I've finally decided to tackle Tamiya's F4U-1A Corsair kit and of course I'm doing one of Pappy's birds, #883 when VMF-214 was based at Vella Lavella in Nov/Dec 1943.
This is my first Corsair build and am looking forward to the weathering challenge.
I'll build it mostly out of the box using Mr. Color paints with the following additions:
- Baracuda cockpit decals (great!)
- HGW seatbelts
- Fundekals decals (nice reference)
- Baracuda resin wheels
- Eduard cockpit masks
Just finished the office.
The Baracuda cockpit decals really make it pop.
The Tamiya IP uses a decal on the backside of a clear piece that represents the instrument lenses. It actually looks pretty good, although the lenses could be a bit thinner to avoid the "tunnel" look.
This was my first attempt at the HGW microtextile seatbelts. After building and positioning, I applied a gloss and flat clear coat and then a dark brown oil wash per the instructions.
Tamiya did a wonderful job on the engineering as usual. Perfect fit.
As usual with this type of kit, extra thought has to go into planning the sequence of painting and assembling, but it's a pleasure to build.
Thanks for looking.