Reviews : Tamiya Vought F4U-1A Corsair Fighter Aircraft

Quality of molded product: The parts are molded well, zero flash on the majority of parts and if there was flash, it was very little. There were no warped parts and ejector pins were away from seen surfaces. The parts are molded with finely recessed panel lines to aid highlighting them when painting, and every parts details are crisp and faultless. The clear parts were very clear, not thick and there were no blemishes or distortions to disrupt the visual transparency. I give the Quality of molded product a score of 10/10 Quality of Engineering/Fits: As one has come to expect from a recent Tamiya kit, it is very well engineered- the parts go together very well without the need for any filler. The molded parts come loaded with nice details within the cockpit, on the undercarriage and the exterior surfaces. I give the Quality of Engineering/Fits a score of 10/10 Assembly and Painting Instructions: The assembly instructions come in black and white and they are clear, concise and easy to follow with each part clearly numbered along with the Tamiya color code for that part to be painted in. The last two sheets of the instruction booklet include the painting and decaling instructions, again, these are in black and white but are very clear and easy to follow. It would be nice if Tamiya included color references for the painting and decal instructions, along with alternative manufacturers paint references. I give the instructions a score of 9/10 Decals: There is one sheet of decals that are thicker than normal and provide options for two squadron markings. The decals have very little overhanging carrier film, but they are glossy, so make sure you matte them down with your washes and final matte clear coat. Tamiya did make the effort to separate the star and bar decals into two parts so that the center of those decals was reduced in thickness. You just have to be careful to get the star decals centered correctly within the bars. These decals take a while to release from the backing paper and some are delicate when applying to the plane. Fortunately, I didn't have any tear on me, as I did with my previous Tamiya build. Be careful and patient when using these decals. I give the decals a score of 8 out of 10. Packaging: There are three bags of grey sprues, two large bags each containg a large sprue and one smaller bag containing two sprues. There is an additional separate bag with a clear sprue inside. These bags are within a card exterior box base and lid which is pretty sturdy, has great artwork and some images of the finished model in the two different color/marking schemes on two opposite sides of the box. I give the packaging 9/10 Value for money: 10/10! Would I recommend this kit...yes, very much so. It offers a great looking build with options for either a drop tank or a 2,000lb bomb beneath the fuselage and, the wings can be modeled down, or folded up. It includes a nicely detailed cockpit that looks great built OOB and nicely detailed undercarriage. The rear canopy can be modeled open or closed, a detailed radial engine is included, along with both a seated and a standing Pilot figure to finish it off. There are after-market extras that can be purchased for enhancing this kit, such as resin cockpit tub and treaded wheels, PE parts and resin bombs and rockets, should you feel the need to enhance this kit further. My only issue with this kit is; I wish the underwing rockets were included to make it look more mean, loaded and ready to do some damage! If you're thinking of buying this kit, or have it in you're stash and have been thinking about building it, think no more, go ahead, make your day, you won't be disappointed!!

Anyone is has seen my reviews will know I think Tamiya makes some of the finest kits in the business. The Corsair is exceptionally fun to build, paint, and makes into a model you will be proud to display. The build, and the instructions are easy, but my model came with options not discussed or identified. I wasn't sure if this was for a different version or not. For example there are two rudder pedal assemblies so I stayed with the guidance and built the ones called for. Dry fit the wings once assembled to the fuselage as I had a slight problem with fit. My model was finished in the three color Navy/Marine scheme and could have made it easier on myself if I had done the engine cowling with the engine exhaust flaps so they matched up perfectly. The decals proved a bit more challenging than I remember other Tamiya kits as the national emblem on the wing actually tore (easy to match up and fix) as did the black walkways for the flaps connecting to the wings. I plan on putting some pictures of it on HobbyLinc, as this was built for a fellow USAF member who used to be a Marine and who has actually seen a wrecked Corsair on Guam. I think it is one beautiful aircraft and plan on buying another for my own collection. Its highly recommended and as always enjoy the build and have fun, especially if you need a break from a more difficult project.

