Questions about A4K models

[FlyNavy]

This question came to me today (from someone in France I think). I'm not a modeller myself - can anyone help this correspondent please. I have asked them to join this forum and the "Skyhawk Study Group" (Yahoo) forum also:

"I try to build a RNZAF A4. Do you still have plans ? I'm searching for
correct drawings in scale. I want to build a 1:48 model.
Do you know which model is the best (Hasegawa or else). I have the
impression aussies and kiwis A4 don't have the same nose than US Skyhawk."

Thanks (for any help or suggestions) in advance.
Phil.

[agalbraith]

Hi Phil

I am working on one at the moment, so it is good timing for him. Definately go with the Hasegaa kit. Others are fine, but I prefer the Hasegawa one. It depends wether he wants to do a pre KAHU one or not. He will be just fine with any A-4E/F kit as they provide most of what he will need(square top fin, braking chute etc...).

Hopefully he will register and I & others will be more than happy to offer more detail on the specific one he is going to do. But the noses are the same as U.S A-4E/F's not B, C, or M,s etc.

I can start a thread on mine so far if he likes. I am doing a KAHU one with all the mods. Also Kiwi resin do a conversion he might want to look at getting.

Cheers
Anthony

[FlyNavy]

Anthony,
Thanks for your help. Hopefully my correspondent will see other threads here that mention A4K models. I will pass on your message. Any help you want to start specifically would be appreciated I would imagine. Thanks again.

Also a correspondent on the "Skyhawk Study Group" sent me this information:
(& this: "Hasegawa 48th scale A-4K if it is still available")

"For to do a RNZAF A-4 could be used an A-4F but must to cut the tail
just on the top where the "M" version use the antenna pod as our
A-4AR. The nose is a little more fat that the early version, included
the "M".

The following links can help him:
www.warbirdsinscale.com/a4aphoy.htm
hsfeatures.com/features04/a4kap_1.htm

Phil.

[agalbraith]

OK, I shall make a start on a KAHU one. If any of the other guys want to chime in then please do as I am sure I will miss something. I will start my thread tomorrow arvo on my Hasegawa 1/48th A-4K (KAHU mod)I am building.
Here goes........
1. The radome I believe was made from a composite and so you will have to remove the scribed ring around the tip of the radome.
2. The NACA(?) intake on the port side of the nose just behind the radome was enlarged for extra cooling to the APG-66 radar transmitter and computer interface units etc
3. The TACAN antenna was originally positioned under the nose but was later positioned on the leading edge of the lower fin.
4. The cockpit was extensively modified with HOTAS, CRT screens, HUD etc... Although in 48th scale there wont be much you can do to improve the side consols although a new throttle may make a difference. A completely new instrument panel with HUD will need to be made. The panel sits much higher than the original and the HUD basically fills the whole windscreen area. All the wiring hangs out the back either side of the HUD also. Check photos to see what I mean.
5. A strobe light will need to be added in front of the Anti-collision beacon on the spine
6. VOR/ILS antennas will need to be added to either side of the upper fin as well as use the squared off fin tip from the kit.
7. Add the ALR-66 antennas to the 'sugar scoop' at the tail pipe.
8. Use the kit parabrake housing. Check which one to use as ours changed a little in the las few years.
9. A small intake was positioned on the port fuse side just above the wingroot in later years.
10. Use the kit angled VHF/UHF radio antenna behind the canopy.
11. ALR-66 antenna under each wingtip.
12. VOR/ILS antenna under starboard wing just outboard of the outboard pylon.
13. Transfer the nav beacon to the starboard side u/c fairing
14. The ex Aussie A-4G's had a strengthening(?) plate added round the lower rear fuse just in front of the drag chute access panel. Also the chute access panel on 'K's were hinged along the top as opposed to the bottom on the 'G's(NZ6211-6218, 6255 & 6256).
15. Use the chaff/flare dispenser buckets either side of the hook and remove the one further down the tailpipe as Kiwi ones didnt have this one.
16. Dont forget to put sway braces on the pylons that dont have anything fitted to them, that often gets missed.
17. Fill in the step on the slat bay on the leading edge of the wing as the upper wing was smooth right through to the leading edge.

Well there is a start................

Make sure you go to Callums website for all your photo needs

www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/index.html

and if there is anything you are missing or need then be sure to let me or any of the other guys here know. They are a great knowledgable bunch!

Cheers
Anthony

[FlyNavy]

Anthony, Thank you - I will pass this information on.

[Calum]

agalbraith said:

OK, I shall make a start on a KAHU one. If any of the other guys want to chime in then please do as I am sure I will miss something. I will start my thread tomorrow arvo on my Hasegawa 1/48th A-4K (KAHU mod)I am building.
Here goes........
1. The radome I believe was made from a composite and so you will have to remove the scribed ring around the tip of the radome.
2. The NACA(?) intake on the port side of the nose just behind the radome was enlarged for extra cooling to the APG-66 radar transmitter and computer interface units etc
3. The TACAN antenna was originally positioned under the nose but was later positioned on the leading edge of the lower fin.
4. The cockpit was extensively modified with HOTAS, CRT screens, HUD etc... Although in 48th scale there wont be much you can do to improve the side consols although a new throttle may make a difference. A completely new instrument panel with HUD will need to be made. The panel sits much higher than the original and the HUD basically fills the whole windscreen area. All the wiring hangs out the back either side of the HUD also. Check photos to see what I mean.
5. A strobe light will need to be added in front of the Anti-collision beacon on the spine
6. VOR/ILS antennas will need to be added to either side of the upper fin as well as use the squared off fin tip from the kit.
7. Add the ALR-66 antennas to the 'sugar scoop' at the tail pipe.
8. Use the kit parabrake housing. Check which one to use as ours changed a little in the las few years.
9. A small intake was positioned on the port fuse side just above the wingroot in later years.
10. Use the kit angled VHF/UHF radio antenna behind the canopy.
11. ALR-66 antenna under each wingtip.
12. VOR/ILS antenna under starboard wing just outboard of the outboard pylon.
13. Transfer the nav beacon to the starboard side u/c fairing
14. The ex Aussie A-4G's had a strengthening(?) plate added round the lower rear fuse just in front of the drag chute access panel. Also the chute access panel on 'K's were hinged along the top as opposed to the bottom on the 'G's(NZ6211-6218, 6255 & 6256).
15. Use the chaff/flare dispenser buckets either side of the hook and remove the one further down the tailpipe as Kiwi ones didnt have this one.
16. Dont forget to put sway braces on the pylons that dont have anything fitted to them, that often gets missed.
17. Fill in the step on the slat bay on the leading edge of the wing as the upper wing was smooth right through to the leading edge.

Well there is a start................

Make sure you go to Callums website for all your photo needs

www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/index.html

and if there is anything you are missing or need then be sure to let me or any of the other guys here know. They are a great knowledgable bunch!

Cheers
Anthony

Anthony

Nice summary. Some stuff there I don't even know.

You mind if I post this info (evenutally) on the web site?

[agalbraith]

Hi Calum

Absolutely mate. Guess I am a bit of an A-4 nerd too. Been really busy today as I was going to try and get my Hasegawa 1/48 A-4K project loaded up this weekend but it just didnt happen. I have still to take photos.

Cheers
Anthony