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Aussie A-4G Skyhawk FINISHED.


ericg

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Some more work.

 

I gave the model a coat of Tamiya clear Acrylic in preparation for decaling which I use due to its non aggressive and easy to use nature. I have used kit stencil data which is reasonably accurate for an Aussie A-4, and some of the Hawkeye decals. The Hawkeye stuff has been laser printed on clear deal film, so there is a need to underlay most of the decals with carefully cut white decal paper. Combine this with the fact that the decals are extremely thin and will warp and fold in upon themselves at the slightest touch and you have a pretty big challenge on your hands to get them looking good. I feel that some parts of the Hawkeye decals are approx 5% too big, which is a disappointment but unfortunately, they are the only ones which will produce the scheme that I am after that fill in the parts which I was unable to produce as masks. I am still to produce the pilots names decal that will sit on the port side under the windshield as I have finally found a picture which confirms that there were names painted there. I am just waiting for John to confirm he spelling of the name under his and then will proceed from there.

 

Here is an example.

 

First cut out a white decal triangle.

 

IMG_8230_zpsgzkronha.jpg

 

Lay down a red triangle. I felt that the red was too light and wasn't matching the reds that I had already painted on the airframe.

 

IMG_8231_zpszpg1tw8c.jpg

 

Luckily I had 2 sets of Hawkeye decals, so I was able to apply another red triangle for the desired effect.

 

IMG_8232_zpsb3knb6w1.jpg

 

Here are some brass micro tube drains that I have installed into the rear fuselage

 

IMG_8239_zpsmt6re20g.jpg

 

I cut a small mask from paper and sprayed the cordite residue from the cannon blast deflectors on each side of the fuselage.

 

IMG_8244_zpse4dfllr4.jpg

 

I have been experimenting with Mig enamel washes to start highlighting panels etc. 

 

IMG_8237_zpsadqrwliu.jpg

 

Some overall views of the model. I spend quite a bit of time looking at the model in this way to get the feel of how the model will present when it is finished. So far I am pretty happy with it.

 

IMG_8238_zpslowmnlhy.jpg

 

IMG_8235_zpsw8iiscee.jpg

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I spent some time today fitting alot of the parts that have been hanging around this kit such as the leading edge slats and flaps, nose gear and horizontal stabilizers. I also test fitted the loadout. It should be noted that I have a tail sitter at this point in the build, as I didn't add any nose weight. By tail sitter, I mean that if it is pushed down at the tail it wont return to its nose gear by itself. I do however have a devious plan that will sort out the problem whilst only adding the minimum required amount of weight to get it to return to its nose if tipped, therefore keeping the total weight of the model down.  I am pretty pleased with how this kit has turned out so far and cant wait to get it into the display cabinet.

 

IMG_8251_zps9olqg6by.jpg

 

IMG_8253_zpswrcw3954.jpg

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  • 2 weeks later...

Part of the build has been connecting with the pilot of the aircraft. I tracked down John via Facebook and we have had quite a bit of correspondence about his time flying the A-4, in particular 882. I wanted to get his name on the side as per the original, so I set about making it happen. I tried using my inkjet printer and some spare clear decal sheet, only to see failure.....

 

Here it is, and I certainly wasn't happy with it.

 

F7BEC3E5-A167-430F-9AB2-1385577EA9D7_zps

 

I am lucky enough to have a good mate with an ALPS printer, so I asked him nicely and a couple of days later I received a very nicely printed sheet of pilots names, thanks Dave! Much better.

 

680B4CD9-9632-4FAF-A38F-AED5D3563426_zps

 

I am pushing on with this build to hopefully see it finished by the end of the year.

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