As popular as the F4U corsair is for modelers, it is surprising that there are not more decal sheets devoted to this plane, especially in 1/72. Well, Superscale saw that and produced a number of sheets to cover different variants. This is the only sheet I know of that is for the later F4U-1D, the others being for the F4U-1 and -1A versions.

There are three aircraft on this sheet, all of them in overall sea blue. All of them are from the early 1945 period when the geometric carrier ID markings were so prevalent. To many of us, this is one of the more interesting periods of WWII naval aircraft markings. Navy aircraft of the time were generally pretty boring, so these markings add a lot to a model.

There are enough insignia for all three subjects and enough stencil data for two.

The first subject is listed as an FG-1C, but there was no such animal so it must be a typo referring to an FG-1D. The FG-1D was just an F4U-1D built by Goodyear. Same plane. Anyway, this one is from VC-85 aboard the USS Shangri-La and uses a white lightning bolt as its identifier.

Next is another FG-1D from VF-83 aboard the USS Essex. It uses a sort of checker pattern on the wing and tail.

Finally a real F4U-1D from VMF-122 aboard the USS Bennington. This aircraft has small arrows for its identifier. While somewhat unusual, USMC units are all supposed to be carrier capable and did (and still do) serve aboard carriers from time to time.

A great sheet for your new Taimiya 1/72 F4U-1D.

Review copy courtesy of me and my now empty wallet!

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