Chance Vought F4U-1A Corsair “White 86”

Aircraft

Chance Vought F4U-1A Corsair “White 86”

Pilot & Markings

Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington — VMF-214 “Black Sheep”, November 1943

Scale & Kit

1/48 Tamiya Model Kit

History

One of the greatest carrier-based aircraft of World War II, the F4U Corsair was a high-speed machine that could take severe punishment. Its 2,000 hp engine offered speeds of up to 671 km/h (417 mph), while 150 pounds of armour plating improved pilot safety. Furthermore, the Corsair out-performed its rival, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, in every aspect except slow speed manoeuvrability and rate of climb. With this aircraft, the US Navy recorded an exceptional 11:1 victory ratio throughout the conflict.

The model airplane featured in this gallery depicts the carrier capable F4U-1A Corsair Mk II variant. It was flown by Marine ace pilot Major Gregory Boyington of the VMF-214 “Black Sheep” Squadron. Boyington flew several Corsairs during his career, including the famous “White 86” represented in this Tamiya model. It’s very possible that this particular aircraft was only used for publicity photos and may have never seen actual combat. As per reference photos, the model airplane carries 20 misaligned victory flags on the port side which were applied slapdash and vary in size and position. Boyington went on to add many more victories to his tally. Several of these career victories were recorded in the early days of WWII while flying P-40 aircraft for the famous AVG Flying Tigers.

The 1/48 scale Tamiya model, as well as Eduard aftermarket seatbelts were used to produce the “White 86”. Color scheme is Dark Sea Blue over Intermediate Blue and Flat White. Enjoy these model airplane photos of the F4U-1A Corsair flown by Marine Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington.

Photo Gallery