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Hi everyone, After about 18 months, 2 job changes and a death in the family, i've finished my second 32nd scale model. This is the much-loved Tamiya F4U-1 "Birdcage" variant, converted to F4U-2 standard. I built this for Bob Brunson in Estes Park, CO, who flew the real plane aboard USS ENTERPRISE in Spring of 1944. (The above photo was taken of Bu Aer No. 02710 earlier in its career on USS INTREPID, prior to the torpedo hit that mandated transferring VF(N)-101 to ENTERPRISE. Upon reassignment to CV-6, the skipper ordered the VF(N)-101 squadron decal removed) The basic model uses the Barracudacals F4U Corsair cockpit placard set, and the Resin diamond-tread tyres. The parts that make it an F4U-2 are a mish-mash of bits and pieces from multiple conversion kits. The radome comes from the Lone Star Models conversion, which dates from several years back and was designed for the Revell kit, which has a thicker cross section wing. The flame dampening exhaust stacks are part of an all-new resin F4U-2 conversion coming from Harold Offield of AMD resin. These stacks are about 25% smaller than the Lone Star ones. The Radio Altimeter antennae are made in photo etched brass by OWL Models of Czech republic and i highly recommend them, though they are delicate. Resin is simply too brittle. Gotta give my thanks to OWL, since they're a bunch o' people who really dig night fighters of all kinds. You can also see how some people would infer the flanks of the plane were painted black and not semi-gloss sea blue as seen here. There was a simple VHF whip antenna on the spine and an IFF antenna on the belly. both made from .010 Plastruct rod. Here are some closeups of the antenna installation on the rudder. I get a lot of questions about this.... This was my first big test of using Tamiya Acrylics on a model and for the most part they worked well. They are however, delicate and are easily rubbed off places like wing trailing edges until the paint has been overcoated with Future, or equivalent. Photobucket is giving me a lot of hassles so, send me your technical questions and if i can I'll send along more photos to augment my answers. And now, for something simple. Like a Tamiya Tomcat. I need a rest.... -d-