Hi Dan: I found an article that describes the changes in the stars and bars insignia over the years. You can see that the red surround only lasted scarcely 2 months before being changed. But that doesn't necessarily negate using the red surround for planes that were active like the birdcage Corsairs during that time.
Here's the link: https://www.aircorpsart.com/blog/tim...GUUrd3y4RmpL27
Davegee
Official FlightLine F4U-1A Corsair 1600mm (63") Wingspan
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Hi Dan: the red border around the star and bars was a short-lived modification in 1943. It changed to a blue surround after that. So, with a little research we could put the correct markings on for you. You are a big guy like I am with historical accuracy with your models. I have found that I always needed to pick a specific time during the war, and that would be how the airplane looked at that time. Some of the airplanes that survived a while during the war went through lots of insignia and color changes as time passed. At any rate, getting your model to look correct shouldn't be a big issue, we'll figure it out.Yes, it's definitely different and I have enough spare props kicking around! also interesting what he did to the hub as well, looks like a wash going around it. I went searching for pictures for inspiration and found this, it's a Black Sheep bird, but what's interesting is the weathering around the bottom of the fuse from the coral dust, pretty intense.
Also, am I correct in assuming that the insignia has the red border ?
Update, the package has been shipped, repeat the package has been shipped!!!
Been a while since I've had the 'New Plane Anticipation' , feels good.

Thanks Elbee!! I haven't decided how far I want to go, but a cockpit would be something new, haven't used 3D printed parts before so naturally I'm curious. Last cockpit was BBD, about 9 years ago and that was with parts I had laying around that I worked on to resemble the pieces.
As for the pilot, yours looks amazing where mine and all the other planes have ol' Porcelain Pete in them, gets boring after while and I have a wall of them. Even the guy in BBD got replaced with an Aces of Iron pilot, well I used the bottom half of this guy and planted the AOI pilot on top of him, Frankenstein like.
Grossman56
Cheers
DavegeeLeave a comment:
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Yes, it's definitely different and I have enough spare props kicking around! also interesting what he did to the hub as well, looks like a wash going around it. I went searching for pictures for inspiration and found this, it's a Black Sheep bird, but what's interesting is the weathering around the bottom of the fuse from the coral dust, pretty intense.
Also, am I correct in assuming that the insignia has the red border ?
Update, the package has been shipped, repeat the package has been shipped!!!
Been a while since I've had the 'New Plane Anticipation' , feels good.

