So, I had pretty much decided on which markings I was going to do my Corsair in when I met with the effects of an aging brain. I had in mind to do this:
This is a Corsair from VF-84 serving on USS Bunker Hill. It is the kit decals and I swore the instructions said 1946. But, when I double checked in preparation for painting there it was in black & white, 1945. What the...? So, a little research was in order and much to my dismay I find that VF-84 was inactive by 1946. Time to punt.
Decals are provided in the kit for a Corsair of Marine Squadron VMF-312 out of Okinawa:
But, again, the instructions indicated an aircraft from 1945. Research into VMF-312 indicates though that it was indeed active in early 1946. Thus, I had this option.
I thus began a search for other decal options and came across this beauty from Montex:
Again, the decals indicate aircraft from 1945. More research on my part found that VMF-512 was active in the Pacific until Feb. 1946. Yahtzee! This decal set arrived in my mailbox just the other day.
Now, I realize that I may be stretching this a bit as I'm unsure if these exact aircraft were active in 1946. This coupled with the fact that it was during this period that the USN was transitioning to the F4U-4. But, I figure, what the heck, this is a what if GB. As such, I hope that my efforts with the F4U-1D will still fly here.
The Montex set is really sweet and it has me very tempted to try a first. That is to use their masks to paint the insignia. I have some trepidation as I'm so used to and confident in decals. Yet, I believe I am up to the challenge
In the meantime, I've been working on some of the fiddly bits. I've wired some brake lines on the landing gear and working on the ignition wires for the rockets. I've also just received Quickboost's resin cowling flaps that are designed to run a wire around the inside to simulate the cable operating system. It will be a nice touch. Also got the props painted and just need to paint the hub.
I hope to get some pics here soon of some of my progress. Unfortunately, I'm running into the part of the year where bench time is challenging. In addition to the milder weather inviting yard work and hiking, there is the fact that Denver Bronco football season is in full swing (and they're looking every bit the Super Bowl champions) and Utah Jazz Basketball is about to start. Simply put, I don't miss games..