Marmaduke

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Guys, whatchu all hatin' on my prop for??
Speaking of props, that one got a coat of satin black and then some Uschi steel powder for the hub. It's a bit dark for my taste, I suppose the chrome one would have been ideal, but the steel powder is the only one I own right now, so that's what I used...

Doesn't look too shabby, even without a spinner, does it?
 
Next, I painted the 50kg bombs that I had previously treated with a bit of putty, to create a rough surface. It's not very regular, but it's better than
the smooth surface I had before. The green/yellow scheme is off a picture I found online. Again, looks a bit rough, I have to practise.

Here is one of them in position under the wing:

 
After finishing the second side float, I moved on to a very exciting step, namely uniting the fuselage and the main float. I had predrilled some rigging holes in the fuselage and had preinstalled the EZ line, then glued on the fuselage and started rigging. Here's the result, I am reasoably happy for a first time

 
This 'tool', that I found in one of our sewing kits, helped greatly in keeping my sanity during the very fiddly process (it's made for threading needles):

 
And finally, I couldn't resist a dry fit. It's coming together, alright!

 
Next step is to paint the upper wings, then some detail painting, and then it's already on to decaling! How exciting!
Thank you all for watching and have a great day!
 
Greets, Jonas

Soooo, at long last, there is an update! I have worked on this build on and off for the last couple of weeks, but either felt that progress wasn't worth
mentioning or was busy doing some other things (my final exam in French language studies, for example...). Now, some progress has accumulated and I want to show it!
First of all, I slapped some paint on the fuselage and the main float! While painting the float was quite straightforward, the fuselage was giving me some fuss due to the fact that the paint was quite translucent and required several (at least four) coats for a uniform result. As I don't have an airbrush and do all my painting with a brush, that took a significant amount of time!


The float has a red nose (just like a famous reindeer ), but for some reason, I managed to crop that out in the picture I took...
I had ordered some EZ Line to do the rigging on this build. When this arrived, I started by adding the control cables for the rudder on the float. It's not in the instructions, but one of the detail photograhs on the box showed it, and I thought, it was a nice touch:

I tried painting the EZ Line in steel, which looks ok from farther away, but the photo reveals, that I have some touch up work left to do...
 
I then painted the underside of the wings and the struts for the support floats and got to work installing and rigging those. Again, some touch up work is required, but I am reasonably happy for a first try!

 
I also started work on the canopy, which is really a huge PITA and one of the definitive weak links of this kit. The large glass structures are built up of flat panels. Those have huge tabs to glue them together, which feature very prominently on the finished product. In spite of this, construction is still very fiddly and it is a nightmare to get the angles right and to have everything sit flush with the fuselage. On the main canopy, they had the deceny to try and hide the tabs within the canopy frame, but on the rear canopy for the gunner, they didn't even do that! Long story short, here's the result:

I taped that in place to protect the interior from dust while I wait for the HpH replacement canopy, that I ordered some days ago. There is no way in hell that I let this damned thing ruin the model on which I worked for quite some time now! (I do admit that my subpar glueing and masking skills play a role in the end result, but man, they don't make it easy for you...)
 
Next on the agenda: Installing and rigging the other support float, then uniting and rigging main float and fuselage. Slowly but surely, it's coming together!
 
Thanks for watching and a nice day to you all!
 
Jonas

I've had this kit for 8 plus years but up until now I had not felt comfortable enough with my skills to take it on.  I've heard good things about the kit and from what I've built so far, it seems to be a good fit.  Since I'm glutting for punishment, I've decided to convert it to a late model TBF-1.  I got the idea after reading the account of a Marine crew from VMSB-143 while stationed on Guadalcanal.  The only problem is I have no reference photos to work with and even the plane number would be guess work.  So while I really want to build this particular aircraft, I'm still unsure in the end what I will do.  I do have some other ideas with a few reference photos.
 
Here is what I have for this build:
Trumpeter TBF-1C
Avionics TBF-1C cockpit (includes some of the turret parts)
Eduard interior set
MRP and MR. Color paints
 
Here are my refs:
Osprey TBF/TBM Avenger Units of WWII
Squadron TBM/TBF Avenger in Action (Aircraft #82)
Squadron TBF/TBM Avenger in Action (2011)
Detail & Scale TBF/TBM Avenger (Vol 53)
 
I've done tons of research for this conversion but there are some things I'm just not sure about.  That's where you guys come in.  Hopefully there are some Avenger experts out there that can help me out if there is something that I'm missing. 
 
Here is what I've read about the late model TBF-1 differences for the 1C:
- No rear cockpit.  Only the 1st 50 Avengers were delivered with the rear cockpit controls
- The rear windows are the same as the 1C
- Fuselage mounted gun
- No wing mounted guns
- Only slight differences in the front cockpit
- Antenna mask further forward and angled back slightly
- Bronze green cockpit with Interior green for all areas behind turret separation glass
 
Here are some things I'm not sure about:
-Position of the radio operators seat
-What equipment replaced the 2nd cockpit
 
Here is some of the work I've done so far starting with the engine.   
 
 

 

 
 
I painted the exhaust pipes with MRP exhaust metal.  I used various shades of pastels along with pigment fixer for weathering.  I should have taken for photos of the process...
 

 

 
 
 
Here is the engine all together with some weathering...
 

 

 

 

 
Trumpeter did a nice job with the engine, too bad most of it will be covered up
 
Thanks for stopping by fellas
 
Bryan

I'm pretty much done, well with the exception of a few lost parts.  I can't find the tail wheel gear doors and the headrest.  I swear my room is eating up parts and tools!  I had already finished the headrest but no luck finding it yet.  I'm hoping these things will turn up so I don't have to order them from Tamiya.
 
