Guillow's Vought F4U-4 Corsair Model Kit, Navy

I received the package earlier than stated. Upon initial inspection, I am surprised with the amount of detail. This looks engaging at the very least and well worth the money for a model. It looks promising as an RC Conversion as well. For the price point it ticks off all the boxes: Value for money, Quality, Attention to Detail and looks like it will be fun. I’ll comment again when I’m knee deep and also finished. I’ve seen what people can do to these Guillows kits so if it is a complete failure I’ll have to own 90% or more.

I've built a number of Guillows kits but this is certainly the most complex in terms of operational features. The builder has the option to include movable flaps, ailerons, elevators and rudder. A droppable bomb. Folding wings. Retractable landing gear as well as various flying capabilities. I'm building it as display only but plan on using some of the options to create a more realistic appearance. The instructions are very detailed, if somewhat overwhelming. All in all, I'm really enjoying the build. Hopefully, the results will be as enjoyable. Update: I've reached the point where I'm applying the decals and have noticed that the "star and bar" insignias appear to be too large as compared to photos of actual aircraft. It's not a deal breaker but something you might want be aware of.

Have only done the fuselage as yet. Its a lot of work and honestly poor balsa quality on majority of the parts. With some modeling experience one can deviate from the plans and use scrap balsa to redefine areas. The retractable tailwheel function I could not get to work, however I made a plan B and got a different way of retracting the tailwheel. Nevertheless its a great looking model on the way and certainly alot of work! I made the sliding canopy and moving parts. The wing to go! Shame the plastic parts ex. The pilot is a shocker. Alot of money for poor plastic and soft low budget wood in my opionion. * I finished it in the end with moving parts, retractable undercarriage etc. As above deviated alot from the plans as the wood, plastic are poor! The plans out dated! But it is modelling at the end of the day so have fun but expensive kit for what the quality of product is, however is catchy model if can make a plan 😄

Challenging. Not at all a pro, haven't done this since I was a kid, 58 now and enjoying even with my mistakes.

Everything is included in the kit

Could be hugely improved if all the balsa parts were laser cut. Laser cut parts come off cleanly. Press cuts are often hard to see the lines and also may not be cut completely through. Press cuts required much more knife work to remove the parts. Why would they not cut all with the laser?

Very detailed. Been fun starting to build.

Tough kit for a beginner. Most of the parts are die cut while the rest are laser cut. The kit was complete, but some of the balsa is quite soft and extreme care is needed during the entire build. I doubled up on the formers and renotched all the parts to accept 1/8" stringers. It's a nice looking plane.