[HotTrap429]

Just completed another customization project. This time I customized the F4U-1 Corsair "Spirit of 76" flown by Maj. Robert G. Owens Jr. This plane was flown out off Munda Airstrip in August of 1943.

I've used Corgi's excellent Corsair for customizing projects in the past. These models are really detailed and the model is heavy. My only complaint is the "stocky" landing gear. The oleo struts appear too long as they would appear before landing. They should be compressed more. But the gear is strong enough to support the plane's weight and I like the way the wheel wells snap into the wings and hold the gear. No glue needed here! Here are the particulars for this model:

Base Model: Corgi "Marine's Dream" AA33008 (Don't worry guys - I still have a new MIB version safely tucked away for my collection)
Decals: Eagle Strike Productions #72013 Pacific Corsairs
Paints: Testor Dark Blue spray, Testor Model Master Intermediate Blue FS35164, Testors silver, Testors white, Testors chromate green, Testors Dullcote spray

Modifications:
1) repainted cockpit chromate green, detailed seat, added instrument panel
2) painted wheel wells green and struts silver. Painted the tires with "sand" and "burnt umber" to show the plane going through the South Pacific mud
3) detailed the engine with silver and added details like oil and exhaust stains
4) After a new paint scheme, I overwashed the model with a 75% paint to 25% water acrylic wash of dark blue to give a weathered effect
5) added airial wires and weathered walkways

I also modified the original packaging to accomodate the added airial wiring I added. Now this plane is safely stored for future display.

Here are some pictures:

[djjeffhall]

HotTrap429,
Nice job on the repaint. Is there a specific history of this plane, other then what you listed in the original post that made you chose this livery? (Not a complaint in any way, just curious.)

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

HotTrap429,
Nice job on the repaint. Is there a specific history of this plane, other then what you listed in the original post that made you chose this livery? (Not a complaint in any way, just curious.)

No problem djjeffhall. I picked this plane because it was on my decal sheet and I wanted to do a 3-color Corsair with a red surround national insignia. Also I had a plastic model years ago that featured these markings, but I never made it before I got rid of all my plastic models. I did find a little history on VMF-215 though. Here it is:

VMF-215

Originally a Scout Bombing squadron, it was redesignated at a fighter squadron in Sept. 1942. Passed thru Hawaii and Midway in early 1943, on its way to the Solomons. While still based at Espiritu, began combat missions over the Solomons in late July, 1943. Moved its base progressively forward: to Munda, Vella Lavella, then Torokina. Reorganized in March, 1944 and returned to Bougainville. After Oct. 1944, served stateside as a replacement training squadron.
VMF-215 was credited with downing 137 enemy aircraft.

Noted Commanding Officers Capt. James L. Neefus, Jul, 1942 - Sep. 1943 Lt. Col. Herbert H. Williamson, Oct. - Dec. 1943 Maj. Robert G. Owens, Dec. 1943 - Feb. 1944 Maj. James K. Dill, Feb. - Jun. 1944 Maj. Benjamin S. Hargrave, Jun. - Aug. 1944 Maj. William P. Boland, Nov. 1944 - Feb. 1945

Aces Donald N. Aldrich, 20 Richard Lane Braun, 5 Creighton Chandler, 6 Arthur Roger Conant, 6 Robert Murray Hanson, 25 Edwin James Hernan Jr., 8 Robert G. Owens Jr., 7 George H. Poske, 5, also VMF-212 Harold L. Spears, 15 Arthur T. Warner, 8 Gerard M.H. Williams, 7

[Phantom Phan1200]

Nice custom work.

[flyXwire]

Great job, HT!

[djjeffhall]

HotTrap429,
Decal sheet - That is awesome! Way to make good use of that. I would have tossed something like that years ago, or never had the gumption to go out and get a new one to make use of it.

RE: Old models - Boy, I tell you, that really jogs the memory. There are bunches of planes that I would love to have in diecast that I had at one point as (Poorly) built models. There was a thread recently mentioning an old Dauntless kit that came with a dropping bomb which started my lifelong fascination with the bird. I also remember an Oscar that I built that inspired me to grab the IXO Oscar.

Thanks again for the research. Great plane and great job, thanks.