Franklin Mint B11F013 1:48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat White 50 Joe Foss USMC VMF-121 Guadalcanal 1942
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An impressive and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat “White 50”, associated with legendary United States Marine Corps fighter ace Captain Joseph J. Foss of VMF-121 during the Guadalcanal campaign of 1942. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under model code B11F013, this substantial retired model represents one of the most famous American fighter pilots of the Pacific War.
Joseph Jacob Foss arrived on Guadalcanal with VMF-121 during October 1942, joining the collection of Marine Corps, Navy and Army Air Forces units operating from Henderson Field which became collectively known as the Cactus Air Force. The island was the focus of an intense struggle for control of the surrounding seas and skies.
Flying the rugged Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, Foss quickly established himself as an exceptionally successful fighter pilot. His aggressive tactics, accurate shooting and leadership resulted in a rapidly increasing victory total as VMF-121 repeatedly intercepted Japanese bomber and fighter formations approaching Guadalcanal.
Foss and the pilots under his leadership became known informally as “Foss's Flying Circus”. Over the course of his Guadalcanal combat tour he was credited with 26 aerial victories, equalling the First World War American record established by Eddie Rickenbacker and making Foss one of the most celebrated American fighter aces of the Second World War.
For his actions over Guadalcanal, Foss was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation recognised his exceptional combat record and leadership during repeated missions against numerically superior Japanese formations during the critical fighting surrounding the island.
The Franklin Mint release represents an F4F-4 carrying the prominent tactical identification White 50. The aircraft is commonly associated with Bureau Number 03450, which served with VMF-121 on Guadalcanal, although wartime photographs and records mean that precise individual-aircraft associations from Foss's combat tour are not always completely certain.
The model recreates the Wildcat in the characteristic US Marine Corps Pacific finish of the period, with blue-grey upper surfaces, light grey undersides, white national stars and the large White 50 tactical markings. The comparatively restrained colour scheme reflects the hard-used frontline fighters which operated from Henderson Field.
Introduced as the principal US Navy and Marine Corps carrier fighter before the United States entered the war, the Grumman Wildcat earned a reputation for exceptional toughness. Although it could not match the Mitsubishi Zero in a low-speed turning engagement, armour protection, self-sealing fuel tanks and strong construction allowed the Wildcat to absorb significant battle damage.
The F4F-4 introduced manually folding wings to improve aircraft storage aboard carriers and carried six wing-mounted .50 calibre machine guns. American pilots increasingly exploited the Wildcat's durability, diving performance and disciplined team tactics rather than attempting to out-turn their more manoeuvrable Japanese opponents.
This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has substantial display presence in 1:48 scale and combines heavyweight diecast construction with authentic White 50 markings, a detailed cockpit, large radial-engine cowling, rotating propeller, detailed landing gear and the compact, broad-winged profile characteristic of the F4F Wildcat.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint
Series: Armour Collection / Precision Models
Scale: 1:48
Model Code/MPN: B11F013
Aircraft: Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat
Aircraft Number: White 50
Associated Bureau Number: 03450
Pilot: Captain Joseph J. Foss
Unit/Markings: US Marine Corps VMF-121
Formation: Cactus Air Force
Location: Henderson Field, Guadalcanal
Campaign: Guadalcanal Campaign
Year/Date: 1942
Operator/Country: United States Marine Corps / United States
Conflict: Second World War
Theatre: Pacific Theatre
Role: Fighter / interceptor
Associated Victory Total: 26 aerial victories credited to Joe Foss
Award: Medal of Honor
Armament: Six .50 calibre Browning machine guns
Status: Retired collector model
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Authentic White 50 VMF-121 markings, Pacific blue-grey finish, detailed cockpit, radial-engine cowling, rotating three-bladed propeller and detailed landing gear
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 7.2" or 18.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 9.5" or 24.2 cm
Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- A small white speck of paint loss is present on the topside of the horizontal stabiliser.
- Some wear is present around the screw point on the underside, although this is a common area for wear.
- Please note : the Allen key screw is not included, but the model is securely fixed in place and does not move. The certificate is not included as well.
