**** DONE: 1/48 A-4C Skyhawk-Mig Killer - Carrier Aircraft GB

[fubar57]

Agree with Terry. I've built 2 hurricanes and a couple of others without pain. I think the problem with the A-4 series is they are trying to get too many versions from a base kit. Aside from different nose parts, the fuselage halves can be split in half. Anyhoo, mud has been applied and the sanding frenzy will soon start.

Geo

 

[A4K]

I like that Evan. I like to use wet/dry sandpaper as it can be moistened with tears.

Geo

Don't forget the blood Geo - noticed the 'red filler'

 

[Wayne Little]

 

[meatloaf109]

I did several from their '109 series, they were fine. It seems to be the Skyhawk series.
Keep at it, it will come out alright!

 

[fubar57]

Second layer of mud applied and removed. One more slathering on the front should do it. Noticed a square hole aft of the starboard wheel well. Nothing is mentioned in the instructions though it does show that something is there. It's the same on the "C" version I have. Did some checking on a few modeling sites and the hole is definitely filled with a part. Time to root around the sprues and box.

Geo

 

[Rogi]

Keep going, you'll get there eventually Looking good so far

 

[A4K]

Yep, needs an antenna Geo. Squarish fin with a flat end plate.

 

[fubar57]

Bottom filled, sanded and checked. A couple of spots to do on the top, some fiddly bits added and this sucker is ready for painting. Thanks Evan, found it.

Geo

 

[Airframes]

Looks like you've got it sorted Geo - good stuff. Next stop - the coloured stuff!

 

[fubar57]

Last parts to be filled and sanded. The filler at the bottom is W.T.H. moment. It's a square indentation that the dorsal radome(?) slots into on the Argentine Version, the A-4B is clean. Hopefully have this done later tonight.

EDIT:Ohhhhh ..Just noticed on the picture, black wing-walks, none included in either decal version of the kit and wot the is that red dot on the starboard wing. I persevere.

Geo

 

[A4K]

Nice progress Geo!

That red dot - no idea, never seen that before. Nor black wing walks on an A-4 for that matter...

Methinks she's a test aircraft, possibly restored in USN markings: Antenna configuration is in RNZAF Project Kahu style (1986 upgrade program) - have never seen that antenna configuration on any US bird myself.

 

[Wayne Little]

Coming along nicely now!

 

[meatloaf109]

Excellent putty work! (Possible fuel point?)

 

[A4K]

Have just done a wee check and I do believe you're right Paul... have a photo of a model with that same red cap (never clicked on it before!) AND black wing walk markings on both wings! We live and learn...
Also have an Air BP advertisement photo showing an RNZAF serviceman pulling the tanker trucks hose towards the starboard (right) wing of an A-4K...

Still wondering about that antenna layout though, were USN birds also modified to 'Kahu' type configuration???

And some trivial info on that point:
The antenna behind the cockpit, as in the above pic, was originally a straight antenna positioned forward of the nose undercarriage on RNZAF birds, but replaced with a rearward sloping antenna behind the cockpit in 1991. The reason was simple, as demonstrated by a mate on our first walkaround tour of the A-4: walking round the nose area, and WHACK! He walked straight into the damn thing! He was far from the first to do so, and so those antennas were moved!

 

[fubar57]

Good call Paul. Here's our boy circled.

No worries on antenna configurations Evan. Hobbycraft give oodles of antenna and there are lots of pictures on this aircraft.
GENTLEMEN. May I present to you, my nightmare. Half as light in plastic....three times heavier with mud. And of course, the tail surfaces will need filler but I think I will use gap filling glue for that. Oh....a quick test fit of the drop tanks...yeah...filler. I persevere.

Geo

 

[Gnomey]

Looking good so far Geo!

 

[ccheese]

Looking good so far Geo!

Yes, it does...

Charles

 

[fubar57]

Thank you Charles and Dr. Gnomey. Off to camp now, back Sunday night. Have a good rest of your week gentlemen.

Geo

 

[rochie]

nice work Geo

 

[Airframes]

It's looking good Geo. But that diagram can't be right - it doesn't have captions stating 'S**t load of Filler' or 'Sand and File Here' .....