I've recently been bitten with the modelling bug again, and decided to focus my, attention on a single type, the F4U Corsair.
I went out and bought a pair of kits, a Tamiya F4U-1a and the Accurate Miniatures F2G-1. While building I also picked up the Revell F4u-4 and the Heller F4U-7.
I knew what to expect from the Tamiya kit. I've never had an issue with any Tamiya kit, they are always top notch. This one is no exception of course. It went together quite nicely, and although it is quite fragile, I'm still happy with the results.
I also knew what to expect from the A.M. kit, though I wasn't looking forward to it. I built an A.M. TBM about 10 years ago, and remember that the kit was pretty bad. Well the same can be said here. The diagrams in the manual were skewed pretty badly, giving no real information as how to put it together. In fact, I abandoned the manual all together, and just built it using the other kit as reference.
In the end, I'm not so happy with this one, but until someone else produces a kit of the F2G, this will do.
The revel kit was next, but with it's odd canopy, and raised panel lines, plus other kits of the same subject, this one became my spares box. Instead, I bought the Heller F4U-7. I've built this kit before, and remembered it being pretty poor, but I gave it a go anyhow, since it's the only -7 kit out there right now. It also had raised panels, so I spent quite a bit of time scribing new panels lines and sanding the originals down. There were also quite a few pits in the mouldings that had to be filled and sanded, along with quite a few misfits with the cowling. The propeller was quite simple looking, so I replaced it with the Revell kit's prop. Even though the cowling is innaccurate (it's missing it's jowls) I'm still pretty happy with the results.
I'm officially hooked now, I've ordered both of the Hasegawa kits, and will probably pick up the other two Tamiya kits as well. However, it's no longer spraying weather in Michigan, so it's back to foam terrain for the next 6 months or so.
i wish i could have the time to do all that again!!
