Reviewed by Rafe Morrissey
 

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FirstLook

Cutting Edge Modelworks CED32056 provides markings for three F4U-4 Corsairs. Given the lack of kits of this model of the Corsair in 32nd scale, few markings for –4s have been available up to now. In response to the release of the 1/32 Trumpeter F4U-4, Cutting Edge has rectified that situation with the release of the first in a series of decals for this important and attractive variant of the famous bent-wing bird.

The first is for a Honduran Air Force F4U-4B that saw action in the 1969 “Soccer War” with El Salvador.
The remaining two options are for two historically significant F4U-4 Corsairs. The first represents that flown by Ens. Jesse L. Brown, the U.S. Navy’s first african american naval aviator. The markings are for the aircraft in which Ens. Brown was shot down while providing ground support near the Chosin Reservoir in December, 1950.

The final aircraft is that flown by LTjg. Thomas Hudner who was awarded the Medal of Honor for belly landing this airplane next to Ens. Brown and attempting to extricate the mortally wounded pilot from his own crashed Corsair.

As usual, the decal sheet is crisply printed and in perfect register. Enough markings are provided to do the Honduran Corsair and either one of the two Navy airplanes.

A separate instruction sheet is included which provides a brief overview of the aircraft represented and discusses specific issues with the markings that remain unclear to this day. For example, the modex for Ens. Brown’s Corsair is unclear and at a certain point the squadron number below the NAVY insignia was painted out. Decals for the two options for Brown’s airplane are included on the sheet so the builder can make his or her own choice.

NOTE: The armament configuration for the F4U-4B was different from the standard F4U-4. It consisted of two 20mm cannon in each wing as opposed to the normal three .50 caliber machine guns. This is noted in the instruction sheet, however, the builder should consult detailed reference material as the location of shell ejection ports and ammunition access doors differed between the two airplane types. It will require a fair amount of work to make the necessary modifications. Builders should also be aware that the windscreen changed from a curved to a flat center panel at some point in the F4U-4 production run. If total accuracy is desired, a check of bureau number ranges for the flat windscreen Corsairs will need to be performed and further conversion work done, if necessary.

The instructions and decals come packaged in the customary zip lock bag.

All in all this release provides some exciting alternatives to the kit decals in the recommended Trumpeter F4U-4 kit and carries on the Cutting Edge tradition of quality.

Recommended.

(Note: The color of the decal sheet has been altered to allow the many white markings to show up. The red in the national insignia and other markings is correct and much lighter than in the scan.)

Thanks to Cutting Edge Modelworks for the review samples..

Review Copyright © 2004 by Rafe Morrissey
This Page Created on 28 September, 2004
Last updated 29 September, 2004

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