This is an FG-1D Corsair of VBF-83, USS Essex (CV-9), May 1945. Markings are from Starfighter Decals sheet 72-143. The geometric shapes on the wings and tail were known as “G markings” and were used to identify the air groups of the parent carrier. They were used during the first half on 1945. However, these proved difficult to describe over the radio, and were soon replaced with letters.








Beautiful build Jeff.
– What modifications did you make to the Tamiya kit to make it an FG-1D? If memory serves, I believe they were different from the standard F4U-1/-4?
– What paint did you use for that blue?
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Thanks Warren! That’s a can of worms. The FG-1D was a Goodyear-built F4U-1D. There are some who say they were exactly the same. Others point out several modifications (panel lines on a model) to cite differences. There is debate whether the “differences” were just production-line changes common to both production lines or true differences. Paint is most likely Model Master enamel.
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Thanks Jeff! I’d “heard” for years that you had to do all of these mods, etc. to get this. Thanks for clearing this up.
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That’s a Dana Bell-level question, for sure! Probably analogous to the differences between the P-51B and P-51C.
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