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Cutting
Edge decals Reviewed by
The first is for a Naval Reserve F4U-4
from Olathe, KS. The remaining option is for a Marine F4U-4B from
a later incarnation of the famous VMF-214. I'm a big VMF-214 fan so
I was particularly happy to see one of their aircraft included on
this new sheet. As usual, the decal sheet is crisply printed
and in perfect register. Happily, Cutting Edge has provided enough
national insignia to do both aircraft. This is a welcomed departure
from the second release in this series that permitted the builder
to do only one of the two aircraft on the sheet. Bravo to Cutting
Edge for giving builders who fancy building more than one F4U-4 the
opportunity to decal two birds with one sheet. A separate instruction sheet is included
which provides a brief overview of the aircraft represented. While
I am thrilled to see the Olathe Corsair included, I question the color
callouts provided for the airplane. I have photos of this aircraft
that clearly show dark sea blue upper outer wing panels whereas the
instruction sheet shows them as being painted light gull gray. My
pictures also show that one elevator was painted dark sea blue while
the other was painted white. Both of these are minor discrepancies.
Admittedly, my pictures were from a period when the aircraft had been
surplused and awaiting a new owner. It is possible that the markings
changed from the operational time period of the reference photos used
by Cutting Edge. I only point it out since I do have photos of the
exact airplane. The different elevators clearly could be the result
of a swap out from a different airplane but I suspect that if the
bottom of the outer wings was dark blue, then the tops were as well.
Ultimately, the builder will have to decide. NOTE: The armament configuration for the
F4U-4B was different from the standard F4U-4. It consisted of two
20mm cannon in each wing as opposed to the normal three .50 caliber
machine guns. This is noted in the instruction sheet, however, the
builder should consult detailed reference material as the location
of shell ejection ports and ammunition access doors differed between
the two airplane types. It will require a fair amount of work to make
the necessary modifications. Hopefully, Cutting Edge will come out
with a conversion set to take care of these modifications (hint, hint
#2 Dave!) Builders should also be aware that the windscreen changed
from a curved to a flat center panel at some point in the F4U-4 production
run. If total accuracy is desired, a check of bureau number ranges
to identify the flat windscreen Corsairs will need to be performed
and further conversion work done, if necessary. (My pictures of #7286
suggest that this airplane may have had a flat center panel in the
windscreen.) Ultimate Corsair guru Joe Hegedus has also informed me
that the VMF-214 F4U-4Bs had a bulged spine and taller canopy similar
to that on the F4U-5. Again, check those references if total accuracy
is your bag. The instructions and decals come packaged
in the customary zip lock bag. All in all this release provides some exciting
alternatives to the kit decals in the recommended Trumpeter F4U-4
kit and carries on the Cutting Edge tradition of superior quality. Highly recommended. I would like to thank Meteor Productions
for the review copy. The decals can be obtained directly from Meteor
at http://www.meteorprod.com
or at (703)-971-0500. They are also available from most hobby shops.
© Rafe Morrissey 2004 |
Cutting
Edge Modelworks CED32058 provides markings for two F4U-4 Corsairs.
Given the lack of kits of this model of the Corsair in 32nd scale,
few markings for -4s have been available up to now. In response to
the release of the 1/32 Trumpeter F4U-4, Cutting Edge has rectified
that situation with the release of the third in a series of decals
for this important and attractive variant of the famous bent-wing
bird.