On opening the kit, the first impression is of the fine details, scribed panel lines and overall quality that has become Tamiya's hallmark. The overall parts count is higher than ancient Monogram F4U of the '70s, due to the great amount of detail Tamiya has provided. What a difference 40 years makes! Following the well-written instructions results in an easily assembled and very detailed model. The parts fit is excellent, and no putty was required. If the folded wing version is desired, the outer wing panels should be left off till final assembly, as with the outer panels glued onto the folding mechanism, the wing fold spar that connects the outer panels to the inner panels would be easy to break. The finished model is simply a gem, and sets the standard for 1/48 Corsair models.

A great model of my favorite US Navy WWII fighter, this kit offers wonderful detail both inside and out. The cockpit detail is nice and would be very nice built right out of the box, but the use of photo-etch aftermarket cockpit set from Eduard will move this detail to a new level. Wheel well and landing gear detail is very nice. My favorite aspect of this kit is that it allows you to build the model with the flaps extended or retracted.There was no flash on any of the mouldings. Decals are nice. The kit goes together well with little need for filler. This is a very nice kit from Tamiya and I would recommend it especially at the reasonable cost.

Another great model for the price. Tamiya rarely fails at putting forth a good product and this version of the Corsair is no exception. The fit was excellent going together with no problem and a minimum amount of putty being used. The wing joints need some extra care and attention to get them to set properly but that was the biggest issue I had. As always, a good look at the instruction sheet before beginning will allow the builder to rejig the assembly order in order to avoid finishing issues. A pretty good selection of stuff is available to be hung underneath and the decal sheet is excellent. Cheers, Jeff

I generally enjoyed making this kit. As a novice builder, I liked the straight forward instructions and assembly involved. There were some rough spots with the wings not comfortably fitting in regards to the fuselage, but it was overcome with a dabbling in application of putty and some sanding. After making a couple of Japanese planes, I was struck at just how much the Corsair dwarfed the former. This kit also includes a staggering amount of decals for all three different versions you have the option of making.

This is an excellent kit of the F4U-1A. The kit is very well detailed and the fit is great. I built this to represent the aircraft flown by Major Greg Boyington of VMF-214. The details in the kit match almost every detail of the real aircraft. I used aftermarket decals so I cannot comment of the decals included in the kit. The instructions are clear and assembly is arranged in good order. Highly recommend this kit.

I have gotten back into the hobby this past year after nearly 50 years, this kit was a pure pleasure to build and I enjoyed every stage. The wing supports were just a little tricky but if let the glue dry like it should, they come out great. By far the best fit I have ever seen in a kit. Makes me want to do a second one with wings folded.

This is a perfect addition to all the WWII planes used in the Pacific theater it went together real well as all Tamiya brand they are builder friendly so no need for hand fitting or grinding and filing down like Revell yeah been there done that but overall nice detail you can't ever go wrong with Tamiya .

awesome kit ! as with all tamiya kits , the fit is great , no flash and the detail is great . after market parts can be added if desired , but i found that they were not necessary love this plane will be getting another

Tamiya comes through again! Details include engine, exhaust ports, separate wing flaps. There is an option to fold the wings up, but I chose extended. The fit was perfect. Nice decals to round things out.

I am almost done building this kit. The parts fit together wonderfully, with no filler needed at all. Easy to build and makes a great looking Corsair with the flaps dropped and the cowling open.

The prices fit together with minimal flashing to trim. Instructions were decent to follow. I would definitely recommend and build this again

The corsair was an easy build but contained great detail and stays true to the real thing. A lot of decal options as well.

Purchased this model a few years ago. Finally finished, excellent model, great build very happy and satisfied.

This was second plane I decided to do wings folded up version which I found difficult. Overall a quality kit

This was an excellent stress free kit to build from the opening of the box to the final product.

It's Tamiya, enough said... no flashing, good fitment