1/48 Tamiya Corsair F4U-1A

Gallery Article by Hal Marshman Sr on July 12 2010

 

Hi folks, this is the third of my Tamiya 1/48th Corsairs.  In this case, I decided to do the -1A verson of the U-bird.  The kit provides the new semi bubble canopy, and simpler windscreen.  There are also two new pieces for the area just aft of the cockpit.  As I said when reviewing the -1 version, assemble these halves to the fuselage halves before mating them.  With this version, you can add the little fairing just beyond the right wing fold, that made carrier landings much safer.  When I reviewed the -1 and -2 Corsairs, I neglected to mention the little step- in that Tamiya casts into the right hand inboard flap. This was not present until the -!D Hose nose came along, if I remember correctly.  I found the easiest way to fill this, was to use Squadron White Putty, applied from the inside before assembling the flap halves.  Force enough putty through the hole to make a little dome on the outside.  Glue the flap halves together, and once the putty is dry, just shave it even with the flap surface with your hobby knife.  Really easy now, to just dress it down with fine sandpaper. 

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    On this model, I used EagleCals VF-17 decal sheet, duplicating the Hog flown by Lt. Butch Davenport, USN, "Lnesome Polecat".  I scratch built the seatbelts/buckles and brake lines, and wired the engine.  All lights with the exception of that on the spine and the wing tip navigation lights are MV lenses, Even managed to finagle one into the tail cone.  Paint scheme was Model Master Enamels, Flat Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue, and white.  Weathering was accomplished with blue and green shades of eye shadow, paint chipping in work areas duplicated with Prismaco silver pencil.  Antenna cable is two lb test monofilament fishing line.  As before, I relied heavily on the work of William Reese for cockpit, wheelwell, and landing gear colors.  Corsair Jim Sullivan was of assistance when it came to verifying the markings for Davenport's machine.

Have fun,

Hal Marshman Sr

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Photos and text © by Hal Marshman Sr