After struggling with the past few kits, I wanted something easy to paint, and I decided that a F4U-1D would fit the bill. It has the reputation of assembling very easily, but as usual I had some issues.

I used Model Master Enamel FS34151 Interior Green for the cockpit. I found the cockpit a bit fiddly to get together, as the Corsair has a tubular cockpit, much like a Spitfire or a Hurricane. I used Testors Flat Gun Metal for the engine, and Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey for the crankcase. The propellor tips are Tamiya XF-3 Flat Yellow, and the blades are Gaianotes EX-02 Black. I often have trouble with black not adhering that well, and I knew I was going to mask the blades in order to paint the spinner, but the EX-02 adhered well. I didn't make a note of what I used for the spinner itself - I think it was Gaianotes EX-07 Silver.

The exterior was simple: everything, including the wheel wells, was painted Model Master Enamel Flat Sea Blue. I believe that sometimes the landing gear was also painted that color, but just for contrast, I painted them silver. The tires are Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black.

As with my previous build, I used Model Master Acryl Gloss Clear to get a gloss coat before applying the decals. Regarding the decals, I wanted something a little different, so I used Rising Decals 48-004 Fighting Kiwis. The decals worked well, with no solvent needed. The instructions indicated that this plane did not have an arrestor hook, so I cut it off.

As is my usual practice, I waited until after decaling to attach the landing gear. Unfortunately, as I was attaching the landing gear, I inadvertently rubbed off part of the writing on the forward part of the starboard fuselage. It should say "Tutae Wera". I debated removing all of it, but decided to leave the remnants on. Speaking of the landing gear, I had to struggle to attach them.

One big mistake I made in building this kit was to not open the various mounting holes. I should have looked through the instructions prior to starting assembly. I did not intend to attach the rockets (the kit comes with underwing rockets), but I did intend to attach the drop tanks. It wasn't until I had assembled them that I realized you have to open the holes in the wings before putting the wings together. I also forgot to open the holes for the support rods in the wings. There is also supposed to be a small piece that attaches to the front edge of the starboard wing, but you need to open a hole for it. Yep, I forgot that one too.

Page last updated June 15, 2023.