States Navy "SkyMax Flying Heroes" Series 1/72 Diecast Model by Hobby Master
$99.99
1
Person
Is
Looking At This Right Now!
In Stock
- Ships within 1 business day
Fast Shipping
30-Day Returns
Secure Checkout
Product Details
- Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Grumman F8F-2 Bearcats Fighter Aircraft "121717, VF-61 Jolly Rogers" (1949) United States Navy "SkyMax Flying Heroes" Series die cast model by Hobby Master.
- Brand new box.
- Detailed exterior.
- True-to-scale detail.
- Has opening canopy.
- Includes display stand.
- Officially licensed product.
- Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
- Dimensions approximately Length- 4.75, Wingspan- 6 inches.
- Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel.
- It is a highly detailed and accurate model, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane.
- HISTORY ASPECTS:
- The Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat BuNo 121717, flown by VF-61 “Jolly Rogers” in 1949, represented one of the final and most powerful generations of American piston-engine carrier fighters. Developed by Grumman for the United States Navy during the closing stages of World War II, the Grumman F8F Bearcat was designed for exceptional climb rate, speed, and maneuverability. The F8F-2 variant featured improvements such as a larger vertical tail, upgraded armament with four 20 mm cannons, and refined aerodynamic performance, making it one of the most capable piston fighters ever deployed from aircraft carriers.
- VF-61, famously known as the “Jolly Rogers,” operated the Bearcat during the transitional period between propeller-driven fighters and the emerging jet age. By 1949, squadrons equipped with F8F-2 aircraft were conducting carrier qualifications, fleet air defense exercises, and advanced tactical training across the Atlantic and Caribbean. Although the Bearcat arrived too late to see significant combat in World War II, the aircraft became an important part of postwar naval readiness during the opening years of the Cold War, when the U.S. Navy maintained high alert levels against potential Soviet threats.
- While VF-61’s Bearcats did not participate in large-scale wartime combat, the type itself saw operational service in later conflicts through foreign operators. Former U.S. Navy Bearcats were flown in the First Indochina War by French forces and later by the South Vietnamese Air Force. In American service, the F8F-2 symbolized the peak of piston-engine naval fighter design just before jet aircraft such as the F9F Panther began taking over frontline carrier operations. The “Jolly Rogers” legacy, combined with the aggressive appearance and performance of the Bearcat, made aircraft like BuNo 121717 enduring icons of naval aviation history.
- This 1:72 scale model is a stunning tribute to the final era of elite piston-engine naval fighters. Featuring authentic squadron markings and the sleek, muscular lines of the Bearcat, it captures the spirit of postwar U.S. Navy aviation at the dawn of the jet age. Perfect for collectors of carrier aircraft and naval history, this replica makes a bold and historically rich display piece; add it to your collection today for a true classic of naval aviation.
Shipping and Returns
Orders are processed and shipped within 1 business day. Depending on your location, packages take 2 to 7 business days for transit in the Continental United States.
Ordered the wrong model? Didn't like the decals? We want to be sure you get exactly what you want.
- Contact us and let us know which item you need to return or exchange.
- We will give you an RA number. Be sure to write this on the outside of the shipping box.
- Send the return to the address we provide, and you're done!
Richard S.
Great selection on your site and loving the idea of getting free shipping!
Why ModelCars.com?
In a market full of broken promises, we keep it simple. What you see is what you get, every single time.
Built for Builders & Collectors
From your first kit to your 500th model.
15,000+ Models & Supplies
If it exists in scale, we probably have it.
Fast, Reliable Shipping
If it's in stock, it ships. No surprises.
Real Support
Real people. Real help when you need it.
Easy Returns
Simple returns if something isn't right.
Carefully Packed
We protect every detail so it reaches you safely.
Trusted by 6,000+ hobbyists
Real reviews from real builders and collectors.
Shipping and delivery was as good as the company had stated, received both models in good shape on time.
Arrived promptly in as advertised condition. Excellent quality and addition to my scale collection. terrific seller
I've bought many models from them, and when I made a mistake, Dan from customer service was prompt, courteous, and very helpful.
Questions, Answered Honestly.
A model kit comes unassembled on plastic sprues (the frames that hold the parts). You cut, glue, and paint the pieces yourself, it's a hands-on building experience that can take anywhere from a few hours to several evenings. A diecast car is a pre-built, pre-painted metal collectible ready for display straight out of the box. Both are scaled replicas, but kits are for builders who enjoy the process, and diecast is for collectors who want a finished showpiece.
