FG-1D, VMF-511, 82, USS Block Island, 1945

This was built as my contribution to a group build, “Who’s the Boss?” wherein we had to build any of the then new Hobbyboss kits. I chose this subject simply because the side number was 82, my graduating class. Additionally, the Block Island was used at the Naval Academy as a training ship post war.

The Subject

VMF-511 was one of the first USMC squadrons to deploy on escort carriers with the F4U Corsair, being part of an all USMC air wing onboard the USS Block Island (CVE-106). Uniquely, 511 was originally to be used to attack V-1 sites in France, but that mission was cancelled after the Allies moved through France quickly.

VMF-511’s Corsairs were all Goodyear built FG-1D, essentially identical to the F4U-1D. 511 eventually deployed to the Pacific, first engaging in the fighting off Okinawa supporting Marines on the ground, and then supported the Australian’s landing on Balikpapan. After the war they supported the repatriation of prisoners of war from Formosa back to the US as part of the crew from the Block Island.

Shortly after the war VMF-511 was decommissioned.

The Model

This is one of the Hobbyboss line of “easy model” kits, and I have to say it is very easy. Because the cockpit has limited detail and the wing is one piece as is the fuselage, it all went together within an hour, and that includes a slight amount of cleanup around the wing-fuselage joint. The hardest part was filling the trenches for the rocket launchers, which instead of being stubs are long pieces of plastic card that fit into slots. If you are young (or young at heart) and want this mainly for play then that’s not an issue.

Paint was very easy, all over Glossy Sea Blue; I used Aeromaster’s enamel. I painted the engine and tires separately and then installed the canopy. It looks a bit tall, but otherwise not too bad. For some reason many of the Hobbyboss canopies have this fault, sitting too tall on the kit.

After a coat of Future (Klear) the kit decals went on without a hitch using the Microscale system of Sol and Set. I followed that with another coat of Future to seal it all in.

Summary

Given all the “not quite right” Corsairs on my shelf, this one is not out of place. I have a couple more given the shape is fairly accurate and that affords an inexpensive means of having more Corsairs in more markings. If you want an easy, quick, “builder’s block” buster, this is the kit.

Thanks for looking…