Hasegawa 1/48 scale F4U-4 Corsair.
Marine Fighting Squadron 215 (VMF-215) "The Fighting Corsairs" was a fighter squadron that was activated and fought during World War II. Following the surrender of Japan, the squadron was deactivated on November, 1946. The squadron was reactivated in the Marine Forces Reserve and was based out of Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas until its deactivation on January 30, 1970. This model was built about 15 years and represents F4U-4 (BuNo 97264) from that Reserve Squadron before its retirement from service in 1957. The person I built it for wanted a Corsair that looked different, so I suggested this unique looking paint scheme worn by these MFR machines. He agreed, but said he didn’t like the looks of the correct number 11 for this aircraft. Since he was a NY Yankees fan, I gave it #3in honor of its greatest player. The model was built OOB with the additions of PE seat belts, tubing for exhaust pipes and some wire added for the brake lines. Painting was done with Aeormaster Enamels and the decals were from the kit-if I remember correctly. I recently did some repairs on some damage that was done to the landing gear, so I snapped a few photos of it to post. I know it has some warts, but it was an enjoyable build and it definitely looks different sitting next to its standard all blue or multicolor Corsair stablemates. If anyone has the Squadron/Signal Publications (#1145) F4U CORSAIR in action, page 57 shows this AC post retirement sitting in a bone-yard looking worn out and neglected.
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on August 15, 2013
You did a nice job on that, Erich...good to see a different scheme now and again.
Drew Tarter said on August 16, 2013
Great work, Erich! I love that unusual paint scheme.
Frank Cronin said on August 16, 2013
Erich,
This is one of your best. I see a scotch moment approaching...
Bryan W. Bernart said on August 16, 2013
Nice work, Erich.
Gregor de Ste Croix said on August 16, 2013
Nice alternative finish - like it!
Mike Maynard said on August 16, 2013
Excellent paint scheme and application! I enjoy it when a builder like Erich "thinks outside the box" and does a little research. The results are usually a crowd pleaser, very nice work.
bob mack said on August 16, 2013
i absolutely love that kit...fine job
Phil Steele said on August 16, 2013
Sharp !
Tom Cleaver said on August 16, 2013
Very nice work. Three Guys Replicas also did a decal sheet for this airplane, now OOP but perhaps available at Rare Kit Detective or on evilBay.
George Williams said on August 18, 2013
One of the nicest looking Corsairs I've seen.
Sgt. Ray B. Hall, USMCR said on August 20, 2013
Erich ...FINALLY .. a plan I CAN really relate to ... THIS was the plane/s that our Reserve outfit flew from the Olathe, Ks Naval Air Base!
"she" was an oily bird, BUT fantastic to see and hear them running up on the flight linel
Ironically it was also VMF 215 then,, the same unit my Dad flew with ! A very BEAUTIFUL build !
Erich Goldbach said on August 21, 2013
All, thank you for the kind comments about my Corsair
Greatly appreciated!
Sgt. Ray B. Hall said on December 1, 2013
Erich .. AGAIN .. I cannot stop viewing the "ol gull bird" that I so fondly remember was on the flight line there at Olathe NAS in the mid 50'd ! THANK YOU for the photos .. they did #3 TRUE justice ...BEAUTIFUL !
AND a Semper Fi from VMF 215 !
david leigh-smith said on April 20, 2017
I know it's been commented on but nice to see a Corsair in a different (and beautiful) colour scheme. Lovely clean build and there's something just really eye catching about that paint job!
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on April 20, 2017
In 1957 the Navy went from overall GSB to Gull Gray uppers, and white lowers. This one got caught in the transition, making for a unique F4U scheme. Right about the time the F4Us left the inventory.