1/48 Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair, VMF-214

Gallery Article by David Waples on Mar 4 2013

 

 

I built this model for a group build project and it is dedicated to my old friend Henry "Boo" Bourgeois who fondly recalled flying a No. 13 Corsair with VMF-214 on Boyington's first Black Sheep tour.  This is my first attempt at this kit.  It is completely Out Of The Box with the exception of some Cutting Edge decals.  I was very impressed with how well engineered this kit was.  It really did fall together.  The model was painted with Life Color paints.  I used diffusion painting techniques including layers of filters, washes, and pigments.  I always like to incorporate new techniques and this one was no exception.  I used AK Interactive worn effects to replicate chipping.  I was very impressed with this technique and product.  I'll definitely use it again on future projects.

 

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For the instrument panel I laid the kit decal over the kit panel.  I was amazed at how well the dials lined up with the raised bezels on the part.  The cockpit looks very much the part without using any aftermarket parts.  The rules allowed the use of making a Miliput harness so I gave this a go based on a video I watched.  Another successful first for me!  Tamiya did a really a nice job with the engine. It was hard not to add detail here but it really turned out well without it. The windscreen fit nicely and the sliding canopy snaps into position perfectly in the closed position making painting a snap.  I was amazed at how well the wing fit together.  No extra effort was required for a perfect alignment. 

I hope you like her as much as I enjoyed the construction.  I'm hopeful that Tamiya will come out with a 1/32 version of this kit some day!

David Waples

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Photos and text © by David Waples