Probably one of the nicest and most widely built kits of the past several years have been the Tamiya Corsairs. I'm not sure just what it is about this plane that draws so much interest, but it is quite rare to attend a contest and not see at least one of them on the tables. I'd be willing to bet that most of you have this kit either on your display shelves or in your kit stash. I know that I have! This particular sheet was released in 1996 before Tamiya's kit was available, so it recommends the Hobbycraft version. It is also a nice kit, though not as well engineered as the Tamiya version. I dare say that the markings will fit them both with no problems.

Unless specified, the planes are in Dark Blue Grey (FS 35189) uppers and Light Gull Grey (FS36440) undersides.

First is 17-F-6 as flown from the USS Charger in early 1943. This VF-17 plane was among the earliest of Corsairs and the Charger was a practice carrier that plied Lake Michigan.

Next is 'Bubbles' of VMF-124 at Guadalcanal in 1943. Typical of 'canal birds, it has only the individual aircraft number.

Also from VMF-124 is this plane flown by ace Kevin Walsh in May of 1943. Undoubtedly, it was not as pristine as shown in the drawing.

Finally, a VF-17 plane repainted in the tricolor camouflage scheme of Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and White. This plane operated from the USS Bunker Hill and, typical of the tricolor scheme, only had insignia in four places, vice six of the earlier scheme.

With such minimal markings as was carried on these planes, there is plenty of room on the sheet for insignia for all four aircraft.

An excellent sheet and one you should consider for your next 'birdcage'.

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