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IAN JACKSON
79 articles

RNZAF F4U-1A

September 10, 2015 · in Aviation · · 22 · 2.2K

Hello again:
This is from this time last year - my first 'Kiwi' build since washing-up here in 2012. It's the superb 1:48 , but with a few extras: An Eduard 'Zoom' set for the cockpit, Ultracast resin prop & wheels and a vac-form canopy (because the kit one sits just a wee bit too proud off the fuselage).

Paints are all Tamiya acrylics and mixed using the tried and trusted 'Mark one eyeball' method. Decals are all Ventura and donated by one of the guys from the 'Kiwi Modeller' forum.

A LOT of pre-shading, post-shading, washed and patience went in to this, I honestly don't think I ever tried harder to get a project this 'right'. I even had the base custom made from local Rimu wood, and then a friend 'laser cut' the nameplate for me... I think, once I'd finished it, I took a good eight weeks or so away from modelling it simply depleted my 'mojo' so much.

But that was last Spring ! - Thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to comment, criticise or ask any questions.

Ian.

Reader reactions:
8  Awesome

6 additional images. Click to enlarge.


22 responses

  1. Very nicely done, Ian. That's one dirty bird.

  2. I'll concur with Bryan in every respect. Good work.

  3. Ian, Very nice, looks just like some of the photo's I've seen of heavily used Corsairs. The markings are stunning. I must add: the wood is beautiful ! I've never heard of that.

    • You'll only find Rimu here in NZ, pretty sure there's strict limits on how much is exported aswell. It's a deep orange/copper tone and looks magnificent when you put a high gloss varnish over it.

  4. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Interesting finish.

  5. Great work Ian, captures that grubby, faded, well worn look that Kiwi Corsairs built up perfectly - Superb.

  6. Excellent work Ian. Now what's the next project?

    • Tom this was finished around a year ago, there's been a few builds (mainly NASCAR's) since then !

      On the bench just now there's a Korean War M46 that just needs its' tracks and .50cal adding, a 1:32 BAe Hawk that has only just been started, a P-38 and a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo. This week I finished my 1993 Pontiac in the same MGD scheme that Erick did his in, Not got around to photos yet !

  7. Terrific! - I'd say your mojo was working really well on this.

  8. Nice "KIWI" !
    Like much.

  9. Hello Ian...Nice work on your NZ F4U-1A. Your 'Mark 1 Eyeball' paint mixing system is pretty much spot-on. Looks great.

  10. Very nice colour combination. I also like the title on the base - is that something printed on clear decal paper or is it dry transfer?

  11. Ian - great looking Corsair! I'm working on a couple of 1/72 versions - Soccer War combatants. I'll use yours for some weathering/finishing reference!

  12. SUPERB weathering makes this Corsair a great looking model. Well done!

  13. Thanks everybody, really appreciate the comments.

  14. I can see you really went to town on this one, Ian, you must be very pleased with the end result, all that hard work was definitely worth it.

  15. Very down and dirty Ian, she looks great.
    Well done mate.

  16. Looks great ! Very balanced weathering.

  17. Ian, beautifully done! What are those white tapes on the leading edges?

    • You'll find them on a lot of (shore based) F4U's, I believe it's the same as the tape around the upper cowling - just a sealant to mitigate leaks.

      If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will advise accordingly !

      Once again, folks, thank you for the comments and really positive feedback. Appreciate it so much.

      Ian.

  18. Lovely Corsair, well done !

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