Hello, my friends!

Though room, economical situation and wife's will try together to stop my collector fever, I succeeded in ordering by Antics UK Ltd the 1st HM 1/48 F4U-1A diecast model (HM-HA8201):

Ira Kepford's own "white 29" Corsair, belonging to VF 17 "Jolly Roger", on who he totalized 16 confirmed and 1 unconfirmed victories.

And here is the beast :

Here is a short biography, extract from Dave's HM Collector's site:

"Born Ira Cassius Kepford, he joined the USN Reserve in August 1941 and was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in April 1942.

On November 5, 1942 Kepford earned his wings and commission as Ensign, USNR.

In January 1943 he was assigned to the Fighting Squadron 17 the famous "Jolly Rogers," until March 1944.

He then transferred to the VF-84 until December 1944 when he once more transferred, this time to the staff of Commander Fleet Air, West Coast.

In May, 1945, he was promoted to Lieutenant and left active duty on November 7, 1945 to return to the USNR.

 
When he retired in June 1956 he was a Lieutenant Commander."

I long now for the delivery!!

Photos ASAP!

Take care

Jeff