1/32 Tamiya RNZAF F4U-1A Corsair
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I present to you my Corsair. I started this thing about two years ago and did built a little here and a little there. I guess I got a little sidetracked with other projects and I’m sure that never happens to any of you. Anyway, I painted it with paints from Mission Models. I was a lacquer guy for a long time, but these new paint are really terrific. I used Ammo of Mig panel line washes and Engine Oil and pastels to add interest. I used several techniques to get the chipping done including salt, hairspray and sponge. The national insignias were originally painted on using Montex masks, but I found that the PVC distorted too much making it almost impossible to register all the different colors properly. I made my own masks instead using sheets of Tamiya masking film. The only aftermarket items I used were an excellent seatbelt set from HGW. I did use the angry duck and kill decals that came with the Montex masks, though.
This was a really enjoyable build and have to say that Tamiya precision makes it even more pleasurable. I don’t really have any complaints about the kit except the decals, but that’s just me.
14 additional images. Click to enlarge.
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Brett Peacock said on December 2, 2018
Stunningly nice work. Congratulations. A small point: Those are not all “kill” markings – they are mission markings, the ones with the bombs indicate a bombing/ground attack mission. By the time the RNZAF used Corsairs (from Mid-1944, replacing the P40’s) encounters with Japanese Aircraft in their area (Solomons and New Britain/Coral sea) were rare, and very few air to air victories went to the Corsair. (I think one Corsair had 2 Japanese flags on the fuselage to indicate air to air Kills, but Most had 1 or none.) Not that it was not dangerous, Japanese Flak and the weather accounted for quite a few losses, as did simple mechanical failures. The Ships and trucks are ground kills.
Brett
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Thanks, Brett. I used the term “kill” generically.
DE4EVER said on December 2, 2018
🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
This one really jumps out at you George … very nice work. Your choice for the RNZAF markings are spot on and makes it unique. The weathering and faded look give it a special touch. thank you for sharing such great photographs.
Matt Minnichsoffer said on December 2, 2018
Excellent build all the way around. Yes, those Tamiya Corsairs are a great kit. Looks like the real thing sir. Great photos too.
Terry Schuler said on December 2, 2018
George, This is fantastic, I’ve enjoyed following your progress on our local OMS club page. I’m very impressed with your final results, especially the well worn/used look without going too far overboard, and that patented George Johnson paint wear that I’ve been impressed with for some time. Overall, very well done !
Morne Meyer said on December 2, 2018
Mastercrlass work on every level. Well done!!!
Michel Verschuere said on December 2, 2018
Absolutely one of the best Corsairs I’ve seen in this scale. I followed your build with interest and I’m pleased you finally pulled through! Kudos George!
David Humphreys said on December 2, 2018
Simply stunning. Inspirational modelling.
Dmitry Stropalov said on December 2, 2018
Great looking model, George!
Rob Pollock said on December 2, 2018
Looks great, George.
Stephen W Towle said on December 2, 2018
I would label this kit as the thinking mans model with having to do all the different applications of paint… never has a kit looked so used,abused and warn out. With the end result that it looks good. My only niggle, another helping of photos please. Its a crime not to show all of your gifts and talents on this one George.
A strong candidate for model of the month.
Two thumbs up.
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Hey Stephen- I added a few more pics to that post. Check ’em out.
Stephen W Towle said on December 2, 2018
Thank you George for your time and sharing your talents. The Corsair is a winner.
Julio Contreras MartĂnez said on December 2, 2018
Muy real todo ese desgaste en la pintura.Me gustarĂa ver más fotos ya que son realmente buenas.Buen trabajo George.
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Muchas Gracias, Julio. Le agradesco much sus comentarios. Acabo de Añadir mas fotos en mi “posting” original.
Pedro L. Rocha said on December 2, 2018
Top knotch work. Despite being on a large scale, the overall effect looks very solid and the details are just awesome
Johannes Gerl said on December 2, 2018
Magic.
John Healy said on December 2, 2018
Nice paint work!
Tolga ULGUR said on December 2, 2018
Beautiful
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Thank you all for your kind comments. Glad you liked it because after a few dogs i started and gave up on, this one was fun to build. I’ll post a few more photos.
paul teixeira said on December 2, 2018
George, I am speechless with this one! Awesome job in every way. I built this model recently and had a ball working with it and painting it. I love the NZ scheme. Been doing a lot of models recently from that theater of war along with many FAA aircraft. They are actually for a customer who is collecting aircraft from SE Asia theater, Burma, South Pacific….Axis and Allied. I sent pictures to him he is going to go nuts when he sees it.
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Hey Paul,
Thanks! I was really into Russian/Soviet aircraft for a couple of years and now, all of a sudden, I’m really interested in WWII stuff. I’m going to start on the Zoukei-Mura Do-335 today after I clean the mess up from the Corsair. I just bought a WNW Stahltaube that I’m anxious to get going on as well.
Marc Barris said on December 2, 2018
Hey George, this is really some amazing work, absolutely fantastic, Brilliant paint job. Well done.
Tom Cleaver said on December 2, 2018
I’ll just echo everyone else. Stunning finish. Lots of talent on display here. I really like this very realistic looking model a lot.
George Johnson said on December 2, 2018
Thanks again, all. I just added a few more pics.
david leigh-smith said on December 2, 2018
An artistically and technically professional build, George. I cannot see one single element that I think could be improved.
Bravo.
Ramon R. Lomeli said on December 3, 2018
WOW!!!! awesome weathering dude, that looks great!
Greg Kittinger said on December 3, 2018
Ditto everyone else! Incredible work. Love everything about it – except that it wasn’t me that achieved this result…
David Mills said on December 13, 2018
Super work George – love the battered look these aircraft had!