Tamiya 61085 1/48 Vought F4U-1D Corsair w/"Moto-Tug" Aircraft Series No.85

Tamiya 61085 1/48 Vought F4U-1D Corsair? w/"Moto-Tug" Aircraft Series No.85

(Corsair Dimensions) Length: 205mm, Wingspan (Extended): 236mm; ("Moto-Tug" Dimensions) Length: 62mm, Width: 29mm

Distinctive features of the F4U-1D variant such as the higher pilot position and broader propeller blades have been accurately reproduced.

Model may be assembled with either folded or extended wings.

Includes parts for two drop tanks and eight rockets.

"Moto-Tug" includes parts for two types of tow bars.

Pilot and driver figures as well as three aircraft marking options are included.

This set combines the F4U-1D Corsair with a "Moto-Tug", a little tractor which was used to position aircraft around the decks of Navy carriers during WWII. They are ideal as a small vignette on their own or as part of a larger diorama.

Fast and heavily armed, the Corsair dominated opposing Japanese aircraft in the latter half of WWII. Following the initial F4U-1 and F4U-1A variants which were flown from land bases by the U.S. Marine Corps, the F4U-1D introduced in April 1944 was the first official carrier-capable version. It had a raised pilot seat position, bubble canopy and broader propeller blades. In addition to its six 12.7mm machine guns, it had two additional pylons on the inner wings as well as the ability to carry eight rockets on the outer wings. The type was used as a fighter-bomber in attacks against the Japanese home islands from February 1945.

WWII U.S. aircraft carriers, from the large fleet carriers down to escort carriers, had many of these little tractors to increase the efficiency of flight deck operations. Powered by a 45hp engine, it was capable of pulling approximately 1.8 tons.