1:48 F4U-5 Corsair

F4U-5 Corsair in 1:48 scale from Hobby Boss

A plastic kit of the Vought Corsair carrier fighter and attack aircraft in the F4U-5 version. Hobby Boss has developed the Corsairs as an extensive range in which the individual boxings correspond to particular production versions, and this boxing belongs to the postwar, highest-performing branch of the family. The characteristic inverted gull wing shows to very good effect in 1:48 scale.

The real subject

The Corsair appeared at the start of the 1940s as a carrier fighter of the US Navy and became famous for the combination of a powerful radial engine and an exceptionally large propeller, for which it received its cranked wing. The F4U-5 version is the postwar culmination of the development: it received a stronger Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine with a two-stage supercharger, a redesigned engine cowling with relocated air intakes and 20 mm cannon armament instead of machine guns. Machines of this version and its night and reconnaissance derivatives made a strong mark over Korea.

Building and painting tips

The most sensitive part of the build is the cranked wing, so dry-fit one fuselage half with the wing and check the angles before the glue sets. The dark blue naval finish holds better on a well smoothed base, and you can create subtle panel highlights by lightening the centers of the surfaces. The engraved surface takes a light shading well, but a heavy wash would emphasize it beyond what looks right.

Who the model is for

• collectors of US Navy carrier aircraft
• those interested in Korean War equipment
• modelers who want to build the Corsair family version by version
• builders of display models with a striking silhouette

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.