Tamiya 60752 - 1:72 Vought F4U-1D Corsair

Plastic model kit of the Vought F4U-1D Corsair carrier fighter in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60752 depicts the Vought F4U-1D Corsair – one of the most effective U.S. carrier fighters of the Second World War. Its distinctive inverted gull wing allowed shorter landing gear while keeping clearance for the huge propeller driven by a powerful radial engine. The F4U-1D version received a frameless canopy for better visibility and the ability to carry rockets and fuel tanks.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling. The model offers two canopy types, eight rockets and two 175-gallon underwing fuel tanks, while the decals finish the aircraft in one of three U.S. Navy and Marine Corps schemes.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Two canopy types
• Eight underwing rockets and two 175-gallon fuel tanks
• Detailed cockpit interior
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (U.S. Navy and Marine Corps)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60752
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 141 mm, wingspan: approx. 174 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Paint the cockpit interior before closing the fuselage and fit the canopy last, after painting. When attaching the wings, take care to set the correct angle of the characteristic gull bend.

Many F4U-1Ds wore the U.S. Navy tri-colour scheme (Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue and White) or an overall dark navy blue. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all three schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Vought F4U-1D Corsair:

The Corsair was designed as a fast carrier fighter with a powerful radial engine and one of the largest propellers then used on a fighter. The inverted gull wing was a solution that reconciled the large propeller with short, sturdy landing gear.

The F4U-1D version, with a frameless canopy and the ability to carry rockets and fuel tanks, was a multirole fighter and attack aircraft operating from carriers and land bases in the Pacific. The Corsair was one of the first U.S. fighters to exceed 640 km/h in level flight.

Original aircraft specifications (F4U-1D Corsair):

• Length: 10.16 m
• Wingspan: 12.50 m
• Height: 4.90 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 6,350 kg
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine, approx. 2,000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 670 km/h
• Armament: six .50-calibre machine guns; underwing rockets and bombs
• Crew: 1
• Distinctive feature: inverted gull wing

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.