- The blue end caps are present and also help keep the model secure.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent overall condition for its age.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An impressive and highly detailed 1:48 scale diecast representation of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat “White 50”, associated with legendary United States Marine Corps fighter ace Captain Joseph J. Foss of VMF-121 during the Guadalcanal campaign of 1942. Released within the Franklin Mint Armour Collection under model code B11F013, this substantial retired model represents one of the most famous American fighter pilots of the Pacific War.
Joseph Jacob Foss arrived on Guadalcanal with VMF-121 during October 1942, joining the collection of Marine Corps, Navy and Army Air Forces units operating from Henderson Field which became collectively known as the Cactus Air Force. The island was the focus of an intense struggle for control of the surrounding seas and skies.
Flying the rugged Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, Foss quickly established himself as an exceptionally successful fighter pilot. His aggressive tactics, accurate shooting and leadership resulted in a rapidly increasing victory total as VMF-121 repeatedly intercepted Japanese bomber and fighter formations approaching Guadalcanal.
Foss and the pilots under his leadership became known informally as “Foss's Flying Circus”. Over the course of his Guadalcanal combat tour he was credited with 26 aerial victories, equalling the First World War American record established by Eddie Rickenbacker and making Foss one of the most celebrated American fighter aces of the Second World War.
For his actions over Guadalcanal, Foss was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation recognised his exceptional combat record and leadership during repeated missions against numerically superior Japanese formations during the critical fighting surrounding the island.
The Franklin Mint release represents an F4F-4 carrying the prominent tactical identification White 50. The aircraft is commonly associated with Bureau Number 03450, which served with VMF-121 on Guadalcanal, although wartime photographs and records mean that precise individual-aircraft associations from Foss's combat tour are not always completely certain.
The model recreates the Wildcat in the characteristic US Marine Corps Pacific finish of the period, with blue-grey upper surfaces, light grey undersides, white national stars and the large White 50 tactical markings. The comparatively restrained colour scheme reflects the hard-used frontline fighters which operated from Henderson Field.
Introduced as the principal US Navy and Marine Corps carrier fighter before the United States entered the war, the Grumman Wildcat earned a reputation for exceptional toughness. Although it could not match the Mitsubishi Zero in a low-speed turning engagement, armour protection, self-sealing fuel tanks and strong construction allowed the Wildcat to absorb significant battle damage.
The F4F-4 introduced manually folding wings to improve aircraft storage aboard carriers and carried six wing-mounted .50 calibre machine guns. American pilots increasingly exploited the Wildcat's durability, diving performance and disciplined team tactics rather than attempting to out-turn their more manoeuvrable Japanese opponents.
This retired Franklin Mint Armour Collection release has substantial display presence in 1:48 scale and combines heavyweight diecast construction with authentic White 50 markings, a detailed cockpit, large radial-engine cowling, rotating propeller, detailed landing gear and the compact, broad-winged profile characteristic of the F4F Wildcat.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint
Series: Armour Collection / Precision Models
Scale: 1:48
Model Code/MPN: B11F013
Aircraft: Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat
Aircraft Number: White 50
Associated Bureau Number: 03450
Pilot: Captain Joseph J. Foss
Unit/Markings: US Marine Corps VMF-121
Formation: Cactus Air Force
Location: Henderson Field, Guadalcanal
Campaign: Guadalcanal Campaign
Year/Date: 1942
Operator/Country: United States Marine Corps / United States
Conflict: Second World War
Theatre: Pacific Theatre
Role: Fighter / interceptor
Associated Victory Total: 26 aerial victories credited to Joe Foss
Award: Medal of Honor
Armament: Six .50 calibre Browning machine guns
Status: Retired collector model
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Authentic White 50 VMF-121 markings, Pacific blue-grey finish, detailed cockpit, radial-engine cowling, rotating three-bladed propeller and detailed landing gear
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 7.2" or 18.3 cm
Width (Wingspan): Approximately 9.5" or 24.2 cm
Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- A small white speck of paint loss is present on the topside of the horizontal stabiliser.
- Some wear is present around the screw point on the underside, although this is a common area for wear.
- Please note : the Allen key screw is not included, but the model is securely fixed in place and does not move. The certificate is not included as well.
- The blue end caps are present and also help keep the model secure.
Box condition - Excellent (8/10)
- The box is in excellent overall condition for its age.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Holiday dispatch update
We are currently away on holiday until Friday, 2 October. Orders can still be placed as normal. Dispatch resumes on Monday, 5 October. Please see below for further general information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
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