Scale is the size ratio compared to the real vehicle:
1:12 — About 14". Museum-level detail, large display piece.
1:18 — About 10". Most popular collector scale. Often features opening doors, hood, and trunk.
1:24 / 1:25 — About 7". Most popular kit-building scale. Great balance of detail and size.
1:32 / 1:43 — About 4–5". Compact, ideal for larger collections.
1:64 — Hot Wheels size. Perfect for collecting by the dozens.
1:87 — Smallest. Typically used with model train layouts.
Choose based on your display space, detail preference, and whether you're building a collection or a single showcase piece.
Start with a snap-together kit, no glue or paint required. Revell and AMT both make great beginner kits in 1:25 scale, rated skill level 1 or 2. Pick a car you love, that motivation makes the build more enjoyable. Once you're comfortable, move to a cement-assembly kit with basic paint. We carry beginner kits starting under $20. Check our Beginner's Guide for step-by-step recommendations including your first tools, paints, and techniques.
It depends on the kit and your preference:
- Acrylic (water-based) — Beginner-friendly, easy cleanup, low odor. Tamiya and Vallejo are popular choices.
- Enamel — Smoother finish, longer drying time, requires mineral spirits. Testors is the classic choice for Revell kits.
- Lacquer — Dries fastest, hardest finish, requires good ventilation. Tamiya TS spray cans are lacquer-based.
Important: Don't mix paint types on the same surface without a primer coat between them. Every paint listing on our site clearly shows the type and compatible brands.
Skill levels help you choose the right kit:
Level 1 — Snap-together, no glue or paint needed. Great for kids and absolute beginners.
Level 2 — Simple glue assembly, minimal painting.
Level 3 (Intermediate) — Standard cement assembly with painting. Most kits fall here.
Level 4 & 5 (Advanced) — Complex builds with many parts and detailed painting. For experienced modelers.
We display the skill level on every kit listing, so you can make an informed choice.
Every product we sell is 100% authentic. We source directly from authorized distributors and carry genuine products from over 60 brands including Tamiya, Revell, AMT, AUTOart, Maisto, Bburago, Hot Wheels, Greenlight, and many more. No counterfeits, no gray-market imports, no relabeled products.
All orders ship within 1 business day. If a product shows "In Stock" on our site, it's ready to go, no backorder surprises, no ghost inventory. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days within the US. You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order leaves our facility.
Orders over $99 ship free within the United States. For orders under $99, shipping is calculated at checkout based on package weight and your location. We also ship to Canada, though international rates vary. A progress bar in your cart shows how close you are to the free shipping threshold.
Yes, we ship to Canada. Rates are calculated at checkout. International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes (buyer's responsibility). Delivery to Canada typically takes 7–14 business days. For other destinations, contact us to discuss options.
Every order is double-boxed with bubble wrap, the product box is wrapped and cushioned inside a larger shipping box. For fragile or high-value diecast models, we add extra padding. Our customers consistently mention our packaging quality as a reason they come back.
Yes. If a product shows "In Stock," it is in our warehouse and ready to ship. We do not list items as available if they're on backorder or in transit from a supplier. We know how frustrating it is to order something marked "in stock" only to get a backorder notice days later, that doesn't happen here.
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link to follow your package in real time. You can also log into your account to view order status at any time.
We offer a 30-day return window from the date of delivery. Items must be in original, unopened condition. For opened kits or diecast with damaged packaging, contact us, we handle these case-by-case and always try to find a fair solution.
If your item arrives damaged, contact us right away with photos of the damage (both product and shipping box). We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund, no runaround, no fighting. If we shipped it, we take responsibility for it arriving safely.
Email us at customerservice@modelcars.com. We're real people, not bots, not an outsourced call center. You'll get a personal response, typically within 24 hours. We pride ourselves on making things right when issues come up.
Contact us immediately and we'll ship the correct item right away, at no cost to you. We'll also provide a prepaid return label for the incorrect item. You won't pay a cent to fix our mistake.
We strive to offer competitive pricing across our 25,000+ products. While we don't have a formal price-match guarantee, reach out to us if you find a lower price on an identical in-stock item at another authorized retailer. We'd rather earn your business than lose it over a few dollars.
We're actively exploring ways to reward repeat customers. Right now, the best way to save is through our free shipping over $99 threshold and our sale and clearance section. Sign up for our email list to be the first to know about exclusive deals and any future loyalty program.
Still have questions?
Our team responds within 24 hours. Real people, real answers.