I’m pretty pleased with how this one turned out. This is my second build after returning to the hobby, but my methods have changed so much it might as well be my second model ever haha.
It’s the Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1D kit, with a few modifications so I could get away with the tri-color scheme. As with most Tamiya kits, the model was a pleasure to build, with the exception of the wing folds. They weren’t difficult, just tedious.
The Verlinden cockpit fit exceptionally well, as did the engine, both with exceptional detail. I decided to skip using the resin control surfaces and PE for this build.
Paints are all Tamiya acrylics, with a final coat of Polyscale Flat.
Decals are from the Eagle Strike Corsair Best Sellers sheet, “Lonesome Polecat” flown by Lt.Jg. Merl W. Davenport from VF-17 at Bougainville in 1944
There are a few historical inaccuracies, but I’m still just getting my feet wet in the hobby and I’m happy just to have a decent looking finished product.
All comments and questions welcome!
It seems to be impossible for me to get a good shot of the cockpit, so here are some pre-assembly shots:
Had you not mentioned it, I never would have thought this was only your second build since coming back to the hobby. That is a fantastic job! Your painting is fantastic - the color scheme screams CORSAIR! Good job on the weathering too.
To say this is your second model since returning - means what? You took a few months off [;)]
Don’t fret about historical inaccuracies. The planes changed so often, repairs and repaints meant nothing we do can ever be correct, we get a close resemblance and have to live with that.
That is a fantastic finish you have. [bow] That to me is a very well weathered bird and captures the used look of the Corsair perfectly [bow]
Those are superb models, and the photography is too. Welcome to the forums.
I do see one thing that is noticeable only due to the near perfection of your build on the Corsair. The ailerons were a fabric covered wood structure and the chipping there seems inappropriate.
Have you done other things in the art field? Your work is very very nice.
Glad you noticed, it’s about 4 different shades of Tamiya Sea Blue, mixed with white and Medium Blue. Picture here is overexposed to show the shading.
The only other “art” related stuff I’ve done is photography. I worked for a studio for a few years and also shot cars for a few import mags, but I sold all of my equipment just before my son was born this past February.
I’m new to mixing paint and layering, as my model-building was extremely simplistic in my high school days. I never worried much about sanding seams or anything like that, it was just “glue - paint - decals - done” haha. These two planes are also my first attempts using a double-action airbrush (Badger Omni 5000).
My father was always the one into building models seriously, and I have the good fortune of having access to his stash of kits and materials. I spent the past few months researching techniques and methods on here, as well as other forums like ARC and Hyperscale.
Your techniques seem far more advanced than you claim. Those are some great build pics and scream of years of experience from trial and error. Please don’t refrain from posting you progress builds here. [8D]
A beautiful Corsair… whether the 2nd on the return to the hobby or a life long builder… makes no difference when it looks like that. And the photography is excellent too.
