FG-1D Corsair, BuNo 92050 “Race 94” or “Big Hummer” – RENO (1963–1972)
Scale: 1/48
Base kit: Tamiya F4U-1D
Subject: FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050 – Reno Racer “Race 94 / Big Hummer”
Builder inspiration: Patrice Fresnel
Introduction
The FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050, popularly known as “Race 94” or “Big Hummer”, competed in the Reno Air Races between 1963 and 1972. high-speed races.
This 1/48 build focuses on capturing this transformation: cleaner lines, reduced military hardware, and a refined natural metal racing finish.
Cockpit Modifications
The cockpit was simplified to reflect its racing configuration.
Oxygen tubing and system built from scratch
Completely rebuilt instrument panel
Reorganized instruments using airscale-style decals
Interior green on lower sidewalls
Black/dark gray on upper panels
The approach was intentional: functional, minimalist, and geared toward prison rather than combat.
Fuselage Modifications
A number of structural changes were made to better represent the racing configuration:
Shorter wing tips
Antenna mast removed
Ailerons modified to sit in an upright/neutral position
Cut and replace flap cylinders for improved realism
Reduced rear wheel well size
Resized rear wheel doors
Removed interceptor hook
These changes significantly improve the silhouette, enhancing the aerodynamic presence of the aircraft.
Landing gear and propeller
Replacement rims with aftermarket ones from Bregun
Spinner adapted from a 4-blade P-51 unit and modified to fit a 3-blade Hellcat propeller
While functional, the spinner remains the weakest point of the build. It is slightly short and appears oversized in diameter. A custom spinner would likely improve accuracy and proportions.
Engine
The engine was mostly left stock from the Tamiya kit, with additional ignition wiring added for depth and realism. Given the cowling configuration and racing focus, excessive detail was unnecessary.
Paint & Finish – Natural Metallic Racing Look
A reference image was scanned to design custom paint masks using a silhouette cutting machine. This allowed for precise alignment of panel markings and tones.
Paint Process:
Black Primer Base
Covering Phase
Tamiya Silver Base
Metallic Variation Layered Using:
Alclad (Multiple Shades)
AK Series Metallic
MRP White Aluminum
The tonal variation in all the aluminum was key to bringing the model to life. All panel delineations were carefully aligned following Kalgero’s drawings to maintain structural accuracy.
The goal was not a mirror-polished warbird, but a racing aircraft with subtle metallic shaping and visual depth.
Final Thoughts
The “Race 94 / Big Hummer” represents a fascinating phase in the Corsair’s life — stripped of its naval aggression, yet retaining its unmistakable presence.
This build was intended to balance:
Structural modification
Aftermarket enhancement
Controlled metal finish
If revisited, the rotating mechanism would be redesigned for better accuracy. In scale modeling, proportions matter more than glitz.
FG-1D Corsair ‘Race 94’: From WWII to Reno – History, Conversions & Modeling
