Time to button up the fuselage. First a quick test fit of the cockpit assy into the RH fuselage. Fit is excellent no issues, the LH side is then attached and cemented in place. Once set, time to install the 1/4 window inserts into the upper rear section of the fuselage. Normally on other kits this could be a potential problem, no in this case the fit is good. Being Tamiya doesn't guarantee perfection, it is me that can mess it up. Tamiya just produces an excellent fitting kit, with clear instructions of assembly, it is still up to me me as the builder to have to assemble it correctly. So far it is coming along quite well and a joy to work on. Next up the center wing section...

10 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Thanks Louis, amazing how seatbelts become a focal point within the cockpit. The instrument panel as well. An important detail that really enhances the overall cockpit.

Next up is the center wing section. Very detailed, Tamiya hit a homerun with this part of the build. The construction process and approach was easy to follow. 1st removing the main lower wing section from the sprue and add the brace that you can see through the aiming window. Next was to remove the LH/RH upper wing sections, which also includes the well detailed gear bays. Already pre painted in the LT Grey. This step make sure you remove a section of the wing if you plan to display with the wings folded. In this case is how I will display when completed. Next to install the center bulkhead that divides the front and rear areas of the gear bay. Cement the upper inner wing panels to the lower wings and then insert the oil coolers in each wing. Finally install the assembly into the fuselage. Now she is taking shape. The fit here is excellent, the rear step that normally appears on some kits where the wing joins the lower fuselage is almost perfect. Mostly sanding cleanup will take care of this. More to follow.

19 attached images. Click to enlarge.

It's coming along very nicely, Chuck. I love your detailing in the office ! I have almost no experience with any Tamiya aircraft (yet) - only armor - but it seems like a beautifully engineered and detailed offering. Well done, my friend ! I look forward to more about this endeavor.

One of the detail aspect I love about this Corsair is the ability to display it with folding wings and dropped flaps. It just enhances the kit so much more. Though Hasegawa's Corsairs are pretty good, you would have to get AM sets or modify to drop the flaps. First I started with the outer flaps, built them and added them to the outer wing panels. The fit are spot on. Next is to build the 4 inner flaps. Nice detail here as well. I love the approach Tam took in how they fit so well into the wings. Little details such as the little extension in between the flaps when they are in the down position. All 4 again just snapped into place. Next up, add the struts and clear bits. More to follow.

14 attached images. Click to enlarge.

I will leave it open as it adds a little character to the subject. Though I have not been able to find a shot of Walsh's Corsair at any time to see how that inner flap is configured with or without the step.

Hey, Chuck, that last one looks very much like a 'Rorschach' test, "so tell me, vat do you see when you look at this splot?" - "well, I see two spitfires diving on a group of around six Me 109 E's - about midday, over the rolling Sussex hills on a clear day..."

I'll tell you, it's a new 'styreneitis' diagnosis test.