New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
In not an expert on Skyhawk dimensions so can't give any views as to accuracy, but to my eye it looks like a Skyhawk a good little kit overall - in the sane vein of the recent Airfix re-tool releases.
It has a reasonably detailed cockpit with a four piece ejector seat and instrument decals. As it has a two piece canopy, if displayed open, there will be scope for scratch for after-market detail for those so inclined, but should look OK straight from the box too.
The panel lines are a little trench like, on a par with the Sabre, especially on the fuselage. The u/c bays are nicely detailed as are the engine inlet and exhaust outlet. There is a good looking pilot figure (hooray!), but mine appears to be disabled as he's lost his right foot!
A decent range of under-wing tanks and ordnance are supplied, but I believe some Falklands after-market accessories are already available from Freighdog Models.
Schemes and decals are supplied for a US Nary Skyhawk VA-96 "Green Lizards", USS Intrepid, 1966 in Grey and White, and for a Falklands War Argentine Skyhawk from Grupo 5 de Caza, Fuerza Aerea Argentina, Rio Gallegos, April 1982 in Camo. The decals are in register and nicely done.
After a little frotter, one area to watch out for is removing the fuselage from the sprue, as the attachments are rather solid and might need a small razor saw, especially for the one attached to the fin if you don't want to have to resort to filler afterwards, as I'll need to do now!
Overall I'm reasonably impressed as it's a definite improvement over the old tool Skyhawk. I'll go onto my build sooner than later list...
Bluesteel
You can never have too many Meteors/Chipmunks/Gazelles/Jet Provosts/EE Lightnings/Hunters/Harriers/Tiger Moths!
------------------------------------------------------
You can never have too many Meteors/Chipmunks/Gazelles/Jet Provosts/EE Lightnings/Hunters/Harriers/Tiger Moths!
------------------------------------------------------
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
I really really really want one.....
I like the extended slats feature on this one! The only thing that I feel is a bit less attractive, is the rather plain paintscheme Airfix has chosen for the US Navy example.
But is does look nice!!!
I like the extended slats feature on this one! The only thing that I feel is a bit less attractive, is the rather plain paintscheme Airfix has chosen for the US Navy example.
But is does look nice!!!
2012 A:02 B:29 C:00
On the bench : Buccaneer // B-52D // 1/48 Lancaster
Coming up : Spitfire XIV (SKGB)
On the bench : Buccaneer // B-52D // 1/48 Lancaster
Coming up : Spitfire XIV (SKGB)
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
The aftermarket is your friend, for different decals.
I believe that there's a suitable set out by Xtradecal.
REgards,
Bruce
I believe that there's a suitable set out by Xtradecal.
REgards,
Bruce
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
Great stuff. I need a mess of these.
Besting 60 years of mediocre building of average kits in the stand off scale
- Dirkpitt289
- NUMA's Auto Mechanic
- Posts: 8724
- Joined: May 2nd, 2011, 1:55 am
- Location: New jersey USA
- Contact:
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
This is a must get kit. Must get multiple ones...
.... Dirk
Beware of the DOG's of WAR
My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
Beware of the DOG's of WAR
My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
- bobblelink
- Active Participant
- Posts: 627
- Joined: May 6th, 2011, 2:20 pm
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
I have to say that I always thought the grey and white scheme very attractive- horses for courses!did_nev wrote:I really really really want one.....
I like the extended slats feature on this one! The only thing that I feel is a bit less attractive, is the rather plain paintscheme Airfix has chosen for the US Navy example.
But is does look nice!!!
currently on the go: Revell Blenheim I, Italeri Me210, Revell HMS victory, Revell 1/144 p-47
completions in 2012:8, completions in 2013: 13, Completions in 2014:10, Completions in 2015: 9, Completions in 2016: 8, Completions in 2017: 9, Completions in 2018: 12, completions in 2019:7, completions in 2020: 17
completions in 2012:8, completions in 2013: 13, Completions in 2014:10, Completions in 2015: 9, Completions in 2016: 8, Completions in 2017: 9, Completions in 2018: 12, completions in 2019:7, completions in 2020: 17
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
The grey and white is not the problem, the lack of some striking squadron-colours (except the green lizard on the sides then) is what I mean...bobblelink wrote:I have to say that I always thought the grey and white scheme very attractive- horses for courses!
something like this:
or this
But that's my opinion
2012 A:02 B:29 C:00
On the bench : Buccaneer // B-52D // 1/48 Lancaster
Coming up : Spitfire XIV (SKGB)
On the bench : Buccaneer // B-52D // 1/48 Lancaster
Coming up : Spitfire XIV (SKGB)
- Chuck E
- Established 1949
- Posts: 2424
- Joined: May 3rd, 2011, 8:05 pm
- Location: Darlington. Home of the Railways
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
A note to builders :
The red warning flashes need to be cut out and the upper and lower pieces added later and then painted in, otherwise they curve around the intakes too much.
