Display Build: "Here is the beginning of the Skyhawk display that will appear at the IPMS convention in July at Oklahoma city.
Fantastic yes? The Association Researchers have assisted with this so I thought you'd like to see this." Skyhawk Association - Joe Turpen
"Hello Scooter fans....took a few pics of the display as it is coming along. New center section with ordnance
will have Everett's A-4M on it, but my AF-1 will substitute for now. Graphics work needs to be complete as you can see. It will look awesome with all our Skyhawks aboard!" Earl Hosmer of the International Plastic Modelers Denver-Rob Wolfe Chapter.
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A4D-1 Construction Zone: , , .
It's A4D-1 BuNo.137814
This 1/48th scale A4D-1 (later redesignated A-4A) represents an early production Skyhawk, and was converted from the Hasegawa A-4C kit, although now that the B-model has been released in kit form this would be an easier choice. Modifications include shortening the nose and altering the profile. The inflight refueling probe was deleted and the mount on the starboard side of the nose was sanded off. A new "skinned" rudder was made from sheet styrene, with the trim tab scribed in. A small actuating rod on the port side was added. A new instrument panel was scratchbuilt, along with a few minor changes to the side consoles. Simulated fabric was added to the cockpit sidewalls using tissue paper and white glue. The kit ESCAPAC ejection seat was converted into the NAMC seat used in the A-models, and detailed out with harness and fittings. The interior of the canopy features the prominant ribbed cushions and other details. The subject aircraft was not fitted with guns so the gunsight and HUD were removed. Backdating the exterior involved fillling in many of the scoops and openings in the fuselage....use the Ginter book as a reference. Finish is in Natural Metal, using SNJ spray metal in a variety of shades, along with decal film and Bare Metal foil panel enhancements. Markings are a combination of the kit decals (national markings), some cobbled together serial numbers and NAVY markings from Superscale A-4B and F-8 sheets, and the large "814" numerals came from a Superscale Soviet tactical number sheet.
Two photos from Earl Hosmer on a VA-22 A-4f under construction.
Argentine Air Force A-4P BuNO 142862 C242:
Argentine Air Force A-4P Pic1, by Earl Hosmer of International Plastic Modelers Society Denver-Rob Wolfe Chapter." Provided by Joe Turpen, Skyhawk Association Modeler and Researcher
The A-4P was the mainstay of the Argentine Air Force attack squadrons during the 1982 Falklands War. This model was built using the 1/48th scale Hasegawa A-4C kit as the starting point (now that the A-4B is out in kit form this would be the kit to buy since the P was a refurbished B-model Skyhawk). The A-4B had a different instrument panel than the C-model but since I was going with a closed canopy, I used the kit cockpit as is with some extra detailing. I also detailed out the kit ejection seat. Exterior modifications include shortening and re-profiling the nose, adding the saddle-type ADF antenna on the dorsal spine, and making the two rod antenna on either side on the vertical stabilizer. Several scoops on the C-model had to be filled in as well. The paint is Poly Scale acrylic,mixed to match photos of the Argentine Air Force A-4Ps during the 1982 war, which also included the field-applied yellow wing-tips used for identification. markings are from the Aztec in Mexico and represent an A-4P which destroyed the Royal Navy frigate HMS Antelope with a 1000lb bomb delivered from masthead height. The brave Argentine pilot was killed seconds after weapons release by a British Sea Wolf missile.
The OA-4M (23 made) was based on the TA-4F 2-seater which had full combat capability, and was used by the Marines beginning in 1978. It differs from the TA-4F in having an abbreviated avionics “hump” similar to the A-4F/A-4L/A-4M. The USMC used the OA-4M as a FAC and flying command post.This model is based on the Monogram 1/48th scale OA-4M kit. All raised panel lines and detail were removed, and panel lines scribed. Cockpit is out of the kit with a LOT of added detail…instrument panels are scratch built. Wheel wells, landing gear, and canopy are extensively detailed. Spoilers cut out and raised, with scratch built actuators. Sheet plastic intake trunk and compressor face was added, as was a new tailpipe. Markings are an assortment of SuperScale low-vis decals from several sheets, exact unit unknown (the kit decals are wretched!).
The A-4L is a modest upgrade to 100 A-4C airframes to reinforce A-4 units in Vietnam if necessary. They were fitted with A-4F avionics humps, but retained the J65 engine and 3-hardpoint configuration. As luck would have it, the L-models were never needed for combat over SE Asia, and most were used as trainers and “hacks” by reserve units. Many found their way to Malaysia as A-4PTMs following their Navy service. The model is based on the excellent Hasegawa A-4C kit, which includes the avionics hump and all antenna needed to make this simple conversion. I built mine mostly out-of–the-box except for some added detail in the cockpit and brake lines. Markings are from Eagle Strike and depict a colorful Bicentennial scheme for VA-204, a naval reserve unit. This was a very easy and fun conversion to the superb A-4C kit.
Theses two shots are of a VA-22 A-4F from Earl of the IPMS/Denver-Rob Wolfe Chapter (International Plastic Modelers Society) who is building the exhibit.