GB-50 1/48 A-7E - Zombie Build

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Donivanp

Major
9,368
7,995
Feb 23, 2014
Katy Texas
Username : donivanp
First name : Don
Category : intermediate
Scale : 1/48
Manufacturer / Model : Hasegawa A-7E
Extras : SuperScale 48-738 VA-147 Argonauts

I started this kit a few years back and it got shelved, I can't recall why but suffice to say I would like to finish.
 
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Suffice to say started.
 

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Thanks guys, my intentions have been to do a VA-147 bird from the 1971/72 cruse aboard the USS Constellation with CVW 9.

The A-7 was a US Navy requirement to replace the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-147 was formed in Feb 1967 and received it's first A-7A in June of 67 and made it first combat deployment in December 67 with the A-7A.
A-7As_VA-147_taking_off_from_NAS_Lemoore_1967.jpg

VA-147 was the first A-7 equipped squadron followed by it stable mate VA-146. In 1970 they became the first to re equip with the A-7E taking it to war in south east Asia aboard the USS America and again in 71/72 aboard the USS Constellation.
1972
VA-147-Argonauts-015 may 72.jpg

This cruse was to have a very large up tick in operations as this was when North Vietnam's so called Easter Officine happened and Operation Linebacker was started. Randy Cunningham and Willie Driscoll would become the first US aces flying with VF-96.
F-4J_VF-96_Showtime_100_in_flight.jpg

Ironically The A-7E was a direct result of the USAF buying a Navy design and modifying it and then the Navy incorporating the USAF redesign back into it's own aircraft. Uprated engines and replacing the twin 20mm cannons for the single M61 six barrel rotary cannon among the many changes. So enhanced was the design that the A-7B line was canceled some 247 aircraft early to start the A-7E.

The decals I have are for post Vietnam markings. They were not greatly changes though and the reduction of the red fin cap is the majority of the changes needed as the squadron stayed with the USS Constellation for some years to come and the NG tail code of CVW-9. There were some changes to the scimitar on the tail some subtle some completely redesigned but as of 74/75 the design was the same.
The 1972 markings are difficult to see above but note the tail cap on the two below. by 72 the VA-147 marking on the lower forward section of the tail was domed like the 74 marking.
1974
VA-147-Argonauts-006.jpg

1968
VA-147-Argonauts-023 68.jpg


reference:
VA-147 Argonauts Attack Squadron US Navy A-7 Corsair II
 
Finding that there are a few missing items. Luckily I do have a few of these kits. The port sidewinder launch rail was broken so i used a micro saw to cut the rail off. I can find one from the parts boxes I'm sure.
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Also noted so panels see to be a bit recessed. Humm!

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