Darren Roberts Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 (edited) I pulled the first test cast tonight and installed it on my TA-4J. Everything looks like it cast okay, so I'll start making multiple molds and get casting. I also tried out the horizontal stab mechanism pieces that I cast. Some of the Skyhawk fans have been asking for them, so I gave it a try and they turned out pretty well. This is what I got done during my two snow days. I LOVE snow days! :woot.gif:/>/>/> Edited February 23, 2013 by Darren Roberts Quote Link to post Share on other sites
galileo1 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Wow, Darren, these looks great! I'll be ordering some for sure. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalo Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 ME TOO!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fulcrum1 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Gotta get this plus the furball sheet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daywalker Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Hard to believe nobody else did this conversion before. Bravo Darren, I am up for a couple of sets too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rick in Maine Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Great work Darren. This one really needed to happen. Nice to see the the horiz. stab. thingys too. I'm in for a set. Rick in Maine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a4s4eva Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Looks great Darren. May pick one up myself Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spejic Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 It doesn't mean much unless someone finally releases proper low-viz decals for an A-4 in this scale. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PlasticWeapons Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 It doesn't mean much unless someone finally releases proper low-viz decals for an A-4 in this scale. Have you seen this? https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/68654_350745898356509_19991737_n.jpg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a4s4eva Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 The Furball declas are the reason I'm interested in this conversion. Wish there were stencils on the sheet though as the Hasegawa ones will be typically awful Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gorillagan069 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 All hail, Darren! Will definetly be buying multiple conversions. Gilly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Niels Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Darren, you're da man! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Looks great Darren, nice job as usual ... -Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Niels Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Damn, I'm looking forward to this one! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantomfan Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I have received the Furball decals this morning so now I need 2 sets of that conversion!!! C'mon Darren and let it show!!! :rofl:/> CIAO! Marco Quote Link to post Share on other sites
g0_command0 Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 finally I can build a OA-4AR! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
coneheadff Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 I want two!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 After getting some feedback on some smaller details, I've revised the conversion set a little bit. Here's a picture of the resin intake piece that contains the cooling inlet for the avionics hump. This inlet appeared on all OA-4M's. Also, though it's not in the picture, I've revised the avionics hump so that the vent along the side is in the correct position. I think I've got everything correct now. One thing I'd like to know is a rundown on the details of the foreign users so I can include it in the instruction sheet or come out with alternate sets. For example, the OA-4R had the hump, but retained the TA-4J nose. What other variants are out there that these resin parts can help make. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gabe Pincelli Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 After getting some feedback on some smaller details, I've revised the conversion set a little bit. Here's a picture of the resin intake piece that contains the cooling inlet for the avionics hump. This inlet appeared on all OA-4M's. Also, though it's not in the picture, I've revised the avionics hump so that the vent along the side is in the correct position. I think I've got everything correct now. One thing I'd like to know is a rundown on the details of the foreign users so I can include it in the instruction sheet or come out with alternate sets. For example, the OA-4R had the hump, but retained the TA-4J nose. What other variants are out there that these resin parts can help make. Darren, Here's what I know: OA-4M: Converted from TA-4F airframes for USMC. I think you have all the mods for it suitcased. Depending on who you ask, some say at least some of the OA-4Ms were upgraded to the J52-P-408 engine, but I haven't seen any definite confirmation of that. If so, those airframes would also have the larger "bulged" intakes. BTW, chaff/flare bucket arrangement would be similar to that of a late A-4F with one bucket aft and one forward next to the tail hook mount. TA-4KU: (Kuwait) The only two seat skyhawk to come from the factory with the hump. Standard TA-4F/J nose. ILS antennae added to either side of the verical stabilizer. "Hot Dog" antenna on the vertical stab tip with a blade antenna on top of that. Large blade antenna on top of the hump. Lacks the RWR receiver fairings on the nose and sugar scoop. Also the only two seat skyhawk to be equipped from the factory with the J52-P-408 engine, which means it also had the "bulged" intakes. Chaff/flare bucket arrangement(if fitted) is like the A-4M with both buckets forward next to the hook mount. OA-4AR: Converted from OA-4M airframes. Rather than a standard TA-4 noce, the radome more closely matches that of the A-4K with Kahu mod. It has several dielecric strips running longitudinally on the surface. RWR receiver antennae moved from nose to under the wingtips (also similar to Kahu). RWR receiver antennae retained on the "sugar scoop". ILS antennae added to either side of vertical stab. Cockpit completely revised with a modern HUD and two MFDs. Similar to, but not exactly the same arrangement as the Kahu. Chaff/Flare buckets rearranged to match A-4M configuration. Brazillian AF-1A: Converted from TA-4KU. Initially appears to match TA-4KU configuration. I've heard they were going to upgrade the jets with radar and new cockpits, but not sure if it has happened yet. I think this will get you started with the major items needed for a conversion. Others may have more to add. BTW, the conversion is looking real good. Can't wait to get my hands on a couple! HTH, Gabe Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 Thanks for the info Gabe. That's exactly what I was looking for. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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