The Saga of The F2G Super Corsair

Building the models  Part 3 of 4

by Rodney Williams

My ongoing research on the Corsairs began in 1984.  That's when I joined a local  "I.P.M.S./U.S.A. model club.  I wanted to build one of the F2G Racing Corsairs, so I ask club members where I can buy the kit.  I was told that there were none available, and that  you had to convert a F4U-1A kit to the F2G.  Hey!!! I'm  new at this.  I'm a "out-of-the-box" builder, what's this conversion stuff??  

(click on the thumbnails below to view the full size images)

1/32 and 1/72 models

photo of real plane after crash	1/32 scale model of crashed plane	true color	1/32 scale #57 photo appears on Aviation USK box

Well, I soon learned, and by 1987, my 1/32 scale F2G-1D Race #57 was finished.  It took first place at the 1987 I.PM.S./U.S.A. National Contest in Washington D.C.

A "NOVICE" builder!!  why a complicated F2G????   

At about the same time in 1984, I was surfing the pages of FineScale Modelers magazine.  An ad was placed by Jim Butler, who was affiliated with "THE SOCIETY of AIR RACING HISTORIANS." located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jim put me onto Ron Eminger of Cleveland, who had built #57 in 1/32 scale. Between Ron & Jim I received lots of information on the F2G's, including some rare color photo's of #57.

In 1987, Jim gave me Harry Doan's address in Florida.  Harry owned # 57, and had planned to rebuild the aircraft.  On March 29, 1987, I recorded a telephone conversation I had with Harry, and one with Cook Cleland, the original owner of #57.  More good information.

For years, Jim tried to find the B.U. No. for #57.  Harry and Cook said it was #88458. 

Folding wings

They also clarified that all the racing Corsairs had hydraulic folding wings, and they were converted from the F4U-4/FG-4 airframe.   

correct engine	incorrect engine	photo of exhausts

All F2G racers had the P. & W. R-4360-2/4, 28-cylinder engine.  There were 7-cylinders in each bank.  There were four banks.  There were 7-magnetos in front of the first row of cylinders.  On each side of the a./c.  there were 4-exhaust stacks, and 6-exhaust stacks on the underside of the 3-cowl flaps. 

To date, I've built 2-1/32 scale F2G's, and two 1/72 scale F2G's.  I used the 1/32 Revelle F4U-1A kits.  For the second two models, I used the "Aviation-Usk" kits.  Like any kit, they all have there good and bad points.  It would take maybe 30-pages of written information on my 1/32 scale models, so I'll forget that, and show a few photos.

Aviation USK kit	Aviation USK kit decals

For my 1/72 scale models.  The kits have a good outline on the fuselage for the F2G. 

modified tail hook opening	modified tail wheel extension

The tail hook opening had to be closed up.  

modified rear deck

A rear deck had to be cut in, aft of the cockpit.  A 23" long canopy tip has to be installed onto the top of the fuselage spine, aft of the rear deck opening.

Canopy mold	mold and canopies

A new canopy mold must be made, as they used a canopy from the P-47.  The P-47 canopy came from the Hawker Typhoon.  This style of canopy was used on two cut-down F4U-1A Corsairs; (B.U. No's. 14091 & 14092).  They were "NEVER" used on the production F2G'S.  A entirely "NEW" canopy was designed and used.  I had to revised the "auto-bondo" mold a few times, so the canopy would fit, that's why some of the canopy  frame lines were sanded off.  I also coated the mold with super-glue, then sanded it smooth with #2000 wet/dry sandpaper.  If, you do not get any dust particles on the mold, you need not sand the inside of the canopy, just dip it into Future.  Once dried, mask and paint on canopy frame lines on the inside/outside, then re-dip in future a few times.
  

real exhausts	kit cowl flaps	exhaust opening

Exhaust ports on the underside has to be cut-in for the 6-exhaust stacks.  The main wheel wells must be closed in.  

real intake openings	kit's modified openings

The wing air inlets are different on the F2G's, so they must be changed.  Note, the inlets on #57 are factory, while the ones on #74 are revised by Cook Cleland.  

kit seat before	kit seat after	instrument panels	instrument panel installed

The cockpit is fair, but you need to add armor plate and roll bars to #57; (this was on all F2G's).  They removed some of the bars in some of the racers. 

Kit engine

The kit engine has a 9-cylinder arrangement, which can be changed.  The kit prop is correct @ 14' dia.  

beautiful resin air-scoops

The  two extra cast resin air-scoops are excellent.  

Decals and drawings

The decals are fine, except the SOHIO logo.  They have it in Red/White/Black.  It was Red & White only.  

more decals

I used "Microscale" decal sheet #87-420  1930's & 40's Commercial Signs.  They have three sizes, and they match close enough to 1/32; 1/48; & 1/72.

scratch built and dramatically improved main gear wheel wells  (ARC Editor)

1/72 scale F2G SUPER CORSAIR Racer #57

1/72 scale F2G SUPER CORSAIR Racer #74

With a few shortcomings, the final outcome is really worth the time spent on
the models; (estimate 150-175 hours on each model.)

Happy modeling:  Rodney Williams

P.S. Check out some of my other models on >>  www.skywriters.net  <<<

Part 1 of this article tells about  "The F2G Racing Years"	Part 2 of this article tells about "The scrapping or restoration of some of these historic racers."	Part 4  "The final chapter"