RNZAF F4U-1A
Hello again:
This is from this time last year – my first ‘Kiwi’ build since washing-up here in 2012. It’s the superb Tamiya 1:48 Corsair, 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.
6 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Bryan W. Bernart said on September 10, 2015
Very nicely done, Ian. That’s one dirty bird.
Craig Abrahamson said on September 10, 2015
I’ll concur with Bryan in every respect. Good work.
Terry Schuler said on September 11, 2015
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.
IAN JACKSON said on September 11, 2015
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.
DE4EVER said on September 11, 2015
🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
Interesting finish.
David Mills said on September 11, 2015
Great work Ian, captures that grubby, faded, well worn look that Kiwi Corsairs built up perfectly – Superb.
Tom Bebout said on September 11, 2015
Excellent work Ian. Now what’s the next project?
IAN JACKSON said on September 11, 2015
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 !!
Ralph Clements said on September 11, 2015
Terrific! – I’d say your mojo was working really well on this.
P.k said on September 11, 2015
Nice “KIWI” !
Like much.
Jim Sullivan said on September 11, 2015
Hello Ian…Nice work on your NZ F4U-1A. Your ‘Mark 1 Eyeball’ paint mixing system is pretty much spot-on. Looks great.
Rob Pollock said on September 11, 2015
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?
Greg Kittinger said on September 11, 2015
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!
Morne Meyer said on September 11, 2015
SUPERB weathering makes this Corsair a great looking model. Well done!!!
IAN JACKSON said on September 11, 2015
Thanks everybody, really appreciate the comments.
George Williams said on September 12, 2015
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.
Simon Whitney said on September 12, 2015
Very down and dirty Ian, she looks great.
Well done mate.
Phil Steele said on September 13, 2015
Looks great !! Very balanced weathering.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on September 14, 2015
Ian, beautifully done! What are those white tapes on the leading edges?
IAN JACKSON said on September 14, 2015
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.
Bernd Müller said on September 15, 2015
Lovely Corsair, well done !
Jeff Bailey said on January 9, 2017
VERY nice!