Heller F4U-7 in 1/48
Presented for review: Aéronavale F4U-7 F.14.9, USN Bureau No 133690, by Heller, in 1/48. As noted in many French F4U articles, the black and yellow ID stripes were for 'Operation Musketeer', aka the Suez Crisis of 1956.
Heller did very few 1/48 propeller airplanes, instead concentrating on jets and helicopters in that scale. I have always loved Heller kits, and grew up making many of their 1/72 scale kits, where their selection is much more varied.
I believe Heller's decision to do a 1/48 F4U-7 likely indicates how important this aircraft was to French post-WW2 naval aviation development (recommend Tom Cleaver iModeler articles for detailed histories). This aircraft is extremely 'bad-a*s', and I wanted to capture that feel in this model, despite the relative shortage of detail (for this scale). I also wanted to pay tribute to this airplane, and Heller's good judgment to offer this kit, along with the closely related Vought AU-1. Heller knew the demand for this model would be noteworthy, especially in France.
The French F4U-7s were a fitting end for the Corsair line, and were replaced by Vought F-8E Crusaders in Aéronavale service in 1964. The Corsair's great attributes allowed the French Navy to skip past second generation jets and proceed directly to Vought's first supersonic jet fighter, which made excellent sense for a country still recovering from the ravages of WW2, and the German occupation.
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
John Krukowski said on March 7, 2021
Really nice pictures, and some nice eye-level photography.
VERY cool, love your work Bob.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks for the kind remarks, John. I'm just using an IPAD for the photos now. I think the lens must be quite efficient for such a thin computer. Seeing the image on a big screen seems to help me find good angles to use.
Tom Cleaver said on March 7, 2021
You got a really nice result with a kit that's "less than stellar." That's a tribute to your skill and ability, getting the most of what's there and making up for the kit's lacks. I like your result a lot.
"liked"
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks for the look and the kind remarks, Tom. The French Navy had a great look about their ships and aircraft. I guess I'm an official Francophile now; I better be since my wife is part French (...by way of Canada).
George Williams said on March 7, 2021
Nice variation on the classic Corsair, the Suez stripes really set it off, definitely liked.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Many thanks, George. It is a very good look, with those colors on top of the USN dark sea blue. And it was fun to do.
Dan Lee said on March 8, 2021
Musketeer aircraft schemes are always quite striking of the post WW2 Corsairs. I like how this one turned out.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks, Dan. I may do a French F-84F or Hawker Hunter in this scheme. Here is Tom Cleaver's Hunter at this site https://imodeler.com/2020/08/airfix-1-48-hawker-hunter-f-5/ , and it is super impressive.
Haslam Yeoman said on March 8, 2021
Great choice of colour scheme.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks, Haslam. French aircraft schemes almost always look good, and Heller assisted by having excellent decals.
John vd Biggelaar said on March 8, 2021
A very nice build, Bob.
The chosen scheme is well chosen and you applied it very well.
Spiros Pendedekas said on March 8, 2021
Great job on that "simple" kit, Bob.
Love the scheme a lot!
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks, Spiros. According to Scalemates, the Heller model came along in 1993, which was 10 years before the Hasegawa -7. I'm glad Heller filled this requirement first, and wanted build theirs.
John Krukowski said on March 8, 2021
Bob that's admirable.
I'm glad you did!
Tom Bebout said on March 8, 2021
Well done Bob, quite striking with the yellow stripes over the dark blue. Nice touch adding the car to the model as well.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Thanks, Tom. The car is also by Heller. 1/43 HELLER 1939 CITROEN 11 CV L #159. Posed next to a large model, they appear to be in the same scale.
Greg Kittinger said on March 8, 2021
A very nice build, and stunning scheme. Well done.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 8, 2021
Many thanks, Greg!
DE4EVER said on March 9, 2021
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
Nice results on this Heller kit Bob.
For sure the markings and the beautiful paint job make this a model not to be missed.
Bob Dudolevitch said on March 11, 2021
Many thanks, DE (forev). It was a good kit and I'm thankful to to do it credit. That Heller decal sheet really helped.