Author Topic: "Heritage Series" (Read 925 times)

Saxman · « **on:** January 18, 2008, 07:26:06 PM »

Thanks to a tip and a link from the Buc's newest recruit, I've learned that there WAS, in fact, a VMF-251 operating in the Pacific during WWII. While I'm finishing the metallic/aluminum-painted F4U and 17740 I'll also be working on a set of three skins specifically for the squadron. The first is one of a few 1As I've seen painted in over-all Glossy Sea Blue.

This is the original aircraft. It was destroyed during a landing accident after an air strike, when the bomb failed to release. After returning to the field, the pilot touched down successfully, but the impact jarred his bomb loose. It struck the ground and bounced up to lodge in the rear fuselage where it exploded. The pilot, who's name appears in the photo credit, survived the accident.

Given how relatively intact much of the airframe is despite the fact a bomb exploded INSIDE the rear fuselage, I'm surprised the Corsair in the game breaks up so easily.

A quick preview of the aircraft. At this time the squadron operated under the designation VMO-251 and had a history dating back to the Battle of Guadalcanal. Though their contribution isn't as well documented as the other combatants, VMO-251 was involved in the campaign from the beginning and flew a mix of F4F-3P armed photo-reconnaissance Wildcats as well as the standard F4Fs, and operated both as supplements to fill out the other squadrons, and at squadron-strength in their own right once the full unit was moved to Cactus. I also have found photos of one of VMO-251's Wildcats that I'll be doing for the F4F-4.

The squadron was later (after the time of the photo above) redesignated VMF-251, and I have photos of an F4U-1D from the squadron that I will also be doing as part of a "Squadron Heritage" series.

Spikes · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:05:00 PM »

I like the top view of the Corsair, looks very sleek with that blue.

oboe · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2008, 10:44:23 PM »

I'm not sure about this, but when the aircraft was painted dark blue like that, did the Navy keep the other shade of blue in the star insignia? I think I've seen it with the blue in the insignia deleted...

Saxman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2008, 01:27:01 AM »

I think it varied and some aircraft kept the insignia blue roundel. Unfortunately there's not enough left of the insignia on this bird to tell for sure.

oboe · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2008, 12:51:23 PM »

What an incredibly tough bird though!

Saxman · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2008, 12:24:44 AM »

Updated pics! I'm tentatively calling this one "Done" unless someone knows of another pic of a VMO-251 F4U-1A without the insignia blue surround and field on the roundel.

MotleyCH · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2008, 04:01:47 AM »

Can't wait to fly that one...

Very nice job

Saxman · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2008, 02:40:21 PM »

First look at an F4U-1D of VMF-251. By February 1945, VMO-251 was redesignated and assigned to the Phillippines.

The original aircraft

Same angle view of the skin. The square marking on the vertical stab, and the step on the starboard side are darker than the white of the MoDex number and roundel, so look like they may be a different color (possibly yellow?)

VMF-251 also changed their squadron insignia on the cowl.

Obviously, still need to chip the paint, add the smoke/fuel/oil, fuel tank taping, dirt, etc.

Saxman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2008, 07:30:32 PM »

And finally, a first look at an F4F of VMO-251.

First, pics of two of the historical aircraft. 251MO1 and 251MO11

And the skin of 251MO1. And yes, I know I need to fix the MoDex number and the number panel on the aircraft's cowl lip.