1:48 F4U-5 Corsair correct engine reductor

The real subject

The Vought F4U Corsair is an American carrier-based fighter, recognizable at first glance by its inverted gull wing and the long nose with a piston radial engine. The F4U-5 version is one of the late, postwar variants and differs from the machines of the Second World War era in a number of details of the nose section. That is exactly where the eye of anyone who sees the finished model from the front travels.

What the part is for

This is a replacement part for the propeller reduction gear, that is the drive between the engine and the propeller shaft. The part is meant to replace a kit item that is inaccurate in shape. The swap is small, but it changes the outline of the nose, which is the easiest thing to compare on this subject. Which kit the part is intended for and what work it calls for is given in the manufacturer's instructions; compare that with the model you are building.

Building and painting tips

The parts are not polystyrene, so the usual cement for plastic has no effect on them; make the joints with super glue. Cut off the surplus material with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the remainder down so that the shape is not damaged. Before painting, wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and degrease them, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface. The specific preparation procedure is given in the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the original kit part carefully and level the surface so that the replacement seats without a gap. Try it dry with the engine cowling and the propeller as well, because the axis of the shaft has to stay perpendicular.

Terms of supply

The model, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.