F4F Wildcat

[Pathfinder]

Hello, I am after some information regarding the the Wildcat and her ground crews onboard a flat-top.

I am planning a new painting of a Wildcat being prepared for flight by her ground crews. I would like to show the wings being unfolded and so on. As I normally work with USAAF aircraft I have little knowledge with the USN.

I have found a few photos of Hellcats being prepared, wings unfolded and so on, so would the procedure be the same with the Wildcat?

Also, does anyone know of any reference material which will show me the colours that the various groundcrew wore in the deck of a flat-top, as its difficult to gauge from b/w photos.

Lastly, as these Wildcats are having their wings unfolded, do they always have their engines revved up and ready to go?

Any other information will be greatly appreciated and thank you.

[Ruy Horta]

Note that depending on the period, you may actually have non-wing folding -3(a) instead of the later -4 and up.

The deck crew colors haven't changed (I think), red is still weapons etc.
F4F Wildcat in Detail, by Bert Kinzey is an inexpensive booklet which you may find helpful for your painting.

[Pathfinder]

Ruy, thanks for the reply. I will check out the book you suggest. It's a choice between that one or 'Wildcat in Action'. If anyone knows which one is better, please let me know.