Splash's A-7D Corsair II

[splash]

HobbyBoss
A-7D Corsair II
Scale 1/72

[splash]

I have had a non model building weekend and just noticed I had missed the start of the GB.

This kit looks like it should be a good build it has a lot of fine engraved surface detail and several panels that can be left off with plenty of detail straight out of the box.

I will start cutting plastic tomorrow.

[jssel]

I like the panel detail. Looks like a keeper. What little trivia about the A-7 is this: This was the only aircraft in the unit with a shark mouth. Note tail number for the 354th FG.

I'll be watching this one.

[Dirkpitt289]

Looks like there is some nice detail in this kit. I look forward to watching this build. Do us proud Splash!

[splash]

Thanks Jeff for the info on the sharks mouth.

A little progress made today in between job hunting, I have started to spray the minor parts on the sprue, so far I’m impressed with the detail, the undercarriage even has the brake lines molded in and as you can see from the photo the avionics bays look quite detailed even just with a coat of yellow chromate, once they have been fully painted, dry brushed and finally given an oily wash I think they should look OK.

[splash]

This kit is a bit of a strange beast on the one hand the detail on parts is first class, but on the other hand the cockpit is blank, No detail or decals for the ip or switches either side of the cockpit. It also has awkward joins from the sprue

I have another HobbyBoss Corsair in my stash the A-7P, the Portuguese version with the attractive 64,000 Horas markings on the tail (Big tiger with open mouth on one side and a bird of preys head on the other) now this does have decals for the IP so did HobbyBoss just forget them in this version?

[jssel]

Interesting sprue gates there. I love the detail however. This is looking really sharp.

[splash]

Stuck for IP decals, I have scanned the other decals I have for the other A-7P and printed them on to photo paper, I will try to cut them out and mount them on the IP.

Photo to follow if it works.

Regards
Splash

[JamesPerrin]

. It also has awkward joins from the sprue

My Trumpeter SuperSabre had these, I think the idea to to stop the leading edge getting damaged.

[splash]

. It also has awkward joins from the sprue

My Trumpeter SuperSabre had these, I think the idea to to stop the leading edge getting damaged.

I think you are right as its on a very thin section of the tail.

Regards
Splash

[splash]

To be fair, Hobbyboss does provide all the detail that you can see in an A-7 cockpit (i.e the cables behind on the parcel shelf). I'd get some Mike Grant Instrument decals if I were you.

I fully agree with Brews.

I haver checked three other versions of the A-7 by HobbyBoss and they all include decals for the I.P and side panels, it looks like it is only this version that they do not include the decals.

I have copied the decals onto photo card, cut them out and stuck them in with PVA glue and I’m happy with the end results, once the canopy is closed they should look OK.

[jssel]

Great looking pit. Looks busy enough.

[Molly-new]

Looking good Splash. I like the tip of using photo card for replacement decals.

[shangos70]

Nifty save on the instrument decals !

[splash]

Time to get back to work on this build, tonight I built the wings and have cleaned up the joints ready to stick the wings.

As it's to cold to work in my room i have reverted to the good old tea tray.

I should have time tomorrow to plod on with this build and the Dambuster I'm building for the four engine GB.

Regards
Splash