FG4u-1D Corsair «Sally» SS-11 Espiritu Santos, VMF 122
“Sally” was no ordinary Corsair. It was literally created from the remnants of war: five damaged F4U-1As were assembled by the engineers of SS-11, a maintenance and support squadron at Turtle Bay, Espiritu Santo, during World War II.
Originally painted entirely in FS 25042 (Sea Blue). It bears the number “894” in white and a white vertical stripe on the keel, probably for friendly fire identification.
This aircraft did not have:
Equipment
Interceptor hook
Catapult system
Bomb or missile mechanism
Initially, it served as an aircraft dummy/target, painted in aluminum color (FS 17178) with black symbols and lines for high visibility. It was used for testing and pilot training.
Conversion to Reconnaissance.
The Transformation of “Sally”
Towards the end of 1944, “Sally” was refitted for reconnaissance missions and painted.
Item Description
Original color FS 17178 (aluminum) , black markings
Operational color FS 25042 (sea blue) , number 894 in white, white stripe on front. ( Early War Paint Guide)
Simplified cockpit – may not even have an instrument panel.
Manufacturing defects. Irregular joints, panel variations.
Aftermarket options. DIY number and “Sally” stickers, modifications from scratch.
The Corsair “Sally” exemplifies the chaos and ingenuity of the Pacific War. It does not appear in official records as a standardized serial number, but its existence is presumed from photographic documents, pilot and manufacturer records, which testify to instances of “Frankenstein” Corsairs — assembled from parts for survival and tactical purposes.
As the need for operational aircraft increased, SS-11 sought to keep as many Corsairs in the air as possible – even if it meant having to cannibalize (dismantle) others for spare parts.
The Sally was transferred to Peleliu, where she served as a reconnaissance ship for a limited time. Due to her improvised construction, she suffered mechanical failure and was destroyed before the end of 1944.
Model: Vought FG4u-1D Corsair
Name: “Sally”
Number: 894
Unit: Service Squadron Eleven (SS-11), later in support of VMF-122
Location: Turtle Bay – Espiritu Santo – New Hebrides – Peleliu
Year: 1944
Serial/Bu Number: 57797
Status: Destroyed late 1944
Ideal kits for base:
1/48 Tamiya F4U-1A – for realism and conversion
1/72 Hasegawa or Academy – for conversion testing
1/32 Trumpeter – for full scratch version
US WWII Primer Colors 10 Key Interior Colors and
