I was wondering if anyone out ther could tell me if you should have the red edges where the wings fold and the opened wheel well doors on a F4u-1D. Does this matter??

Thanks

Hi Chris,

I'd say it's entirely up to you. There are some modellers who will try and make the exact replica of a historically correct a/c, while others will just use the box painting layout and decals to make the model. Experienced folks will do it the first way, while newbies go for the second way.

So, if you are modelling a picture from a reference picture or book , you'll be correct in making it conform exactly to the details in the pic/book .

I checked up at the Tamiya site, and there are no such markings..
Tamiya Corsair

Also, here are some addnl links(from www.aircraftresourcecenter.com)
Link 1
Link 2

(I saw the second one, and couldn't find the red markings that you are referring to..Hope the links help )

Go with whatever pleases you; after all you can't please all the people all the time.... If it makes you happy, then it's the way the model has to be made !

Just my 2 cents...

BP.

Thanks BP. The links helped a lot. I have decided to not go with the red edges.

I just wish I could make mine look like the one on the Tamiya site .

Chris,

Tamiya always seemed to do the red edging bit in their ads to highlight detail areas. they did the same thing with a lot of their cutaway model ads in the '70's as well.

The red edging on USN/USMC aircraft ROUGHLY coincides with the introduction of the gull gray/white scheme in the 1950's. From what I've always been told, it was kind of a safety measure -- whether it was for in-air checks of hatch and door integrity or to prevent unwary deck personnel from walking into a narrow-edged gear door, I can't say.

Hope this helps, and enjoy that Corsair -- it's a beauty!!