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The subject of this model is 'Boat 2' (BuNo 1238) of
VP-101, Sangley Point, Philippines (pilot Lt. Harmon Utter).
On 10th December 1941 this aircraft along with three others of PatWing 10 were taking off from Cavite armed with torpedoes to attack enemy shipping just as a flight of G4M 'Betty' bombers arrived overhead to bomb the Navy Yard.
The Zero escort attacked Boat 2 but one Zero got too close and the forward turret gunner Chief Aviation Machinist and NAP Earl D. Payne splashed it with his .30-cal Browning thus making 'Boat 2' the first US Navy aircraft to shoot down a Zero in WWII.
Interior detail shots of the cockpit...
... Radio Operators compartment...
... and waist gunner's positions
These next two shots show a rather leprous-looking model being prepared for final painting. The paint along the panel lines shows through the final coat of paint giving a weathered appearance
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