F4U-4 Corsair NAS Olathe Naval Reserve: The Last Fortress of the Bent-Wing Legends

F4U-4 Corsair NAS Olathe: The Last Fortress of the Bent-Wing Legends

Discover the story of Corsair No.5 (SN 97286), the unique paint schemes of the NART Corsairs from Olathe, and full instructions for the ultimate scale model representation!

 Introduction – A Corsair with American Soul

The F4U-4 Corsair No.5 (serial 97286) is one of the iconic “last active” Bent-Wing Fighters of the US Navy. Its story is tied to the legendary NAS Olathe in Kansas – a training station for pilots like John Glenn and Bob Barker.

History of Corsair No.5 (SN 97286)

• First appearance: Used at Naval Air Reserve Training (NART), Olathe

• Storage: Transferred to Litchfield Park NAS (Arizona)

• Export attempt: In 1959, Robert Bean attempted to export 22 Corsairs (including No.5) to Honduras – only 9 were sold

• Civil registration: Assigned N5215V

• Condition until 1972: Unrestored and left outdoors in Blythe (CA)

• Restoration: In 1973, Gustafson restored the aircraft to flying condition

• After 1987: Purchased by Kermit Weeks – today it flies in Red Bull colors

Forgotten Corsairs of Olathe – A Historical Overview

NAS Olathe, Kansas, played a crucial role in extending the life of the F4U Corsair series. As the jet age dawned, propeller-driven aircraft like the F4U-4 were gradually phased out. However, between 1954 and 1956, several squadrons under the Naval Air Reserve continued to fly the F4U-4 variant, most notably from Olathe and Seattle.

Olathe Corsairs are often forgotten due to fragmentary Navy records and inconsistent serial number listings. However, aviation historians and modelers have identified at least five F4U-4s assigned to Olathe near the end of their careers:

• Bureau Number 97264

• Bureau Number 97286 (No.5)

• Others unknown or partially confirmed

These Corsairs were among the very last in active naval use before being placed in storage at Litchfield Park NAS, Arizona, in mid-1956. Some of these aircraft retained their all-blue schemes, while others were overhauled and repainted in the newly introduced Light Gull Gray over Insignia White scheme.

 The Olathe Retirement

Following their deactivation, most of the Olathe Corsairs were stored outdoors, exposed to the elements. Unlike aircraft transferred to museums, these fighters were largely forgotten – lacking detailed logs, photographs, or even proper disposal records.

What makes the Olathe Corsairs notable in history is that they represent the end of an era – the last time bent-wing fighters operated under official U.S. Navy designation in homeland squadrons. Their legacy remains preserved through a handful of restored examples and the dedicated work of historians and modelers.

 Trivia: Several Olathe Corsairs were photographed during overhaul with a hybrid paint scheme – blue outboard wings and rudder, with gray/white fuselage and elevators – a result of incomplete repainting during their final service.

 The Mystery of NART Olathe Corsair Colors

The Corsairs at Olathe featured an unusual paint scheme. After the failed experiment of the “unpainted” finish, in February 1955 a new standard was introduced:

• FS-36440 Light Gull Gray (upper surfaces)

• FS-37880 Insignia White (undersides and elevator)

• FS-35042 Dark Sea Blue (outboard wings and rudder – remnants from previous schemes)

• Anti-glare panel: Non-specular Dark Sea Blue or Black

Common Mistakes in Modeling the Olathe Corsairs

Many scale modelers attempt to recreate Olathe Corsairs but fall into common pitfalls due to the aircraft’s obscure and transitional appearance. Here are a few of the most frequent errors:

1. Using overall Gloss Sea Blue for No.5 – While some aircraft remained all-blue, No.5 clearly carried a hybrid scheme of Light Gull Gray over White with blue outer wings.

2. Incorrectly assuming all Olathe Corsairs had the same scheme – The paint varied depending on overhaul timing and assigned squadron.

3. Missing faded fabric surfaces – The rudder and outboard wing panels were fabric and often weathered differently; they were not freshly painted.

4. Over-polishing the finish – Post-overhaul Navy aircraft typically had a semi-gloss or matte finish, especially after field use.

5. Incorrect stenciling or missing reserve squadron markings – NART aircraft sometimes carried specific reserve identifiers not found on combat-deployed aircraft.

This change applied to overhauled aircraft at San Diego before delivery to Olathe and Seattle. The No.5 aircraft carried this distinctive combination, blending old and new paintwork.

 FS Color Table & Brand Equivalents

 Note: Outboard panels and rudder remained unpainted due to cost and their fabric material, making them prone to faster wear and aging.

 References & Historical Sources

• WarbirdRegistry.org: SN 97286 aircraft history

• RCScaleBuilder: Replica Corsair No.5 paint scheme with FS color accuracy

• Tailspin Topics: Expert analysis on postwar US Navy paint transitions

 Recommended Kits & Decals

• Starfighter Decals (SFD72152) “Bent Wing Birds Pt.3” (1/72)

• HGW 248904 wet transfers for F4U-4 cockpit (1/48)

• Callie Graphics – custom NART/Olathe markings (RC scale)

• Quinta Studio 3D cockpit kits – for advanced realism

 Weathering & Modeling Tips for Corsair No.5

1. Pre-shading with Alclad metalizers – to replicate weathered base

2. FS-36440 with gloss finish – for authentic surface effect

3. Salt technique on flaps – to simulate Arizona sun fading

4. Dry brushing on wing edges – to highlight metal wear

F4U-4 Corsair – NAS Olathe, Kansas

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