Trumpeter

1/32 A-4E Skyhawk model kit

Product # 02266

Product Article by Max Tollens Jr. on Apr 7 2011

 

The only option for a 1/32 Skyhawk kit was the Hasegawa family of A-4E/F and TA-4J/OA-4M boxings.  That changes with the new Trumpeter kit.  At first glance, the kit appears to be well molded with no signs of flash or crazy ejector pin marks in the wrong places.  The list of unused parts hints at other versions of the venerable A-4 Skyhawk to be released in the future.  

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

The kit comes with photoetch details, vinyl tires for the main gear, metal main landing gear, and decals for three different USN aircraft.  I especially like the fact that the avionics hump isn't split into two like the Hasegawa kits, enabling you to avoid dealing with the top seam.  The underwing items include drop tanks, Maverick missiles, Bullpup missiles, Shrike missiles, M117 and MK 82 bombs, MER's, and TER's.  There's also a decal sheet for weapons markings.  This kit is available via Squadron, and the pre-order cost me $96 including shipping.

Trumpeter's A-4 Skyhawk looks to be a winner with the large scale and Vietnam era modelers.  I'm looking forward to the release of the A-4M version!

Max Tollens Jr.

Photos and text © by Max Tollens Jr.