Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series Diecast Model

Boeing F4B-3 - VF-1B “High Hats”, U.S. Navy, USS Saratoga (CV-3), 1932

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5”.  Wingspan: 7.5”

On July 1, 1922 Fighter Squadron One was established as VF-1 ‘High Hatters’. On July 1, 1927 VF-1 became VF-1B and in January 1928 they joined the USS Saratoga. VF-1B flew the F4B-3 from January 31, 1932 until March 19, 1932 in the Canal Zone / Caribbean. They remained with the Saratoga until November 1934. On July 1, 1934 they were redesignated as VB-2B. In 1949 they finally became VF-14, which still exists today. This F4B-3, 1-F-1, is the first aircraft of the first section of VF-1B, the Squadron Leader's aircraft.

In the early 1930s Boeing developed a series of biplanes designated P-12 for the U.S. Army Air Corps and F4B for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. The aircraft were first accepted in 1929 and served as their primary fighter. The P-12 was built in six successful variants, while the F4B had four. The P-12 was replaced by the Boeing P-26 in 1934-1935, but the F4B continued to be used until the Grumman F2F/F3F series completely replaced them in 1938.


Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an F4B features: