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1/32 H asegawa A-4E Skyhawk IAF |
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by Ed Okun |
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This model was built over 15 years ago with the upgrade modifications for an Israeli A4E, including extended tailpipe, bent refueling probe, 30mm cannon fairings and 'humpback". The conversions were done from scratch, before any of the resin conversion sets were available from "Cutting Edge Design". The model was looking very shabby after so much time, as the paint had yellowed. I decided to try to save this model for the conversions and cockpit which were still in good condition.
I removed all the paint with oven cleaner and fine steel wool and started from the beginning with a fresh paint scheme. The model was originally in the markings of IAF sq. #202, "The Flying Tigers". I repainted it in the markings for the "Knights of the North" sq. as I had seen the wreckage of an A4-E Skyhawk in northern Israel during the 73 "Yom Kippur" war that was from this squadron.
The decals I used were from "Sky's Decals" sheet #6 "Israeli Skyhawk collection" in 32nd scale. The paint is Testors "Model Master" #s FS 33531 (sand) FS 34227 (green) FS 30219 (dark tan) and FS 35622 (duck egg blue). The model was coated numerous times before, during, and after decaling with "Future" acrylic floor polish. The final coat was a diluted mix of "Gunze Sangyo" clear flat mixed with future, misted over the model to achieve a satin finish.
The model represnts an aircraft that has gone through it's first major overhaul and been repainted and modified up to the A4-N standard for that time period (1970-80s). I am currently working on an earlier version of the Skyhawk using the same Hasegawa kit, but in the markings of the "Valley" squadron, Israels first Skyhawk squadron. It will appear with the original Douglas aircraft green color of FS 34258. I would highly recommend this older kit to anyone, as it is the only one available in 32nd scale and quite a nice build with no major flaws (other than raised rivet lines). I used the "Isradecal" publications book, "A-4 Skyhawk" #3 in the"Aircraft of the Israeli Air Force series. The book is written by the "Gurus" of IAF modeling and aircraft history, Raanan Weiss and Yoav Efrati. It was an indispensible reference. Edward
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Photos and text © by Edward Okun
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