Tamiya 1:48th F4U-iD
I took up the challenge of a few commission builds, for a chap who builds R/C. His mission brief was for reference kits in 1:48th of RNZAF a/c used in the PTO. Normally his preference was for moderate weathering. However, due to the Pacific conditions and service life of these airframes, I took some liberties and Kevin confirmed he's completely satisfied. My focus was OOB as much as possible. I a***s harness to the engine and scratched belts for the pilot. Minor bit of scratch-building was necessary for the gunsight. The kit part pinged off into the ether. Drilled and sanded sprue, adding a clear lens. Markings were from the Ventura set, using full fuselage decals, but only the roundels on the wings over masked/sprayed bars. Sprayed a custom blue over all markings. Humbrol enamels, lacquer white and custom ZCG lacquer. Pastel and oils for weathering.
3 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Anders Isaksson said on November 27, 2012
Lovely work allaround! Many fine weathering effects on this one.
Jack Mugan said on November 27, 2012
Ross... Now that's my kind of Corsair, nice touch on the weather effects.
Tom Cleaver said on November 27, 2012
The weathering is very effective. It's extensive but not overdone as one sees on too many models, which makes it look real. A very well thought-out model.
George Tufnail said on November 27, 2012
Weather beaten but still beautiful! Excellent work!
John said on November 27, 2012
Well done.
Editor said on November 27, 2012
I agree, very effective work on the weathering. Does to feel overdone at all.
Erik Wade Whipple said on November 27, 2012
That's one beautiful Hog, Ross. The finish looks absolutely real and yet does nothing to betray the amount of work you put into all the layers and shading. Appears to be fresh off patrol and hot under the cowling!
Ross McArthur said on November 28, 2012
Appreciate the votes. Couple other things to mention. The aerial wire is a strand of hair. The kit 's open cowl flaps looked way too soft so I scratched a whole nuther one from squares of alum(i)um litho sheet to better simulate separate gills. Filled in the step in the inboard stbd flap, as per -1D, and filled the wing fuel caps then scribed new at the correct positions further inboard. Unfortunately the roundels covered them.
Ray B. Hall said on May 28, 2013
Ross ... an AWESOME REAL looking presentation of the 1st photo ..as they say .."rode hard and put away wet" .. weathering shows an expert modeling touch ...wish my Dad could see this model .. he loved to fly the "gull-wing-bird" ... with VMF 215 ... [ Tom put it best ] ..and a FANTASTIC addition to this "group" ...
Wirgiliusz Babirecki said on May 8, 2019
Very nice. First class weathering!.