Scale WWII Bird Build

It’s time for another build. This will be an in-depth detailed look into scale model building from a semi ARF kit. There is no end to the scale details one can replicate on a model plane.  The limitations are defined by time, money and skill. Somewhere within those three elements the builder must decide the level of finished scale they desire to build. And yes the question is do I have the skill? I hope so.

This is not my plane a friend has entrusted me with this project. He wants a very realistic scale painted finish with some much scaled functioning parts. The retractable landing gear is hand precision made to resemble the real deal as close as functioning possible along with the gear doors. The engine will be a true radial engine resembling the real plane with a sound that when your eyes are shut you almost could not tell the difference from the real plane. The owner has chosen to invest the major portion of his expense into the three major items: the engine, retractable gear and quality composite plane kit. It will be an occasional weekend flyer.

I will assemble the plane, install all functioning elements and paint the scale color scheme that he picked out. From steps one to the test flight I will detail in-depth as much as possible. I expect this project to take a minimum of six months and building a scale plane should not be a rush job with so many working features that require non-failing exact performance every time.

Ok now for the big unveiling …… The plane is the F4U-1D Corsair.

No single-engined American fighter aircraft is as instantly recognizable as the Vought F4U Corsair.

To allied ground forces in the Pacific, this mighty warrior was known affectionately as the "Sweetheart of Okinawa."

To Japanese troops, it was known as "Whistling Death."

 

This inverted gull-winged, long-nosed, five-ton warplane carried United States Navy and Marine Corps pilots on 64,051 missions between February 1943 and the end of World War II, 9,581 from aircraft carriers.

Corsair pilots destroyed 2,140 Japanese planes over the Pacific at a kill ratio of nearly 11:1. That sterling record of achievement only fell short of the amazing 19:1 kill ratio established by the F6F Hellcat, a record unmatched by any other American aircraft.

It’s been years since I have built a scale plane. For know I am familiarizing myself with the plane and everything that will be installed. I am doing lots of reading and preparing placing sticky notes everywhere. The actual work should begin next week so I hope you enjoy following along I look forward to sharing every step with you and hearing your comments and any questions.