To GMorrison,
Once again and again, thank you. The description you’ve given me from William Reece is amazing. Step by step Mr. Reece statements makes more and more sense in regards to the interior of the Corsair. Much thanks for this.
Toshi
To Goldhammer,
Thank you for the IMO description.
Toshi
To M. Brindos,
Thank you!
To Jay Jay,
I very much want to build either a Tamiya 1/32 scale Zero or a Spitfire or both. The later being more of a reality than a wish, both are from the same series as the Mustang and my current build, the Corsair. I’m in love with the detail, the huge amount of parts, the included rubber tires, and photo etch.
Your welcome on the posts, it’s just as much for my own rehabilitation in writing and correspondence as it is for forum members. Once again thank you, I urge you to not just consider a 1/32 scale aircraft, but to tackle these very models from Tamiya. They are exceptional at best!
Toshi
Toshi, I know you like a good story. Some years back there was a Group Build here that went on for years, reinventing itself every year. A group of several dozen guys became quite close friends through it. In the end, in gratitude to our long time and long suffering leader Darren, we bought a Tamiya Spitfire and took turns working on it. Basically everyone got a bage of the instructions, and it got shipped from modeler to modeler, literally around the world!
It was presented to Darren as a surprise gift.
You can read about it here:
http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/29/t/75307.aspx?sort=ASC&pi240=1
Wow, how cool is that! The link to the site is unbelievable, that was not a good story, that was an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.
Toshi
Toshi - If you stated what paint you are using, I’m sorry that I’ve forgotten. Seems like it might be Testors, so likely enamel. At any rate, for the most part my painting is done with dual and single action Badger airbrushes, just about always between 12 and 16 psi. Sometimes as low as 10,(rarely,) and 20 psi, (even less.) Many not good things come with very high pressures, paint can dry before reaching the surface and cause lot’s of over spray issues, making for a dusty, messy work area. Best to not get Mrs. Toshi miffed.
Your spray job looks just great, you’re off and running Buddy, I can see this will be a real beauty when finished. What instruments do you play? I worked my way through university as a musician, I would stand at the front door of nice restaurants and play the tuba, until they paid me to leave.
Patrick
To Patrick206,
I’ll definitely wait for my MAC valve to arrive (Any day now) before I spray the Corsair.
LOL! The TUBA!!!
In all seriousness, I played the trumpet like my father. He was the old school big band trumpeter, he backed up Stan Kenton, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and many more. I remember these names especially those mentioned. He would take me to his gigs and I’ll watch back stage as a little kid.
I went completely in the opposite direction. I ended up in the Jazz Combo scene, quartet, quintet, etc. my band was called Jazz Attack. It was a continuation of Art Blakely and the Jazz Messengers school of Jazz. All it was was, I just never stopped playing jazz and any type of music. My last job, I hired my dad just before he died, that was one of the best concerts ever as we played Latin Salsa. It was for the Ms. Latin America Pageant.
My second memorable concert was in Scotland in Saint Andrews, I did the very first Live Aid concert there. It was with a band from Chicago called the Abrams Brothers. Imagine a black guitarist that sounded like Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaugn, and Jimi Hendricks all in one person while playing some of the most baddest funk music (Detrioit style) I’ve ever played. In Amsterdam, we started to extend our sets to go all night into the morning non-stop. We were the precursors of Rave before the term was even used. Of course at 18, you’re young, full of energy and just plain stupid! LOL! Or may I say ignorant.
I came back home to care for my dad, I ended up meeting Mrs. Eslit AKA: Toshi, got married had two kids a boy and a girl. So I quit playing, and worked as a executive chef and master sushi chef. It was the later that got my foot into the door. I was trained as a sushi chef by the student of the official sushi chef of the Emperor of Japan. How ironic, in that, some 20 years later, here I am building WWII aircraft that finally brought down the Empire of Japan.
By the way, I’ve never ever made a zero kit yet. I just have a passion for WWII American aircraft. Here’s a story for forum members that I’d like to share about my family. This is just a story based on true events, not to insult nor offend anyone, and if I did so, please except my deepest heartfelt sincere apology.
December 7, 1941
My dad and my great grandmother did their normal Sunday morning shopping in downtown Honolulu. All of a sudden, my dad said there were planes flying really close to the ground. Then it started to rain heavily. My great grandmother told my dad; “That’s not rain, those are bullets from a machine gun”. My dad answered; “Why are the American planes shooting at us”? Great grandmother replied; 'Those aren’t American planes, those are Japanese planes. The next thing my father heard were fireworks, then he recalled black smoke billowing from Pearl Harbor. Pearl is approximately 8 miles from downtown Honolulu. Once home, great grandmother burned all documents, photos, and family history that pertained to Japan. She then told my dad that we are Americans living in U.S. Territory.
I had a distant uncle that served during WWII, he became what’s known today as the 442 All Japanese regimental group. Till this day, the 442 is the most decorated battalion in the history of America. Uncle lost his arm only to become a state Senetor of Hawaii.
To my Fellow Artists Members,
I don’t know where to start, but the Corsair has ended in a disaster!!!
I lost balance and dropped the Corsair onto the outdoor patio. Our patio is concrete, so I’m sure you all know what styrene plastic sounds like when hitting a concrete pour. Not something you really want to hear nor see.
