1/32 Vought F4U-1A Corsair Bubbletop.

[Vic Balshaw]

Vic Balshaw.

With only one entry in the next GB I thought it time to get one of my bigger kits out and give it a go.

I'm going to build Corsair 'Tutae Wera' (Maori for 'Shit Hot'), NZ5416 "Yellow 16" with No's 3 and 30 Servicing Unit Jacquinot Bay in 1945 which I know as a kit has recently been built in 1/72 by Ruud as a "Start to Finish."

The Kit:

Basic Line 132804 Seat Belt and Mask. Easy Solution 232021 Cockpit Stencils. Falcon Vacform Canopy (for bubbletop). Quinta QD32015 3D Instrument Panel. Ventura V3269 Decals.

The extra bits:

It is interesting to note that the port upper and starboard lower national insignia is an over painting of the US Navy star and bar, hence the anomaly in the decal prints.I

 

[fubar57]

Looking forward to seeing the build Vic

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

This should be good !

 

[Vic Balshaw]

This should be good !

A bit mind boggling at the moment, 48 pages of instructions with a 123 steps involving multiple actions not to mention the extra additions. Think it may take a while before I get to the finish line Terry.

 

[Crimea_River]

Those are attractive kits for sure but I've not had the gumption to get one. Factors are price, scale, and storage space not to mention ignoring everything else in my small stash. So I will build this vicariously through you Vic!

 

[N4521U]

A bit mind boggling at the moment, 48 pages of instructions with a 123 steps involving multiple actions not to mention the extra additions. Think it may take a while before I get to the finish line Terry.

Now even I need a drink!!!!!!
Oooooooooooee, spend spend spend spend!!!!!!

 

[Grant Barr]

Looking forward to this one Vic. Will be watching with interest.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Thanks for the kind comments folks, lets hope I can hit the mark with this build.

As with most of my builds it is a slow start as I sort out the component parts for painting. I don't like to get the spray set up for just a couple of hits, I prefer to sort out as much as possible and have one big spray of a single colour. Having said that, we had a good go with spraying this arvo and most of the internal parts are ready for detailing. This is just some of the parts.

I don't think the boss lady has anything lined up for me tomorrow (says I with tongue in cheek) so I should be able to get into the detailing.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Great start Vic.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Perfect day at the workbench with the aid of the excellent Quinta Studio 3D Decals. With some detail paintwork and the decals I have got a good part of the cockpit up and ready.

There's a lot of detail here.

Given time I'll tackle the seat tomorrow and the side walls and thanks for checking in good folk.

 

[Wurger]

thumbright:

 

[N4521U]

Lordy! Doing well old paint!

 

[Grant Barr]

Now that looks special!! Well done Vic.

 

[SaparotRob]

There's a lot of detail here.
View attachment 775967
View attachment 775968
View attachment 775969
View attachment 775970

I'll say there's a lot of detail here. Check the oil. It looks a little low.

 

[Airframes]

That looks superb Vic.
Things have come a long way since the black & white printed, paper instrument panels of the 1970's and '80's, from BMW models, which were thought ground-breaking at the time !

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Many thanks for looking in gents. I got some work done on the cockpit walls, some nice detail. The fine cable on the starboard wall is only 0.3mm and ideal for modelling. I picked some scraps up from old electronic gear but can I find a source for it, nada! Not in Oz.

The seat parts are ready for fixing (the seat is only placed) but I want to put on the belts and rough the seat up a bit first.

I notice a bit of touch-up is required also.

 

[le_steph40]

Excellent project and excellent start Vic !
Being in search of courage and motivation but also for fear of failing my 1/48 F4U projects, your assembly will surely inspire me

 

[Wurger]