F4U-1A Corsair somewhere on Pacific Islands

So, here we start with a new project - "must be done item in 1/32", famous Tamiya kit. I begin with the office - I don't bother the pin marks, they won't be visible when fusalge halves will be closed. Painted with Gunze C351. I have ordered a set of wet transfers from HGW for this project, having previous positive experience with them when doing FW190 and applying positive rivets. But the set contains two types of stencils on a sheet, wet transfers and regular stencils. And the regular stencils for the cockpit turned out to be the nightmare - it was impossible to remove them from carrier paper, they were tearing apart with a just little touch. I thought it was because I kept them too long in water but it was not the case. They were tearing into pieces even when gently moist with a brush. The first stencil with the diagrame I managed sucsesfully placed on proper position with no major problem but the other one beneath I had to place in three separete pieces. Other were cracking and falling apart, eventaully I gave up very disapointed. I ordered stencils from Barracuda and had to wait three weeks for the delivery.I wanted be smart and save some money but now I had to pay twice. At least I still have the wet transfers for the markings on the outside which Barracuda does not provide....  

The last successful attempt with HGW stancils, once postioned does not try to move it. Some chipping with hairspray. 

Meanwhile when waiting for Barracuda stencils to arrive,I did some work on the tail section. 

I have used Yahu IP. After a few correction to make it fit with a kit part I am happy with the look. Yahu products will always be my first choice, there is nothing you can compare to it in terms of quality of details and sharpness. 

Cockpit done with Barracuda stencils. They were much easier to handle then those from HGW, after couple of seconds in water they easily moved out from the carrier paper with sharp ended tweezers. I have choosen Corsair staioned on Pacific Islands, so I heavily used light grey pin wash to imitate dust and sand from outside. 

The seat belts obviously from HGW, as well heavily washed. 

Did some extra wiring. 

My attempt to make the excellent Tamiya's P&W R-2800 engine. I am not very happy with the ignition wirings which were made of lead wire - there were 0,2 mm size and very prone to bend in places where I did not intend. It took me two evenings to finish it. I must work out some different sort of materials for the future projects. 

On a remot Pacific island...