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Ken Walsh F4U-4...markings?


Troy Smith

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while searching for something F4U-4 related,  a photo posted by Snake in this thread caught my eye

http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1358091805

bf57c63c.jpg

and on a Aeromaster USN/USMC Top Guns Of WWII set. 

02.jpg
from http://www.arcair.com/Gal1/901-1000/Gal944-F4U-4-Henthorn/03.shtm

which looks like the above, but is there any idea idea if the markings/scoreboard are accurate, and if the prop ring/boss were white VMF-222, as above they appear darker than prop tips? 


while this page has this image

MajWalshsBird380w.jpg

from

http://parentseyes.arizona.edu/militarynoseart/FrankCline5.htm

 

is the the same plane, or  later one?  

Anyone know more on this?   I'm asking on Hyperscale

http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1481322922/last-1481322922/(View+All+Messages+In+This+Thread)

as well i know there are plenty of Corsair buffs there.


Given interesting WW2 markings for the F4U-4 are rather rare, 


I did start this thread  a while back which maybe of interest for WW2 F4U-4 use
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234987880-f4u-4-corsair-use-in-ww2-are-photos-that-rare/

but any interesting markings for -4   would be interest.

Good news is Dana Bell is carrying on with  his Corsair research and doing a volume on the F4U-4 :)

cheers
T

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From my admittedly limited knowledge of USN ops against Japan late in the war, the pale painted noses were first done for ops against Tokyo & were yellow rather than the white often depicted. If this F4U-4 has a yellow nose, that would explain the match with the prop tips to my eye. of course, I could just be blowing smoke out my bottom. :unsure:

Steve.

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Very interesting GG,  thanks for posting.

 

I note that the Japanese kill flags are stickers or decals, note how they have chipped.

 

no idea if this is a F4U-4 though!    

 

 Is there anyway to tell from this photo? Gunsight maybe? 

Also, this shows 20 flags, and the F4U-4 'A-53' shows 21. 

another point was made, that yellow was used on nose for strikes against Japan in summer 45, 
this page 
http://www.pmcn.de/English/USN%20Markings%20III/USN%20Markings%20III.htm 
"For attacks on Kyushu (homeland Japan) in spring 1945 a white or yellow ring around the front of the cowling was applied in washable paint." 

interesting page I'd not seen before, seems a useful guide. 

 

One final point, I've noted that often USN/USMC planes have the fuselage number repeated on the UC doors, the shot of Walsh standing on the wing just shows rectangles, or could related to him being the Operations Officer? 

 

also added on Hyperscale (thanks Snake)

Quote

The A-53 marking...

December 9 2016, 8:16 PM 
 
...is typical of stateside/training markings. I can't recall seeing anything like that in an operational unit, but I could be wrong about that.... 

Also, if you're doing Walsh's WWII -4, run that SN and see where the break between curved and flat windscreens was. I'm sure I have that number somewhere, but don't have time to look it up right now. I do believe at least some flat-screens got to the front before the end. 

 

cheers

T

Edited by Troy Smith
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Walsh's Corsair should have the round windscreen according to my references.  BuNos 81759 to 81778 and then any -4 after 81829 had the flat windscreens.  Walsh's -4 in Okinawa was 80879, therefore round windscreen and canopy as late -1D.

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