1/6 Scale F4U-1A Corsair Cockpit Build by a Newby

Greetings,

I'm new here so permit me to introduce myself. I've been flying RC planes for only 3 yrs and have been building for about 2. I have experience with other models but not too much with larger RC planes.

I live close to Indianapolis Indiana on 5 acres and have a farmer friend 5 miles away that also flies RC. He welcomes others to his field and it's a fun time for all.

I prefer WWII planes and am currently building a 1/6 scale (82" wingspan) F4U-1A Corsair. I will model it after the one flown by Lt. JG Jim Strieg who flew #3 with the Jolly Rogers . Here's a picture of his Ride:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ JimStreigsF4U.jpg


I'm currently working on the cockpit and have linked some pictures in for your comments.

I will be changing the colors of some of the levers like the dive brake handle. You'll also notice a few placed where I need to add some touch-up paint. I should have sanded more before I painted. I didn't realize how much the paint shows the errors. Oh well, I'll live with it.

Some of you may have noticed I had to take a few liberties. The early -1's did not have dive brakes but I liked the look if it so I added it. I guess it is possible that the ones the Jolly Rogers flew may have had them.

Since I did that, I moved the flap lever from the brace which the throttle quadrant is located to where you see it now. To me, this is a more logical position. In older -1's and the 1D's the flap lever is closer to the instrument panel but I think it's conceivable that the 1A had them where I have mine.

Also, the CO2 tank should be further back but the area 'back there' will be hard to see with the seat in place. Much of the floor will be hidden also but I wanted the tank to have some possibility of being seen.

The bomb arm/release lever in the picture I have of the full scale -1A does not show it as being primed with the flat black. I made the assumption that since it was still in the factory being produced, they just hadn't painted it yet. I will just have to guess how the lever and knobs were painted. I don't know if I should use yellow, white, keep it black, or paint it some other color. What do you think?

The elevator trim wheel should be slightly forward but the kit I'm using had it where it is shown. I guess I could have cut it out and repositioned it but the difference is minor.

Next will be the switch panel, wires, hoses, throttle quadrant connection rods, and the flap activation rods. BTW, the throttle lever will move when the radio throttle lever is moved. My pilot will have his hand on the lever so it will appear that he is actually changing the throttle.

Here's picture to the current state of the cockpit:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ 080105_1500.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ 080105_1502b.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ 080105_1502a.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ 080105_1509b.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ 080105_1509a.jpg


Here is a layout of the switch panel:
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ Switches-1.jpg


Your comments are appreciated.

Post edited by: rwright142, at: 2008/01/07 13:56

Post edited by: rwright142, at: 2008/01/09 14:09

twright142 welcome to the forum I am happy you joined.

not being an RC plane builder (or even flyer) myself the above looks and sounds absolutely great. I will try to wisen myself in the subject and see if there is anything I can comment on, but to me right now this sounds like you got a tight plan there.

Thanks HBurg.
This forum looks very interesting to me and you have done an excellent job with it's design.
I hope there are many other warbird fans here too as I can contribute as well.

Best Regards,
Richard

No, thank YOU. It is a pleasure to have a member with so much knowledge in that field

Well.... I don't know about that, but I am happy to share what I know or what I have discovered.
I have been fortunate to have sat in several Corsairs and was able to take pictures and video. Two of them (FD-1D and F4U-5) were airworthy and flying and the third (FG-1D) is currently being restored in Cincinnati.

You indeed have been fortunate, but I am sure that was based on your knowledge (and enthusiasm)
Is there a link you can give where those pictures are shown online?

Not yet. I'll see if I can get permission to make them public and I'll let you know.

Great. Thank you

Take A Tour Through a Corsair Graveyard

For you Corsair fans, I have received permission to share my pictures and videos of the FG-1D in Cincinnati undergoing restoration.

I am building a 1/6 scale F4U-1A and in doing research I found this FG-1D and asked the Tri-State Warbird Museum for permission to visit and take pictures and video. They graciously invited me but told me the Corsair was in bad shape. It was in good enough shape for me to get many pictures and videos and they are helping me in my build. The FG-1D and F4U-1A have many similarities.

The museum has many planes in their collection: P-51D Mustang, T-6D Texan, TBM-3 Avenger, B-25 Mitchell, Boeing Stearman Model 75, Link ANT-18 Trainer, and others.
The website for the museum is here:
http://tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org

Here are the pictures and video from my visit. I will be adding more soon:
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/rwright142/ Corsair%20Graveyard/?albumview=slideshow

Post edited by: rwright142, at: 2008/01/10 13:06

wow!!!!!!! fantastic. thank you so much.

Those sure are a lot of pictures and so detailed.

Actually, the thanks goes to you. I had not thought of putting the pictures online until you mentioned it. I have a few Corsair buddies and would send them the pictures but because you asked I was able to make them available to others.
Sure I helped a little and I hope others find them helpful.

Best regards.

Hahahaa... thanks. So, I helped without knowing it
Nah, I think it looks almost like a project what you have put on the internet there. Worth to have a look at by every model enthusiast

ppsshh. F4U. Buy the A-7E corsair. (kidding) But seriously though, Buy a trumpeter A-7E corsair, not an A-8 crusader. Corsairs are better.

Is the cockpit project finished? Have you set it on a plane, do you have pictures?

Thanks 4 your quick response,

Borincaneer

I am still working on the 1/6 scale Corsair but I have set the cockpit in there for placement but did not take any pictures. I'll try to do that this week but it's pretty much the same you see it now.

Also, I have created a website dedicated to the Corsair and the men and women who built, flew, and maintained them. The website is called the Corsair Information Forum and is here: http://f4ucorsair.freeforums.org

It's free to join so please do if you love Corsairs!