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Rafi Ben-Shahar
318 articles

Tamiya 1/32 F4U-1 Corsair "Birdcage"

November 22, 2023 · in Aviation · · 36 · 412

Tamiya's is a top-notch design and surface detail kit. A significant part of why I consider this kit the best ever propeller aircraft model made relates to its size and historic background. With the petite surface details and larger than the 48th scale, but not too large for a 32nd scale, the model allows comfortable access to work on the parts.

also produced the Spitfire and Mustang in the same scale and up to similar detail and design standards. Yet, historically, land-based Corsairs were prone to weathering in a variety of forms much more than Spitfires and Mustangs.

In all, this kit is probably the best existing platform for weathering.

Reader reactions:
25  Awesome 5  8 

12 additional images. Click to enlarge.


36 responses

  1. Rafi, you are right about this kit being a canvas for weathering. What you have done here is superb.
    Attached are a couple photos of what I did with this amazing wonderful kit.

    2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

  2. A beauty in every respect, Rafi! The Tamiya kit might be superb, but it takes your skills to come up with such a wonderful result!

  3. Rafi @blackmopane, my jaw just dropped. Your build is incredible, the paintjob absolutely pristine!

  4. Lovely result Rafi...well done!

  5. Darn near perfect...Very nicely done, Rafi!

  6. You’ve really made the most of what is obviously an impressive kit.

  7. Perfect weathering effects.

  8. Wow! 🤩 Is it real or Memorex? 😁 Modelers of a certain age may remember that old advertising slogan for Memorex recording tape, claiming reproduction so perfect that it defied detection. Well, that model Corsair looks so real that the old Memorex ad seems appropriate here, too. Great work, again, Rafi! You are presenting masterpieces at a fantastic rate, @blackmopane! 🏆

  9. Rafi...your build is fantastic. Your finish/weathering is the finest I have seen completed on any model aircraft; only a real-life 1 x 1 will compare.

  10. Excellent weathering, Rafi. As per your usual high standard of work.

  11. What not to like about this result, Rafi @blackmopane
    The weathering, as well as the rest, is really superb, very realistic.

  12. Yep - like I said, I will PAY GOOD DOLLARS to watch your master class video on paint and weathering! This is fantastic - one of the best paint and weathering jobs I've seen.

  13. I would agree the Tamiya corsairs are great engineered kits. You’re looks fantastic great job.

  14. Rafi, you are a true artisan. You don't just build a model; you create a masterpiece! (@blackmopane)

  15. Great Corsair, Rafi. I don’t do much in 1/32, but that kit is really tempting.

    • Thank you John.
      You are looking at the best aircraft kit ever produced so, it is worth the effort.
      It does not much space and you need to follow the instructions closely. Some un conventional steps are required with the assembly of wings.

  16. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Indisputably superb model building Rafi!
    Your talent for weathering truly shines through in this rendition of a F4U-1 Corsair "Birdcage".
    What you did for the weathering on the fuel tank area is just amazing.
    Very splendid work all around.

  17. Spectacular build of a fine kit. Your finish and weathering is awesome.

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