Model of BuNo 137814It's A4D-1 BuNo.137814 Earl Hosmer of the International Plastic Modelers Denver-Rob Wolfe chapter. 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. 
|