The inner red lines also need to be trimmed for length.
Very nice model and a nice build. Mine is very nearly there now.
The red warning flashes need to be cut out and the upper and lower pieces added later and then painted in, otherwise they curve around the intakes too much.
The inner red lines also need to be trimmed for length.
Very nice model and a nice build. Mine is very nearly there now.
So many models, so little time.
- splash
- Senior Service Rotorhead
- Posts: 13828
- Joined: May 1st, 2011, 11:02 am
- Location: Somerset England
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
I agree Chuck I painted the red around the intake and as you said cut the red warning flashes off and added them over the painted red.Chuck E wrote:A note to builders :
The red warning flashes need to be cut out and the upper and lower pieces added later and then painted in, otherwise they curve around the intakes too much.
The inner red lines also need to be trimmed for length.
I found the kit to be a most enjoyable build with no real problems and with a very light post shade to break up the grey it looks the part.
Regards Splash
My work bench is starting to look like Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
Lovely Scooter, Alan.
Besting 60 years of mediocre building of average kits in the stand off scale
- bobblelink
- Active Participant
- Posts: 627
- Joined: May 6th, 2011, 2:20 pm
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
That is really nice!
currently on the go: Revell Blenheim I, Italeri Me210, Revell HMS victory, Revell 1/144 p-47
completions in 2012:8, completions in 2013: 13, Completions in 2014:10, Completions in 2015: 9, Completions in 2016: 8, Completions in 2017: 9, Completions in 2018: 12, completions in 2019:7, completions in 2020: 17
completions in 2012:8, completions in 2013: 13, Completions in 2014:10, Completions in 2015: 9, Completions in 2016: 8, Completions in 2017: 9, Completions in 2018: 12, completions in 2019:7, completions in 2020: 17
- Dirkpitt289
- NUMA's Auto Mechanic
- Posts: 8724
- Joined: May 2nd, 2011, 1:55 am
- Location: New jersey USA
- Contact:
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
Sweet build Flash
.... Dirk
Beware of the DOG's of WAR
My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
Beware of the DOG's of WAR
My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
- AndrewR
- In the basement lab
- Posts: 24108
- Joined: April 5th, 2011, 4:13 pm
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, The Great White North
- Contact:
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
That US scheme is on the aircraft on display on the USS Intrepid, which is now in New York, preserved as a museum. The Airfix team visited it to measure up for this kit ( it represents an A-4b after a number of in service mods, not an original A-4b as delivered from the factory).
Graham visited it in November with his grandparents. Wish I had been able to go...
There's also the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine, USS Growler. The guide who showed them round the Growler turned out to be a retired former Captain of the sub. Talk about knowledgeable guides...
Graham visited it in November with his grandparents. Wish I had been able to go...
There's also the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine, USS Growler. The guide who showed them round the Growler turned out to be a retired former Captain of the sub. Talk about knowledgeable guides...
Up in the Great White North
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
Can anyone tell me if the USN example given is for the Vietnam war? I have tried to research this and found that VA-95 saw action over Vietnam in 1966 but I have been unable to confirm that the specific example offered by Airfix was one such aircraft. I am almost convinced that it is, but would like some confirmation.
Re: New Tool Airfix Douglas A-4B4P Skyhawk
Hi jvenables.
I have found this link which shows that in 1966-7 VA95 deployed to SEA with the A-4B.
http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/va95/va95.htm;
Appears a safe assumption that the Airfix markings are for a SEA deployment bird. I also found a flight deck picture taken from the crows nest showing that very A-4 with the slanted AK on the wing. Thought at first Airfix hosed it. They indeed got it right.
Hope this helps you out.
I have found this link which shows that in 1966-7 VA95 deployed to SEA with the A-4B.
http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/va95/va95.htm;
Appears a safe assumption that the Airfix markings are for a SEA deployment bird. I also found a flight deck picture taken from the crows nest showing that very A-4 with the slanted AK on the wing. Thought at first Airfix hosed it. They indeed got it right.
Hope this helps you out.
Besting 60 years of mediocre building of average kits in the stand off scale