Tamiya 1/32 F4U-1A Corsair

[strawnobi]

IMG_5109 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5028 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5029 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5031 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5032 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5033 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5040 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5045 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5050 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5051 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5103 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5100 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5087 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5095 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5084 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5083 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5080 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5079 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr



IMG_5076 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5071 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr



IMG_5062 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5061 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5054 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr


IMG_5051 by Matt Strawn, on Flickr






Well, this has been a really fun project. It's the Tamiya 1/32 F4-1A Corsair. It's my second go around with a version of this kit. I built the Birdcage when it was released way back when. But, I feel I did a better job on this one. So let's talk about the build:

Decals: Let's get this out of the way up front. This is an amazing kit. However, the decals are terrible. I learned my lesson the hard way the first go around. So I have two recommendations:

1. Get an aftermarket set from someone like Cartograf.
2. Or, paint the Stars and Bars and Walkways as I did.

The stencils are ok. But use setting and softening solution with them.

The instructions: It's a thick book. It's well laid out. But, you have to pay attention. There are several display options. So, some study is in order. It's pretty strait forward. But there is a ton of detail. Many steps. It could be easy to make a mistake. There are many tiny parts in this kit. Check it, re-check it and check it again as you are building.

The fit: Absolutely stellar. But as with the instructions, dry fit, dry fit, dry fit as you go. Take it slow and don't rush it. But, it falls together.

The Detail: The surface detail is exquisite in this kit. There's almost an HD/4-D quality to the surface detail. Lot's of rivets, fabric, rib detail as well as PE.

The cockpit is the best of the war bird kits IMO. It's huge and on full display. The Engine is fantastic too. I put in some ignition wiring.


Display choice: I decided to build this with the wings extended and flaps up. I built the Birdcage with the flaps down and I just like the lines of the aircraft in flight. However I did use the Landing Gear and I also closed the cowl flaps on this build. It's a happy middle ground. It looks good on the ground but preserves the lines of the aircraft in flight while it's on the stand.


Odds and Ends: I painted the figures. Also, i chose the Black sheep decal scheme as this was one of my favorite shows in syndication as a child. I did however put the Jolly Rogers flag on the cowl. I just liked the way it looks.


Painting: I painted it with Mr. Color and Tamiya paints. Everything was primed in Mr. Surfacer 1000. I use Mr. Color leveling thinner and it makes everything so much easier. It was pre shaded, some post shading, dry brushing, enamel washed, and other various odds and ends. As mentioned above I painted the Stars and Bars and wing walkway stripes.

Main Colors: Royal Blue(Tamiya), Medium Blue, and Light gray (Mr. Color)


Conclusion: This is a fantastic kit. If you build it you will have a great time. I don't recommend beginners try this one because although the fit is wonderful, there is so much to keep track of it can easily overwhelm the modeler. I would love to hear your thoughts on this kit. I know some of you have built it too. It's been a real pleasure diving into this one. As always comments and critiques welcome.

Happy Modeling!

Cheers from Japan!
Matt

[DRUMS01]

Matt,

Absolutely wonderful work here.
Between the kit and your skills, I want to look more and more....
Be proud of this one!

Ben

[Tomcat64]

Beautiful work - absolutely beautiful!

The paintwork and weathering is simply sublime.

[strawnobi]

Thanks for the comments gents. Sorry, I haven't been paying attention lately. It was a fun build.

[Kevthemodeller]

Great build mate the surface finish is superb

[Stokesy44]

Superb work Sir, that paint and weathering job is beautiful.

I have the kit in my stash with some aftermarket decals, if it turns out halfway as good as yours I will have excelled myself.

[Modelfreek]

Very very nice!

We should get our Corsairs together for a play date lol. Well done sir!