The Grumman F8F was one of the most potent of the last generation of piston engined fighters.

It was too late to see US service during World War II but flew with the French, Thai and South Vietnamese air forces in South East Asia.

The F8F was the smallest airframe that could designed around the most powerful engine to create a high performance fighter.

Design started in November 1943 and the first prototype flew in August 1944 but they were about to enter US Navy service when World War II ended.

They flew with a number of Navy squadrons but were soon replaced by jet fighters.

Over a hundred were used by the French in Vietnam, some were given to Thailand and 29 were given to South Vietnam where they remained in service until 1959.

This model represents a F8F-1 in service with 514 Fighter Squadron, Republic of Vietnam Air Force, 1956.

Monogram F8F-2 1:72 kit with Esci decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in January 2004.