1/72 Academy F4U-1 Corsair

by Brad Evans

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I hadn't assembled any models since I was a kid 30 years ago and recently got back into it. This is the third model in my new modeling phase but the first one that I've done using the tips and techniques that I've found here on the ARC. Let's just say the other two hand painted models were...less than attractive. I think this one won't embarrass me too much though I know I still have a ways to go....

The Corsair is straight out of the box, and I must say that I really liked the detail and feel of the Academy styrene. The previous two models I did were an Airfix Spitfire and a Revell P-40, and the Corsair simply felt far better in comparison. I don't know how to describe it: firm, easy to sand, solid, yet flexible (?).

I kinda botched the chipped paint - it looks more like bird droppings to my eyes (should have sprayed an aluminum base and then actually chipped off the blue). I don't have tools for stringing the antenna, but I may give it a shot later. The model also lacks a dull coat to finish it up, but I think it looks kinda nice like this and I might just leave well enough alone. I need to work on my airbrushing (obviously) as there is no gradation in the paint job, just crisp masked lines where there should be a gradual shift in color. I think that I got the colors right, but the light blue might need a little more white/grey.

I used a Paasche VL and all of the paints were Tamiya. I used my daughter's water based pastels for the weathering.

Some of the tips/techniques that I picked up from the site were ideas on airbrushing, the use of Future (wow, really made the decals work!), pastels for weathering.

Basically, I wanted to contribute to ARC as a thank you for all of the great resources. Thanks for sharing all of the knowledge and enthusiasm - the amazing works on display here are definitely something to shoot for. Very inspiring for the beginner.

Brad

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Photos and text © by Brad Evans