Thanks Elbee!! I haven't decided how far I want to go, but a cockpit would be something new, haven't used 3D printed parts before so naturally I'm curious. Last cockpit was BBD, about 9 years ago and that was with parts I had laying around that I worked on to resemble the pieces.
As for the pilot, yours looks amazing where mine and all the other planes have ol' Porcelain Pete in them, gets boring after while and I have a wall of them. Even the guy in BBD got replaced with an Aces of Iron pilot, well I used the bottom half of this guy and planted the AOI pilot on top of him, Frankenstein like.
Grossman56Leave a comment:
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Hi Dan: interesting technique for weathering the prop. I have heard of it, but never done it myself yet. Might be worth trying with your model. We might like to start with a spare or broken blade from some airplane to see how it goes before trying your model. To be sure, the Corsair prop blades suffered with all the abrasive coral sands chipping paint off of the blades. Worth looking into.
Thanks Dave, I was hoping we could put our collective minds together. I was just watching a video where the fellow 'weathered ' the prop using salt. Very interesting. He soaked the prop with water, then used coarse salt in a varying pattern, let it dry over night and sprayed the prop with a very light coat of dark grey, repeated the process twice and then used steel color paint and fine steel wool to create a chipped effect on the prop. It was pretty cool. Also, he weathered the roundels and other decals by using a scotch brite pad on them. Never heard of this before but pretty cool!
Possibly, Dave and I can shoot some video on the process
Meantime, check out this fellows video.
Grossman56
Cheers
davegeeLeave a comment:
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You're not late, in fact, better to own the last edition of a great model than the first.
I do not know how far you're going with your cockpit mod, though these modified STLs are good, there will still be some foam surgery required.
I want to assist where I am able, so any issues with the files, let me know when you know.
As for the pilot figure, it is a Max Greuter design available for purchase in STL format on the cults3D website.
It will require sizing to print and patience to assemble, if you go that route.
Looking forward to seeing your progress, the model is the pick of the litter for me.
Best, SteveLeave a comment:
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Thanks Elbee! Guess I'm a little late to the party, but better late than never.[ATTACH]n413163[/ATTACH]
Grossman56
These are 'modified' STL files for the Original Cockpit set offered by Motion RC.
It's a start.
Best, Steve
Grossman56Leave a comment:
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Thanks Dave, I was hoping we could put our collective minds together. I was just watching a video where the fellow 'weathered ' the prop using salt. Very interesting. He soaked the prop with water, then used coarse salt in a varying pattern, let it dry over night and sprayed the prop with a very light coat of dark grey, repeated the process twice and then used steel color paint and fine steel wool to create a chipped effect on the prop. It was pretty cool. Also, he weathered the roundels and other decals by using a scotch brite pad on them. Never heard of this before but pretty cool!
Possibly, Dave and I can shoot some video on the process
Meantime, check out this fellows video.
Grossman56Leave a comment:
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FlightLine_Corsair_Bubble_Top_Cockpit_3DPUP-stl_files.zip
Grossman56
These are 'modified' STL files for the Original Cockpit set offered by Motion RC.
It's a start.
Best, Steve
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Grossman,
Take advantage of Davegee's offer for help, I have seen his P-47 in a flying museum in florida and I believe all his models that he modifies are museum quality. Wish he or Elbee were my neighbors. I am friends with Mike Barbee and Greg Hahn in our meetings at contests and they freely give good modeling advice as I pick their brains.
Best Regards, RexLeave a comment:
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Grossman56 For what it's worth (coming from me not much
), the warbirdspilot.com with servo for moving head fits, at least it did in my bubble top. I also installed Chris' RC Geek random servo generator and it works great. Pilot fit by removing a small amount of foam at the seat and taking his boots off. This allows the pilot to work the horizontal and vertical stabilizers in case I'm incompasitated from whiskey as those servos are at his feet. Just saying. 🤗
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Great idea, Grossman! You'll love the Corsair and it works very well for our field here in Cody. Let me know how I can help. You have several sources you can tap on this thread, or I am happy to help you from a local level.
Cheers
DavegeeLeave a comment:
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Itching to c ya birdcage version gross., awsome... will keep this thread( aircraft) alive just a little longer.. (not sure it needs help) lotsa pics please,,,
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Grossman56
Let me look into this for you.
I did the original rework of the Motion RC Cockpit STL files some years ago.
The IP was too big as I recall to be a drop fit.
Callie Graphics worked out the JPEG of the dials to fit the reworked IP STL file.
The OEM STL files for the cockpit kit offered by Motion RC are still on this "Official 1600mm Corsair" thread.
Check the early pages, I will do some research tomorrow and I do have the 'correct' IP in my STL Files.
Hardway's reference to "salmon primer" is on page 50 and there are some pictures there, too,
Scroll through, you'll find it.
I'll check in tomorrow for sure.
Best, SteveLeave a comment:
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Thanks Elbee, so many things to consider. The instrument panel?? I thought MRC was selling them, but can find nothing in the website. Got to get rid of that baby face pilot as well. BTW, the pilot you have in yours is a definite must.
Grossman56Leave a comment:
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G56, ",,,being the older version of the Corsair, had a 'salmon' colored zinc chromate,"Just put in my order for the Bird Cage Corsair!!!
Hoping to put my buddy DaveGee's references to work on this bird. Now I have a good winter project and I'm really looking forward to it.
Now, the Birdcage, being the older version of the Corsair, had a 'salmon' colored zinc chromate, but does anyone know if that extended through the fuselage, like into the cockpit? Also, they had fabric covered flaps and wooden ailerons of all things. They went metal flaps when it was decided that rockets and fabric wouldn't necessarily be a good idea
.
The wooden ailerons are unique to say the least, were they standard in the bubble top as well??
Going to have to go back through this thread and pick up all the info you guys shared.
Grossman56
Remember when Jerry "Hardway" was building his "Birdcage"?
These were just out.
I recall his research had the "salmon" paint finish only in the interior of the tail-wheel section.
What a great Winter build project, Sir,
Best, LBLeave a comment:
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Grossman 56.
You will love the Birdcage model, so much weathering can be added if you choose. I highly recommend Elbee's STL modifications, struts, T.W., cockpit, ect. The Birdcage and Bubble Top (F4U-1D) used wood ail. I will add Elbee's cowl flaps on mine this winter, mine will be a simplified version using springs and airflow to open and close. Best of luck on your version, RexLeave a comment:
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Just put in my order for the Bird Cage Corsair!!!
Hoping to put my buddy DaveGee's references to work on this bird. Now I have a good winter project and I'm really looking forward to it.
Now, the Birdcage, being the older version of the Corsair, had a 'salmon' colored zinc chromate, but does anyone know if that extended through the fuselage, like into the cockpit? Also, they had fabric covered flaps and wooden ailerons of all things. They went metal flaps when it was decided that rockets and fabric wouldn't necessarily be a good idea
.
The wooden ailerons are unique to say the least, were they standard in the bubble top as well??
Going to have to go back through this thread and pick up all the info you guys shared.
Grossman56Leave a comment:
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fru ausie,
Beautiful looking well worn Corsair, Enjoy
Best Regards, RexLeave a comment:
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Yes, I am envious of your beautiful green grass! Ours is pretty brown, leaves almost off the trees, now looking like sticks. Sigh... Have a Great flying season with your great Corsair and anything else in your collection!f4u ausie,
She's battle tested and ready for duty.
Looks like Spring is poppin' down there, you lucky guy.
Best, LB
Cheers
DavegeeLeave a comment:


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