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David Butler
26 articles

1/48 Tamiya F4u-1a "Big Hog"

August 25, 2022 · in Aviation · · 16 · 1K


Alas the summer is ending and next week I will be returning to my teaching job (history of course!). Before the school year begins I wanted to finish one more kit- 's . I started this kit in the spring of 2020 but shelved it for over two years due to a mess up I made while trying to make my own canopy masks. It sat on the shelf 80% complete until I was able to remedy the error and finally complete it.

I wanted to really push my comfort level with weathering so I went all in with various post shading, artists oils, chipping, and fluid stains.

I used an Eduard photoetch set which gave me some nice interior detail as well as Montex masks (after the initial disaster of trying to make my own).

This was my first time building a Tamiya kit and it fit together like a dream. The only complaint I have were with the decals which were thick and pretty hard to work with.

Now that school will be back in session my production will slow down but I have a few Eduard P-51's and a Tamiya P-38 that I am planning for this fall and winter.

Take care and happy modeling!

DB

Reader reactions:
11  Awesome

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


16 responses

  1. Beautiful model. Perfect balance of weathering and accenting.

  2. Very nicely done David, my compliments on a fine-looking Corsair.

  3. Beautiful Corsair, David @dbutlr
    I really like the weathering and chipping on this bird.
    Well done.

  4. A great-looking Corsair - weathering work is well-done!

  5. You cannot go wrong with a Tamiya Corsair, David, but it takes your excellent skills to produce a superb model, like you have done here!

  6. Add my congrats on a great model, David (@dbutlr). Paint, decals, and weathering all look perfect. I taught history for 20 years, so I am sure you are excited to get the new year started.

  7. Very nice David @dbutlr. Ever hang any of your models in the classroom?

    • Thanks Eric- I have in the past. One year I had a 1/48 B-25 and B-17 over my desk. This year I'll be in a new room but I'm hopeful for some shelf space because I am running out of room at out home to display my completed builds!

  8. Very nice, David. Great paint work and weathering.

  9. Nice result! It looks very realistic, with just the right amount of weathering and wear.

  10. You’ve proved, yet again, how popular this kit is. I’m glad you solved the problem with the canopy masks and ended up with a great looking Corsair. Happy teaching.

  11. Nice job, really like it.

  12. David, very nice looking Corsair., Isn't using mask fun?, Especially when you get good results like this !.

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