JSI Aircraft 60004
Vought F4U Corsair Display Model
USMC VMF-214 Black Sheep, "White 86 / Lucybelle", Pappy Boyington, Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, November 1943 |
| 1:18 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Vought F4U Corsair | | 22" | | 26.75" |
In September 1943, Maj. Gregory Boyington took command of VMF 214, the "Black Sheep Squadron." Boyington was a superb leader and fighter with VMF-214, scoring 22 victories with the Marines, plus six from the AVG. Under his command, VMF-214 claimed 94 victories against the Japanese. At thirty-one years old, he was ten years older than most of his pilots, earning him the nickname "Pappy." On 26 November 1943, Boyington posed in the cockpit of Corsair "White 86" for a publicity photo. Japanese flag "kill markings" were applied so hastily that some were accidentally reversed. Some speculation exists as to whether the aircraft was called "Lucybelle" or "Lulubelle", since the name was partially obscured in the final photograph. Boyington was recognized as the leading Ace of the US Armed Forces, and when he was shot down on a mission over Rabaul on 3 January 1944, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. But Boyington survived Japanese captivity, and President Truman pinned the Medal of Honor on him on 5 October 1945.
Designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a single-seat carrier based fighter, the F4U was first flown on May 29th, 1940. This versatile aircraft saw service with both the Navy and Marine Corps in WW II and in the Korean War. During its lifetime, the Corsair underwent numerous improvements such as a lengthened fuselage, a high visibility bubble-top canopy and folding inverted gull wings that provided clearance for a large propeller. Its performance advantage, 400 mph capability, the ability to withstand punishment and six .50 Browning machine guns made the F4U a devastating weapon against aircraft, ground targets and ships. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The JSI Aircraft range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircraft in 1:18 scale. Their large size allows for a large number of articulated features while their plastic construction helps keeps their weight down to a reasonable level.
JS International display airplanes feature:
- Molded plastic construction with some snap-fit assembly required.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Functional extending/retracting landing gear with rolling wheels.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
DISCLAIMER - Please Read
Please keep in mind that large scale plastic models are not scaled-up versions of their smaller diecast cousins. They are pre-assembled from a large number of components and production compromises are often made to keep them within reach of the casual collector's budget. Factory painting, glueing and alignment discrepencies are often visible upon close inspection. The models arrive paritially deconstructed and do require time to un-package and assemble prior to display. Assembly mostly consists of pushing together snap-fitting parts, although a little attention with a sharp hobby knife and/or superglue is sometimes required to achieve the best fit.
In summary, with a little effort, these models can make fantastic, attention-grabbing showpieces from a reasonable viewing distance. Up close however, their more toy-like qualities will become apparent. We regret that we are unable to accept returns on these items for minor fit and finish issues.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
