Scott VMFA (AW)242 Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Having built a couple of the Hasegawa 1/32 A-4 years ago, I'm so far impressed with the features in this kit. Wondering if Trumpeter will come out with a TA-4J? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott VMFA (AW)242 Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Started work on the cockpit. The parts have some heavy sprue attach points which will need a lot of clean up. And it looks like each part per step is scattered through out the parts trees. Just checking the cockpit/fuselage fit, no issues so far. Like the O2 and G-suit fittings on the L/H console. I drilled out holes in the seat and will add some tubing and scratch build the cartridge actuators for the left/right sides. Surprised that Trumpeter didn't add it to the seat since it is noticeable on the real thing. Will do some filling and sanding on the seat bucket than hit it with some paint tomorrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott VMFA (AW)242 Posted July 6, 2015 Author Share Posted July 6, 2015 Just a quick update....The cockpit is a bit disappointing considering the kit cost. The instrument panel and side panels has barely any raised details and is geared towards using the kit decals so I'm busy trying to add knobs, switches, even a throttle etc, etc. just to give everything a slightly more realistic look to it. I would get a AM cockpit set but I'm planning on using a pilot figure which will help set things off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pollie Posted July 11, 2015 Share Posted July 11, 2015 Great start! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted July 13, 2015 Share Posted July 13, 2015 Which squadron's markings do you plan to use? Are you going to build/display the engine also? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott VMFA (AW)242 Posted July 14, 2015 Author Share Posted July 14, 2015 (edited) Which squadron's markings do you plan to use? Are you going to build/display the engine also? I have the Zotz sheet for the VMA-331 'Last of the Red Hot Scooters" bird which includes excellent markings for one of the VMAT-102 Skyhawks too. I'm going with the 331 scheme. I will probably close up the engine and leave some of the access panels open. I have the A-4E in the stash and will likely display the engine with that one. One After Market note...the Master Details Marine/Navy pilot figure does not fit the Trumpeter seat. Seat too narrow and the pilot would sit well above the headrest. It threw out one ideal of how I wanted to display the bird. The figure looks great and I will get another one to go into either the A-6 or the F-4. Been working on the sub assemblies and it's slowly coming together. Will post a few update pics in a day or so. Edited July 14, 2015 by Scott VMFA (AW)242 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Any progress??? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott VMFA (AW)242 Posted January 4, 2016 Author Share Posted January 4, 2016 I'm calling this one finish, it was a few days ago but I just now got around to taking some pics of her. I need to do a little clean up and a add a tweet here or there like opening the canopy since it doesn't want to close properly. Canopies seems to be an issue with the Trumpeter jet fighter kits. I used 4,000 grit sandpaper for the top of the bordering ladder and it's steps. The resin, 400 Gal Centerline tank is from Fisher Model and is finely casted with the exception of a mold seam line running fore-aft on the bottom of the tank. But it is an improvement over the tanks in the kit with accurately modeled weld seals. It does have some weight to it. The ZOLTS decals are great. Note I found that laying the diamond strip from the top down is the way to go. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spejic Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Congratulations on finishing. That looks fantastic. I like your work on the cockpit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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