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This is the Tamiya  1/48th F4U-1A Birdcage Corsair kit #61070, which I think might be the most accurate 1/48th scale Corsair kit to date.   There is also no need for expensive aftermarket add-ons.   The kit features a nicely detailed engine, finely engraved panel lines, two canopy styles, provisions for folded or dropped wings and flaps, and nicely executed fabric textures on the wings and stabilizers.   With all those options included, I decided to build it out of the box.

The paint and markings represent a Corsair of VF-17 "The Jolly Rogers".   Even though VF-17 was one of the first carrier qualified Corsair squadrons, they deployed to the PTO in October 1943 as a land based unit on Ondongo in the Solomon Islands.   Period photos of these aircraft show the effects of the harsh tropical weather and the lack of proper maintenance facilities.

The model was painted with Testors Model Master Acryl Navy Blue Grey #4847 over Light Grey FS 36495.   To achieve the severely weathered appearance of the VF-17 Corsairs, the model was post shaded with slightly darker and slightly lighter versions of the base colors all applied with a 40-year-old Pasche H airbrush.

The panel lines were accentuated with a drafting pencil, and a few streaks and stains were applied using burnt umber artist oils mixed in Turpex.   This is one of Tamiya's best kits and an easy build with no real issues.   Actually, the only problem I experienced was self-inflicted.   The decals are from the kit combined with some from the spares box.   I am happy with the results, and the model has done well on the contest circuit with two 2nds, a "Best Navy Subject" and a 3RD at the IPMS R-4 Regional.