Being crazy about
anything related to Naval Aviation I could not wait to get my hands on a 1/48th
scale Naval "Advanced Jet Pipeline" machine. I waited, and
waited for a decent release of a TA-4J, but for many years, not a decent
offering in this scale. Finally, my wish come true, not just one kit, but
two. 1st a 1/48th Classic Airframes TA-4J, limited run, then the king of
1/48th modern jet manufacturing, Hasegawa released a TA-4J variant of it's
jewel Skyhawk line. Oh, boy, what to do? I'm not a huge fan of
building two of the same kind in a short time frame, so I needed to pick a
winner for my 1st TA-4J build. I purchased both of coarse, closely
compared them both over several months, and then, in my opinion ,a winner was
chosen. It was a close comparison. The Classic Airframe kit had some
advantage with it's included resin details, but Hasegawa did a phenomenal job
replicating many of these details with injected styrene. The only clear
advantage, that Classic had in this category, was the pair of resin ejection
seats, so I compromised, build the Hasegawa, but include the resin seats.
The only other changes I made to the OOB configuration, other then the bang
seats, was some scratch building of the canopy details, some details to the rear
of cockpit, some wiring, and brake lines. I hope you enjoy the outcome.
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images below to see larger images
Some may comment that the
included "VT-7" decal coloring is a bit on the orange side.
I reviewed another article that also concluded that and the builder could
not find a color match, so he chose the alternate box art color
scheme. I did some research and found some great color photo's which
showed the exact aircraft markings included on the decal set, and to my
surprise, Hasegawa was right on. The real aircraft definitely had
orange markings, much more so then the more standard "reddish"
appearance of most Navy trainers. So, I lightened up MM
International Orange, and "Voila" a perfect match..
The kit is a very
easy build with perfect engineering, and fit throughout. This is
especially true of the wing assembly to fuselage joint. No filler used.
I did have a minor fit problem w/ nose assembly, appearing slightly out of shape
to fuselage nose section. Possibly my fault, but very careful assembly
process and procedures will provide you with a perfect outcome. Easier
than any other Hasegawa kit I have built. The wheel well detail is as good
as any resin aftermarket parts I have seen.
The flap and spoiler
details are also superb, as good, or even better, then the Classic Airframe
resin detail parts. The cockpit detail is good, except, as mentioned above
the bang seats. The 2-piece canopy/windscreen assembly is crystal clear,
and molded perfectly. Also, an amazing fit. This to, is better than
the other available kit. I just cannot say enough. The most
challenging part of the build is the paint scheme, and color matching.
Many don't like working w/ white!
My next build will
complete my arsenal of Naval Trainers, meeting the need to add to the
"Intermediate Jet-Pipeline". This will be a 1/48th scale
Rockwell T-2C Buckeye. It is a new release, and the 1st 1/48th scale
version produced in styrene. "Two-Bobs" will be releasing it anytime
now!
Drop by my website
at https://texmodelmaker.jimdo.com/
Paul S Teixeira
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images below to see larger images
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