SPA Modeler

Thanks guys! The Vector Cowling Flaps also came with a gear reduction case, magneto, prop regulator and a pair of distributors. The case is a solid chunk of resin which I did not want to futz with. But I thought I might use the Vector magneto on the Tamiya gear reduction case.


They look a bit different and I don't know enough about the F4U to know if one or the other is more accurate or appropriate for Bu No 17740, which was an early series F4U-1a, which probably used a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-8W. Here's what it looks like on the engine...


The prop has been cleaned up and given a coat of primer.

Smooth as a baby's behind! Well done.

At least two colors of blue appear to be used—

Thanks for the photo, Bruce! That's definitely a R2800 but did it reference a version? The shape of the distributors tells me it is a different version. The circled item in your photo is the prop regulator, which is in front of the magneto based on what I learned just yesterday.

I think the engine in my F4U-1a is a R2800-8W with the elongated tear drop distributors. The closest I can get online is this restored R2800-21...


Which is similar to this restored R2800-39...


Both of these have magnetos that look similar to the Vector magneto but I don't know how relevant it is to my F4U-1a Bu No 17740.

Apologies! Here’s a period photo!



That was low-res. I can do better. I have a folder of WWII color photos with a sub folder on that engine. The U.S. used it in so many aircraft.

10-W!

That period photo is FANTASTIC! It doesn't look colorized. And it's a Vought factory with an R2800 with the right distributors... definitely taking notes here, especially the colors. This will become my color reference since I consider it more valid than a restoration.

The next photo... I don't know. The distributors look different and no magneto in the middle.

Wikipedia says...

The dash number for each military type (e.g.: -21) was allocated to identify the complete engine model in accordance with the specification under which the engine was manufactured, thus it did not necessarily indicate the sequence in which the engines were manufactured; for example: the -18W was a "C" series engine, built from 1945, whereas the -21 was a "B" series engine, built from 1943.

The R2800-8 and R2800-8W were "B" series engines. Feeling a little more educated now.

Me too, John! Researching engines always makes me want to start building! I am going to ask the admin (Thomas, Lyle, Torben et al) about starting an archival photo area. I realize the builds particularly yours have become my greatest resource (I study those Dora threads of yours all the time). I wanted your opinion—should a potential photo archive be listed by type of machine or by time periods?

This is for example a beautiful color slide shot of a bomber interior which I use as a reference for Zinc Chromate Green. I know some details about where and when but I don’t know enough about aircraft to identify the type.



Riveting reference:

We have a forum "Aircraft Photos and Blueprints". Topics can be freely created in there to hold a specific item of interest. What did you have in mind. I have no problem creating something if needed.