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Post by kiwi on Oct 20, 2006 15:57:32 GMT 12
For the novice what are the best kits to start with for modelling the A4 in RNZAF service , in 1/72 , and what do you have to modify on these to show the changes during their service here . Thats for both the Model and the Family Wagon ?
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Post by phil on Oct 20, 2006 18:08:50 GMT 12
In 72nd you really need fujimi's kits. If you can track down the Blue angels kit that came with the option of building both a model or a T bird then that's a great start. I can't remember though if this kit has the enlarged superfox intakes or not, you might need the standard intakes of an E/F model.
As for what to change, that's a pretty big topic since we used them for 30 years, there were numerous colour schemes and airframe chages, the most obvious being kahu. Then there are the RAN Gs that we had in service from about 84-89 when they were modded during Kahu, they had the rounded tail top instead of the squared off tails until they went through Kahu, and had no humps.... Your best bet is to pick an airframe and a time perios from which you can get a few pics, and model that. Even in the time I was on 75 things changed, two new colour schemes, changes in the drag chute etc, and that was only over an 18 month period!
Topped Gun is probably one of the best books as far as photographs from 1970 right through to 2001, and if you can get them, the gecko graphics decals (although they are 1/48) have very comprehensive info on the diferent colour schemes.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask or PM me.
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Post by mumbles on Oct 20, 2006 21:10:19 GMT 12
From the experience of building the Fujimi 'Topgun' A-4F and TA-4J right now I can say with surety that aside from the square fin tip, both kits contain all the necessary bits and bobs to build pre-Kahu K's (sugar scoop aerials, brake parachute housing, optional hump). Post Kahu you will need to do some scratchbuilding of covers and aerials, plus the instrument panel and HUD. Also the TA-4J only has a straight refuelling probe, and no cannons from memory (my example is 1000 miles away right now). The Blue Angels issue of the kit might have a bent one.
The fin will need modification, but that's a pretty simple job.
The Fujimi's are a bit fiddly, but are certainly the best A-4's out there.
They can be kinda hard to find though. That said the shop in Sydney I was in today had four of them on the shelf. No T-bird though, which is what I was after.
The Italeri A4-E/F includes a choice of fin tip, so is easy to square. This one has the slats moulded integrally with the wing though.
Avoid the Hasegawa scooters (in 1:72 at least. The 1:48 ones are definitive). They just aren't very good or accurate. I have a feeling the Kangnam one is based on the Hase, so that one is out of the running as well.
Flying Kiwis and Hawkeye both have 1:72 sheets for post Kahu A-4's. The only SEA scheme sheet is the old and really hard to find superscale one.
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Post by mumbles on Oct 23, 2006 20:36:56 GMT 12
Can confirm that the Fujimi TA-4J includes cannons.  |
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