F4U-1A Corsair! From Tamiya kit in 1/32

[al49]

HI,
as I mentioned already in a previous post, in late January I started considering to build a WW2 carrier based warbird.
First I thought to the F6F but available kits didn't convinced me enough, so I choose the F4U and purchased the above kit.
Once I had it in my hands, I realized that the -1A wasn't used on carriers, so I opted for a very challenging subject, this one:
More to follow
Alberto

 

[al49]

So, let' start with some w.i.p. pictures of the engine:

 

[Wurger]

 

[al49]

For the exhausts pipes I wanted to try those made by REXx in Ucraina. They are very nice because they are made from metal (copper) tube bended as required. I found them a bit tricky to fit but the final effect is very good.

 

[Wurger]

 

[fubar57]

Finicky but look great

 

[al49]

Some more shots: the cockpit went together very easily, the only addition were safety belts made with thin aluminium foil with spare buckles.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Really nice Alberto. Looking forward to more.

 

[Gnomey]

Good work so far!

 

[al49]

Going further!
Rear wheel bay and main items assembled.
More to follow.

 

[al49]

Started painting using Kusto Service acrylic colors.
Tried to show color difference between metal and textile elements.

 

[fubar57]

Turned out nicely Alberto

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Looking very good Alberto. I particularly like the taped-seams effect - well done.

 

[Crimea_River]

With Terry.

 

[Gnomey]

Lovely work so far!

 

[SaparotRob]

The work on the engine is amazing. Looks like it's ready to be tested on a dyno test stand.