The Vought F4U Corsair was one of the most powerful aircraft to see service flying from aircraft carriers during World War II. They were very useful and successful so they continued in service with several air force well after that war.

The F4U-1A was almost identical to earlier versions but it was changed with a new cockpit canopy and a taller tailwheel to give the pilot improved vision.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force received 424 F4Us to equip 13 squadrons.

The first ones were delivered in March 1944 and they began operations in May.

By the time they began flying there was very little Japanese air opposition so they were mainly used to assist the ground operations of American, Australian and New Zealand forces.

This model represents F4U-1A of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, NZ5277, in the Solomons in 1945.

It was initially issued to No 15 Fighter Squadron and was one of NZ’s veteran Corsairs of the Pacific War. It was with BOC 5 May 1944 and survived to 1948 to be sold as scrap.

The aircraft was in a very weather beaten condition, showing very faded paint with an “Irate Donald Duck” motif.

Tamiya 1/48 kit with scratch built cloth seat belts and aftermarket mix of decals. Painted in Model Master enamels and completed by Wayne.