Vital Stats
- Manufacturer: Tamiya
- Scale: 1:32
- Aircraft: Chance Vought F4U-1 Corsair
- Markings: “Tojo Eats Shit!” | VMF-222 | 1943
- Aftermarket: RB fabric seat harness | Barracuda decals | Barracuda engine correction set | Barracuda wheels | Vector cowl flaps | Maketar masks
- Paints: Gunze Mr. Color | Tamiya | AMMO | Vallejo | AK Interactive
Mini-Review
What’s the point in even trying to review this kit?
I’ve had some amazing models make their way across my bench. Tamiya’s 1/32 Spitfire Mk.VIII and 1/48 P-47D Thunderbolt. HK Models’ 1/32 B-25. Trumpeter’s T-80BV. Wingnut’s Sopwith Pup and Sopwith Snipe.
Tamiya’s Corsair makes them all look second-rate. It’s a staggering accomplishment in detail, engineering and fit. It’s as close to perfection as I’ve seen in injection molding.
If you like building models, buy it. If it seems expensive, save up and buy it. It’s that good.
Aftermarket Verdicts:
- RB Fabric Belts: Solid as usual, though if I’m being honest, I slightly prefer HGW’s new laser-cut beauties.
- Barracuda Decals: I used the cockpit stencils and Birdcage Corsairs decal sheets for this build and was happy enough with both, though they seemed slightly thicker than Barracuda sheets I’ve used in the past.
- Barracuda Engine Set: Tamiya’s engine is perfect – for the F4U-1A Corsair. The Birdcage’s R-2800 was a slightly earlier model with some different details, which Barracuda provides. Very much worth it.
- Barracuda Wheels: Nicely detailed and nowhere near as punishing to build up as some other resin options. Definitely worth pursuing to get away from one of Tamiya’s few flubs – vinyl tires.
- Vector Cowl Flaps: Add a ton of detail over the barren Tamiya flaps. While they’re fussy as hell to install, if you’re planning to do open cowl flaps (which you should, because they look awesome on the Corsair), these are worth a look.
- Maketar Paint Masks: I miss Scale Precision Masks and the way it used a different mask for each stage of an insignia, but Maketar is a very good alternate. Their sets are high quality, well thought out, and I like that they offer not just specific subjects (like the Corsair), but generic insignia and code sets as well. If you need masks, check them out.
Posts
Photos
Check out all build photos over at SmugMug
Back to COMPLETED BUILDS
Doogs Models 
Gorgeous! I think its you’re best build yet. Now I’ve got to try some of that AMMO wash.
Great work mate. Been following your work for a while. Thanks for sharing your experiences and techniques
This build is the reason I bought this kit..!!!! I haven’t built a plane since I was a kid. I’ve only been a F1 /race cars builder my adult life. Very excited to try something different and learn new techniques.
Stupid… just plain stupid. And yeah thats a compliment. Weathering is the most exciting part of a build for me. You have hit the double chipping square on the head with a 10lb hammer. Inspiring
That is the Corsair I wish I had the talent to build! Beautiful work!
Hi Doogs, greetings from Minnesota! I really enjoy this website, and appreciate your directness and no B.S. If a kit sucks, you let us know.
anyways read this on the Corsair, and you inspired me to pick up the F4U-1A version. Will start it this week. If you could direct Email me, I may keep in touch if I run into any snags.
Any problem areas come to mind?
I’ve been flying airplanes a good part of my life, and must say your weathering on this is spot on. Keep up the great work and website!
Hi Doogs,
I Follow your work with interest, very informative, thank you. Just out of interest, the Fleet Air Arm Museum in the UK have restored a F4U Corsair to original paint condition (circa-1944) by removing over-painted layers, revealing lots of scratches.
Hi Doogs,
Nice Corsair. How long did it take you to complete this build?
Way too long – but I tend to build glacially these days so…
So inspiring! Love it! I’m in the middle of building my second one, and am trying to replicate a lot of the things you’ve done on your model. Thanks!
I was inspired, so i bout Tamiya’s F4U-1D kit in 1:32. Look forward to applying all the techniques iv’e observed in your builds.
Thank you will be my first build of this caliber.