Both wings are marred and scratched plus they broke off, the engine fell apart into several pieces (It looks like a million pieces), I know something happened to the cockpit as when you tilt the Corsair in any direction, all you here is little pieces of styrene plastic jiggling in the fuesalage, and I really don’t want to describe any more as I am completely disappointed in what had just occurred.
Currently, I am reassembling the Corsair to the best of my abilities. To hide some of the damage, I went ahead and sprayed the entire Corsair with Testors Gloss Model Master Blue Angel Blue #1972 from a extra spray can I had from my original and first (F4U Corsair) comeback model kit of which was a Testors product. I tried to bring it back in it’s full glory in regards to the tri-color scheme of which is a Navy blue followed by a sky blue, and finally with white. The damage was severe enough that the lighter colors could not mask the damage done. I will leave it in this dark blue mono color, I know there are Corsairs that had just one color. So out of desperation I will choose not to go with the tri-color scheme.
On another note, I decided I needed a break. I went to Michaels (Another Hobby Center like Hobby lobby) and purchased a 1/48 Revel Corsair with my coupon of 50% off! Wow! That’s better than Hobby Lobby. I can now depict the Tamiya Corsair in extended wing configuration, the Revell kit will be built with folded wings.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my experiences, I know this is corny but; “Never cry over spilt milk”, in this case a crashed up Corsair. With a positive mind set, I am determined to complete this build with a professional attitude. I see this as my phoenix. A destroyed Corsair, only to arise from the ashes and be reborn once again.
I have some photos of the progress from last night. I could not allow myself to see the Corsair in it’s current status, so forgive me in that I have not taken a photo of the damaged Corsair.
Toshi
Really good way to bounce back! Let’s hope the Warriors can!
Oh, right…
Anyhow, I think the paint job looks ok Toshi.
Well, golly sakes, dagnabbit and shuckey darn, what an awful thing to happen to a good job done on a model. Can you sue the concrete slab maker? it’s clearly his fault. You know Toshi, often after repairs some things aren’t really all that bad, some times not all that noticeable. Finish it, enjoy having it and proudly display it.
The 1:48 Corsair is a fine kit, my preferred scale, much handier size. Hope to see you get started on this one soon. I enjoyed reading your families history, quite a large involvement in our national history. The famous musicians must hold a special place in your memory. and Senator Daniel was your uncle, eh? He sure contributed much to America.
Sorry about your drop, but if that’s the worst thing that happens to you you’ll be OK, I’ve done worse.
Patrick
Who knows GMorrison, maybe it will be the Warriors. I could care less until football season, then it’s all about Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, RGIII, and Russell Wilson. If I have the time to photo my autograph rookie football cards you get to see my first hobby.
You Patrick are a very funny man. I wish I could sue the concrete pour company. LOL!
Yes, I agree as I have the Corsair somewhat under control now. I’ll shoot you a photo here on this thread to bring everyone up to date.
Toshi
Toshi,I’m so sorry to hear this! I know how heart breaking it can be to be so far along in a project then disaster strikes. The Revell Corsair you picked up is a very nice kit as noted,and I think you’ll enjoy it very much. I’m also enjoying reading about your family’s rich history as well. Keep up the good work and know that your Fine Scale Modeler family is here for you…Douglas
To roger_wilco,
Thank you for your concerns. It was avery difficult day for me today, I am ever so much more determined to complete the Corsair. I have below the repaired Corsair.
Thank you for watching my back,
Toshi
My MAC valve made for Iwata brand airbrush.
It is very convenient to be able to change your PSI during your build.
Mrs. Toshi saw the mess the Corsair was in. She also reprimanded me for staying up all night. She said if I continue to do so, she will take away all my models.
so I’m being a good boy for now. Here are the photos promised.
See, Toshi? It doesn’t look bad at all, I see nothing but a well finished Corsair. Nice recovery and remember, the F-4 YOU was a tough old bird, you could always blame any dings and scratches on battle damage. Sometimes they came back from missions with some bruises.
Keep on truckin’
Patrick
Thanks Patrick206! Believe it or not, Mrs. Toshi said to throw the Corsair away and she’ll buy me another Tamiya 1/32 Corsair. I told her; “No, I’m going to finish this kit”.
Here is the current status to my 1/32 Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair. After spending most of my day and night, I got the final damaged piece repaired at 4:30am. Started my day at 8:20am, I went straight back to the Corsair, I knew it was time for detail and weathering.
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Salt Weathering with Mortons Kosher salt. I’ve found that this gives a better effect of chipping and weathering.
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Acrylic Model Master High Gloss #4638.
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Light coat of acrylic Royal Talens Van Gogh burnt umber #409 it’s actually made in the Netherlands. I found this at the artist isle at Hobby Lobby.
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Second coat of Acrylic Model Master High Gloss #4638.
As the gloss coat dries, I might start work on my Revell/Monogram F4U-4 Corsair. I’ll also assemble the Tamiya 1/32 Corsair’s landing gear and other misc. items to bring the F4U-1 closer to home.
ACK, dropping a model blows! But looks like you’ve got things back under control.
And thanks, it’s interesting to learn about your family and your life experiences - that’s one heck of a story.