I'm waiting for my EZ-line to arrive so I can do the antenna.  Other than the missing parts I think the antenna is the only thing left.  That's unless you guys see something I missed?
 
I'm happy with the way it turned out for the most part but there always seems to be things I could have done better.  I've used a lot of weathering techniques that I have never done before so there is always room for improvement.  
 
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving all the great and helpful comments.  They are all very much appreciated...
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
I'm still not happy with the prop but after literally striping and painting it 5 times, I'm sticking with it.

small update
I have finished the central interior, with both engines and guns attached
it`s great piece of engineering, pure joy to build it 
only subtle weathering, just little will be visible in the end
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
now let`s play with the wings...
 

 
thanks for looking
jan

Hello all! Been some time since I had an update on the build.
Reason is I managed to mess up the outer wing sections but managed to track down replacement parts on ebay.
So the Corsair will be back on the bench soon!
I was also a bit busy with a group build and will upload progress pics of that here soon!
I did manage to finish the engine and propeller. The colour of the propeller was one of the reasons I chose this scheme as it provides an additional colour variation on top of the aircraft camouflage.
So here's some pics of the finished engine and propeller! More updates to come soon!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Thanks for checking!

Here is where I'm at on the bottom.  I'm pretty much done here except for the exhaust stains.
 

 

 

Test fitting of the canopy
 

Another new start.
This is Trumpeter s 1/32 P-47N Thunderbolt which will be finished with the markings of "Chautauqua".
Unfortunately Trumpeter s kit has some problems. I will try to eliminte these.
 
-One of them is the inaccurate wheels.
I solved this problem with the help of Rick Griewski. He sent the resin wheels from Jerry Rutman s set. Very appreciated. Thanks again Rick.
 
-Another problem is inaccurate (really inaccurate) windscreen. I will swap it with Hasegawa s windscreen.
Here we go:
 

A bit more weathering.  I clear coated the weathered areas to keep everything in place and so I could add a bit more.  This is as far as I want to go in this area and I probably will blend everything a bit more...
 

 

In the first couple pics I thought it was too much but the final product looks superb! I'm sure it looks different in person and it's all about what you like anyhow! Overall great looking Corsair!

In the first couple pics I thought it was too much but the final product looks superb! I'm sure it looks different in person and it's all about what you like anyhow! Overall great looking Corsair!

I ended up misting on some of the base coat to cover a few areas that were too stark after the salt weathering.  Sorry for not taking photos along the way, I often forget when I'm into the build.
 
So onto the oils.  I'm still relatively new to using oils for weathering aside from the usual panel line washes.  I've weathered this small area using Abteilung Dark Mud.  I really like these oils since they have a lot less oil residue than the less expensive Winsor & Newton oils.  I took a pic so you guys could see what I'm talking about:

 
 
 
I started on the wing and forward area by applying small dots of oil with a toothpick, similar to the dot filter technique:
 

 

 
 
 
 
Then I blended the area with a brush lightly moistened with thinner:
 

 

 

 
 
 
I ended up the this:
 

 

 
 
Do you guys think it's too much?  I can't decide, one minute I like it but the next I'm not sure...

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Simply incredible build! Your painting and weathering skills are extraordinary!
 
 
Sincerely
 
Chris

Greetings everyone! This is my first post in the RFI section of this forum. This is my rendition of Tamiya's awesome F4U-1 Corsair. I completed this kit using model master paints with some weathering using Tamiya's weathering pastels and also some from AK. My aftermarket goodies included cockpit and main decals from Barracuda, Montex mini mask, cowl flaps from Vector, seatbelts from HGW, tires from Barracuda and engine upgrade kit also from Barracuda. This kit was a joy to build and I see myself building another in the future. Please bear with me as I have not been able to make a good photo booth and my photo skills are only in the novice category. Thanks to everyone interested in taking a look and to those who helped me along the way with kind words and support! Happy modeling!

Fantastic looking Corsair!  Great paint and weathering!

great model

Simply incredible build! Your painting and weathering skills are extraordinary!
 
 
Sincerely
 
Chris

Some more progress on the cockpit, controls, fuel tank and pilots seat painted and assembled. Tank initially sprayed brass, followed by a coat of Tamiya RLM grey followed by a wash and dry brush. Detail picked out and then some of the grey removed with an old sanding stick to show a little wear and tear. Finally straps added and then the seat fitted followed by HGW belts.
 

 
Tank initially sprayed brass, followed by a coat of Tamiya RLM grey followed by a wash and dry brush. Detail picked out and then some of the grey removed with an old sanding stick to show a little wear and tear. Finally straps added from 
 

 
Al so managed to complete all other cockpit parts ready for final assembly.
 

 
Pretty happy with the results, planning on leaving the bits and pieces of sprue til I have removed any paint residue from mating surfaces and ready to assemble. Away on holiday for 10 days so that's it progress wise until early August. Received my Uchi van der Rosten decals for the outer fuselage yesterday and the look fantastic. Just waiting for my Aviattic stuff now.
 
Thank's for checking by.
 
Regards. Andy

A little more work on the cockpit area, first up the fuel tank was cleaned up and Archer resin rivets added as well as a few from the punch and die set. This was followed by cleaning up the pilots seat and then adding some lightening holes to the seat back and sides.
 

 

 
Also still working on wood effects on the inside fuselage parts.
 

 
Wanting to try and do a panel at a time to give a little tonal difference when looking inside the cockpit, hope its worth it!!
 
As always, thanks for looking in and comments/ criticism always welcome.
 
Regards. Andy