SPA Modeler

My next build is ready to go! After playing around with jets for some months, it's time to get back to form with a proper piston-driven prop.



I was one of the few that wasn't disappointed when Tamiya launched their Corsair line with the Birdcage, and not an F4U-1A or -1D. Probably because I'd already found an exact birdcage I wanted to do in 1/48...so here was a chance to do it bigger!



This is "Tojo Eats S***!" from VMF-222. A very weather-beaten Corsair indeed, except for the new-looking prop. Note the mismatched tires, the lack of the usual sealing tape ahead of the windscreen, the non-standard insignia, and the dark blue on the leading edges of the wings (vs. the blue gray/light gray for the rest). This will be a fun one to build...and weather.

I've got a little bit of aftermarket to throw at this one.



- Barracudacals decals + cockpit stencils
- Barracudacals wheels (two sets to match the mismatched wheels)
- Radu's microtextile harness + canopy mask

Looking to get started very soon.

Obviously, not garage-kept! You will do it justice. Should be a fun one to watch.

JimD wrote:They have the engine set, but man...the kit cockpit must be really nice if they haven't put out any upgrades for it yet...

Here's the pic they posted to show off the cockpit stencils. So far as I know everything else (except the belts?) is OOB:

Great choice of subject. You can identify all those blue and grey tones from a b/w photo? Respect, you must be a Corsair crack!

So I finally cracked the box on the Corsair last night. Nothing worth showing yet...removing some parts from their sprues and generally planning my attack for the cockpit, but even at this early stage, it's just evident that this thing is operating at a whole other level. The detail and engineering involved are just stunning. I mean, it's complex, and you sure have to pay attention, but the parts are designed to fit together in such a way that you just can't mess them up. The way they go together is often extremely inventive in how it manages to hide extremely robust, positive location tabs and pins.

I really can't wait to get started. Should hopefully be shooting some primer and maybe some base interior colors tonight.

The cockpit is 90% done. Still have to add the gunsight and a few levers. Beyond that, it's basically ready to go.









Also decided to go ahead and paint the fuselage area that will be covered by the port glass. I snagged this bottle of Scalefinishes Blue Gray back when the Corsair came out, out of frustration at basically every other Blue Gray. I've been crazy curious how well this stuff sprays.



In a word - AMAZING. You can see the results here on the fuselage test-fit.

Matt, that is some beautiful work. I do enjoy your builds.

Very nice!

I too have never heard of that paint before. Where'd ya get it?