Tamiya

1/72 F4U-1 Birdcage Corsair

Kit Number: 60774

Reviewed by  Dave Morrissette, IPMS# 33653

MSRP: $23.00 Tamiya continues filling out the 1/72 scale warbird collection with their F4U-1 Birdcage Corsair. The kit is similar to the previous release, but has an extra sprue for the 3-bladed propeller and other detail parts. One thing to note comparing this to the 1/48 kit is that the wings do not come with wing folds. Decals and painting instructions are included for five different planes. Three are the tricolor scheme of white/intermediate blue over dark navy blue, while the last two are medium blue gray of the period. One of the schemes included is for Maj. "Pappy" Boyington of VMF-214, the "Black Sheep". Couldn't pass that up. Construction starts with an 8-piece cockpit that is nicely done. Paint the sidewalls (which have nice detail) and the fuselage can be sealed up. There is a separate flap specific to the -1 Corsair. The radiators are separate and fit very well. The wings and tail parts are attached to the fuselage. The engine and cowling were assembled next and include an option for open/closed cowl flaps. Detail for the engine is very nice. Once done, this is attached. The bulkhead behind the cockpit is separate and fits well. The entire model was then primed and sanded in preparation to paint. Painting was done with Xtracolor enamels presented no problems. The canopy and windscreen are thin and clear and mate up nicely. These were also masked and sprayed. At this point, the decals were added; these went down very well. A coat of flat and I turned to the small bits like the landing gear, doors, antennae and propeller. No issues with all the small parts. These were added and the weathering commenced with pastels and silver colored pencil. Another coat of flat and done. I wish I could write more but there were no problems assembling the kit- it went together like a dream and is a beautiful little kit. If you like 1/72 and Corsairs, you need this kit. My thanks to Tamiya for the opportunity to review this excellent kit.

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