Description

The F4U-1 Corsair.. was a truly unique aircraft, with a powerful 2,000hp engine and a massive 4m propeller, not to mention the highly characteristic inverted gull-wings. In October of 1940, it was the first American fighter to achieve a speed of 400mph (around 640kph). Initial production models of the aircraft featured a striking canopy called the Birdcage. The aircraft took part in operations from February 1943, and with its powerful 12.7mm machine guns proved to be a formidable opponent for the Japanese Zero Fighters.

In order to capture the aircraft as accurately as possible, Tamiya designers not only inspected, measured and examined the real aircraft at five different museums across North America, they were also given access to Northrop-Grummans blueprints. The result is a highly detailed and precise 1/32 scale model of the F4U-1 Corsair.

This item is an injection-plastic aircraft model kit...

Following up on their excellent Zeroes, Spitfires, and Mustangs, next up in Tamiyas fantastic series of 1/32 scale aircraft kits is the F4U-1 Bird Cage Corsair!

Designed with extensive study of Corsairs on display at five air museums throughout the US and Canada, the kit features extroardinary detail and accuracy, including a finely detailed representation of the massive 2,000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine.

The engine cowls can be removed after assembly to show off all that detail, too!

The cockpit features amazing detail, and the canopy can be positioned either open or closed (separate parts are included for the opened and closed versions).

Wings can be built either in the folded or extended positions, and features stunning detail in the wing fold area. Flaps and elevators are separate parts.

Two optional fuselage spine panels are included so you can build either an early or late version. Tires are made of solid rubber and feature accurate tread detail.

Features

Landing gear can be built either retracted or extended.

Includes photo-etched detail parts and a display stand.

Marking options included for three aircraft.

Seated and standing pilot figures are also included.

Another fantastic kit from Tamiya, and a great addition to any collection of 1/32 scale warbirds!

Specifications

Scale : 1/32
Construction type : Assembly kit
Photo-etch parts : Included
Decals : Included
Special feature 1 : Main landing gears can be depicted in raised or retracted position.
Special feature 2 : Armament includes Mk. XLI bomb rack.
Special feature 3 : Comes with 2 figures to depict pilot in seated or standing position.
Special feature 4 : Synthetic rubber tires feature authentic tread patterns.
Special feature 5 : 3 sets of markings, painting guide and masking sticker to cover birdcage canopy.
Special feature 6 : Comes with stand to depict the aircraft in airborne state.
Special feature 7 : 12-page commemorative booklet included
Special feature 8 : 2-piece engine cowl is removable even after completion
Special feature 9 : Includes parts to construct canopy in open or closed position.
Special feature 10 : Comes with 2 sets of rear fuselage parts to recreate initial or late production aircraft.

Paints Required

Note: The color chart below is the paints called out in the assembly manual of the model kit.

AS-12 - 100ml Bare Metal Silver
AS-19 - 100ml intermediate Blue (USN)
AS-20 - 100ml Insignia White (USN)
AS-8 - 100ml Navy Blue (US NAVY)
X-1 - 10ml Black
X-10 - 10ml Gun Metal
X-11 - 10ml Chrome Silver
X-17 - 10ml Pink
X-18 - 10ml Semi Gloss Black
X-21 - 10ml Flat Base
X-23 - 10ml Clear Blue
X-25 - 10ml Clear Green
X-26 - 10ml Clear Orange
X-27 - 10ml Clear Red
X-32 - 10ml Titanium Silver
X-4 - 10ml Blue
X-7 - 10ml Red
XF-1 - 10ml Flat Black
XF-10 - 10ml Flat Brown
XF-15 - 10ml Flat Flesh
XF-16 - 10ml Flat Aluminum
XF-18 - 10ml Medium Blue
XF-19 - 10ml Sky Grey
XF-20 - 10ml Medium Grey
XF-24 - 10ml Dark Grey
XF-49 - 10ml Khaki
XF-55 - 10ml Deck Tan
XF-56 - 10ml Metallic Grey
XF-57 - 10ml Buff
XF-60 - 10ml Dark Yellow
XF-64 - 10ml Red Brown
XF-65 - 10ml Field Grey
XF-66 - 10ml Light Grey