Catch22
Major
So I have purchased yet another Tamiya 1/32 F4U-1A, which will be converted into a Royal Navy Corsair II by adding the ventilation scoops, clipping the wingtips (which are separate in this kit which should make things easier) as well as any other changes in the cockpit. The subject I will be doing is JT 410 (T8*H) flown by Lt. Don Sheppard, the sole confirmed Canadian all Corsair ace. I had thought a Leslie Durno was also Canadian, but I've seen conflicting information saying he wasn't Canadian. Anyhow, Sheppard made 5 of his 6 claims in this aircraft (two of which he was given half credit for shooting down with Major Ronald Hay, the only Royal Marine ace of the war). Here's a breakdown shamelessly stolen from one of Andy's old threads.
Here's an excellent three part writeup about him:
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode One > Vintage Wings of Canada
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode Two > Vintage Wings of Canada
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode Three, Until the Bitter End > Vintage Wings of Canada
The aircraft in question looks like this:
I have been unable to find a single photo of this aircraft though, so I'm uncertain about a couple of details, mainly (and most pressing due to the need to gather materials) which type of tire to use, the plain tread or diamond tread. Looking through photos it seems most had the plain tread, however one photo I've found of an aircraft from the same squadron in February 1945, 9 aircraft later in production, has the diamond tread. So if anyone has any photos of the aircraft laying around and wants to post it, that would be lovely.
I have gone back and looked at what Andy used for one of Sheppard's later Corsairs during the BPF era and procured those paints, however the bottom colour was vague in that thread. Do you happen to recall exactly what grey you used Andy?
I will be using Eagle Editions decals for this, with BarracudaCast wheels once those are figured out, and likely some RB productions belts for the Sutton harness. I'm debating getting a replacement cowl flap set that has more detail and comes with some for the front ring and engine, but that adds another $30 to an already $160 kit, and the area isn't that noticeable. I may also have to find another gunsight, what kind do you guys think this would have in Early 1945?
Here's an excellent three part writeup about him:
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode One > Vintage Wings of Canada
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode Two > Vintage Wings of Canada
Navy Blue Fighter Pilot – Episode Three, Until the Bitter End > Vintage Wings of Canada
The aircraft in question looks like this:
I have been unable to find a single photo of this aircraft though, so I'm uncertain about a couple of details, mainly (and most pressing due to the need to gather materials) which type of tire to use, the plain tread or diamond tread. Looking through photos it seems most had the plain tread, however one photo I've found of an aircraft from the same squadron in February 1945, 9 aircraft later in production, has the diamond tread. So if anyone has any photos of the aircraft laying around and wants to post it, that would be lovely.
I have gone back and looked at what Andy used for one of Sheppard's later Corsairs during the BPF era and procured those paints, however the bottom colour was vague in that thread. Do you happen to recall exactly what grey you used Andy?
I will be using Eagle Editions decals for this, with BarracudaCast wheels once those are figured out, and likely some RB productions belts for the Sutton harness. I'm debating getting a replacement cowl flap set that has more detail and comes with some for the front ring and engine, but that adds another $30 to an already $160 kit, and the area isn't that noticeable. I may also have to find another gunsight, what kind do you guys think this would have in Early 1945?
