Academy 1/72 Corsair F4U-1A, Tommy’s Big Hog, Ondongo, 1943.

[speedgraflex]

Mark, thank you so much! You rock! Your support means so much. I mean that most sincerely. I am really grateful for your comments.



Nothing like great box art to get the juices flowing....

[Stikpusher]

That’s some sweet box art Bruce. I have vague memories of those Revell 1/72 kits from the model aisle in the toy department of the Montgomery Wards at Huntington Center. Long long ago... neither place exists nowadays...

[speedgraflex]

What fine memories, Carlos!!! I sooo want to find that kit and build it. On second thought maybe just find an Oscar in 1/72! My grandparents referred to Montgomery Wards as “Monkey Wards,” but I have no idea if this appellation was their own concoction and why they called it that. My hobby store was about 40 minutes drive from our home, and it was above or next to a movie theater (a really small theater but it was still audible nonetheless). I saw so many kits there!

[speedgraflex]

[LyleW]

Your killin’ me. Wow!

[Stikpusher]

That’s some sweet box art Bruce. I have vague memories of those Revell 1/72 kits from the model aisle in the toy department of the Montgomery Wards at Huntington Center. Long long ago... neither place exists nowadays...

What fine memories, Carlos!!! I sooo want to find that kit and build it. On second thought maybe just find an Oscar in 1/72! My grandparents referred to Montgomery Wards as “Monkey Wards,” but I have no idea if this appellation was their own concoction and why they called it that. My hobby store was about 40 minutes drive from our home, and it was above or next to a movie theater (a really small theater but it was still audible nonetheless). I saw so many kits there!

I think that “Monkey Wards” was a common nickname. We used to call it that too.
I can’t remember which real hobby store was the first one that I went to, with my dad of course, but most of them seemed not much bigger than the model aisles in the larger department or toy stores. They just had a different selection, and all those amazing displays of built models. All except two- Brookhurst Hobbies, and The Bunker/Military Shop. Those two were amazing! More hobby Shop discoveries came later when I started driving..

[speedgraflex]

Lyle and Carlos, Thank you both so much. Your support and encouragement keep me going. Last night I stopped to assemble my second commission build of a logging caboose, which will be painted a very weathered shade of red and that segue leads me to the next Corsair question I have for you both. Was the propeller hub cover painted red and if so would you recommend the proper color? Have a look at this period photo:



Not his plane but at least this helps verify that at least one red nose existed. I researched online he painted the nose or had the nose painted red. I am unable to find further proof, though. Help! EagleCal, normally impeccable, shows “standard black” for the hub:



Here is a crash site photo from Algeria, 1950ish of a 1D I use because this is so detailed and much closer to the original production (not a rebuild). Standard black! I know changes were made but this photo is very helpful with textures!



Final add to my confusion! Here is my “image stack” of his aircraft. Note the red outlined image and appears to be highly reflective. Unpainted or perhaps... red?

[LyleW]

I can’t help on the color. My guess would be just that. A guess. Love the pics.

[speedgraflex]

No worries. I am thinking about painting the prop silver then yellow then after masking each propellor tip as well as the hub, painting the prop black. I could mask the hub and paint it black or red or any color under the sun afterwards or just leave it silver. Thanks again!

[Stikpusher]

Prop hub color depends upon the production date. Black would be common. As would be bare metal. Red would be a unit addition, for either a squadron color, or a leadership position within the squadron.