1/48 Academy/Hasegawa F4U-4

by Micah Reysio-Cruz

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Greetings from the Philippines! I have long been a silent follower of ARC and the great models that get posted. Well, I'm silent no more!
 
I built this Corsair as a way of making amends for botching the same kit many years ago - back when my completed models soon became target aircraft for firecrackers or BB guns. I added just a few detail touches, such as engine piping, opened cowl flaps, scratchbuilt cockpit detail (transponder boxes, seatbelts and turned wire buckles), "unlocked" control surfaces, and brake lines.
 
Although Korean-vintage corsairs were really much dirtier in service, I wanted my model to look both "in-use" but basically clean. The exhaust stain went on first, right after the primer. I masked of the plume with modelling clay for a soft-edge effect, and proceeded to paint the whole plane blue. I drybrushed a bit of grey and tan onto the fabric sections. Several coats of clear liquid floor wax gave it a satisfying shine.  
 
Happy modelling!

Micah

Photos and text © by Micah Reysio-Cruz