1/48th Tamiya F4U-1A
The Tamiya 1/48th Corsair kits (F4U-1, -1A and -1D) are extremely nice to work with and go together smoothly. I’d rank them as the best Corsair kits available in that scale. The plane I’ve modeled is a FG-1A (Goodyear produced) Corsair in the markings of VMF-114 as seen on Peleliu in October 1944. That squadron’s markings included the white prop boss and a portion of the prop bades, the white nose ring and the white fin flash on the tail. The BuNo of the plane I modeled was 14220. The model is airbrushed in MM enamels with the white and intermediate blue right out of the bottle. The top blue is a blend of 70% intermediate blue and 30% dark sea blue. The only after-market parts in the build are Eduard seat belts and TD weighted wheels with most of the extreme wheel bulge taken off. The decals are from ye ole decal stash box for the national insignia and the white numbers from the AeroMaster 1/48th sheet # AN48803.
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Bryan W. Bernart said on February 12, 2014
Really quite nice-subtle finish. Well done.
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thank you Bryan.
Seamus Boughe said on February 12, 2014
Nice clean build!
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thank you Seamus.
Ramon R. Lomeli said on February 12, 2014
Excellent work! the Corsair has always been one of my favorites, and yours is a real gem!
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thanks Ramon, it’s my very favorite WWll aircraft.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on February 12, 2014
Have 2 of the 3 in the stash. And cannot wait to build them. Your build is excellent and well done. One time when weathering is not really needed to enhance a well done paint scheme. Nice work Jim. Thanks for sharing.
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Many thanks Chuck, that kit is a sweet build and I look forward to seeing what you do with yours. The actual weathering on my model pretty much got blown away with the camera flash. With 6″ of snow and ice here in Charlotte, NC, I couldn’t take it outside in natural light to photograph it.
bob mack said on February 12, 2014
very nice jim
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thank you Bob.
Tony Prince said on February 12, 2014
Just beautiful Jim. I’m a big Corsair fan & especially of the Tamiya model. I particularly like your blended blue on the topsides.
Cheers,
Tony
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Hello Tony…Thanks for your comment on the blend of the top blue. The camera flash makes it look like there’s quite a difference in the two blue shades but to the 20-20 eyeball, the difference is much more subtle.
Frank Cronin said on February 12, 2014
Jim,
I defy anyone to show me a Cousair I don’t like. Starting with Maircraft, DynaModel, Speedibuilt, Monogram, and numerous Tamiya kits I love them all. Not only do I love them , I really enjoy seeing models built by masters. This is a master built and I am totally impressed with your skills and what you have done here to enhance the beauty of the Corsair. Outstanding
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Hello Frank…You surely bring back some memories when you mention the old Monogram Speedibuilt Corsair. I build a bunch of them when I was a kid. Also the old Comet stick model and the Monogram ‘solid’ Superkit….those were the days. Thank you for your kind comments.
Craig Abrahamson said on February 13, 2014
Really nice work, Jim…..you achieved just the mix for that weathered/faded top blue.
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thank you Craig.
Simon Whitney said on February 13, 2014
A very fine build and paint job there Jim.
Corsairs have always had that look that says mean.
Well done Jim.
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Thank you Simon.
neil foster said on February 13, 2014
Lovely work Jim, your paintwork is perfect.
N.
Jim Sullivan said on February 13, 2014
Hello Neil…thank you for your kind words. I think that each modeler is his (or her) own worst critic. I always see flaws in my work and vow to do it better next time.
George Williams said on February 13, 2014
Looking at yours just makes me want to go and get one and have a try!