NATC OA-4M 152874/SD-305 photograph(s) needed

[Nebbor]

Looking for your help. I just received the 2nd Monogram release of the OA-4M. Decals for 2 versions and one of them seems interesting: NATC OA-4M 152874/SD-305. Due to the manual being in black&white and the use of letratones the depicted camouflage pattern is hard to decipher. Looking of the internet I can't find a single shot of this specific aircraft while in use with the NATC. Maybe one of you is able to help?

Edited August 20, 2022 by Nebbor

[Joe Hegedus]

The OA-4Ms that were used at NATC wore the standard tactical scheme that the fleet birds had, so photos of other OA-4Ms will provide the scheme.  The previous squardon markings were painted out with fresh paint so those areas will be darker, but other than that they were standard paint.

[Nebbor]

Thanks for the info Joe but i am not sure this scheme can be explained by it. I scanned the painting guide to clarify. The dark letratones are provided as RAL7012 for B, anthracite for F and silver for G. All 3 make no sense to me hence my request for a photograph of this specific aircraft.

 

[Dutch]

Nebbor,

According to skyhawk.org OA-4M 152874 was only at NATC for a short period before going to the boneyard.

 

Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk 152874 C/N 13520

21 Aug 1990 – NATC Strike Test – NAS Patuxent River, MD

14 Jan 1991 – NASC FSO, MASDC -– Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ

 

However, also according to skyhawk.org this aircraft belonged to H&MS-12 as an OA-4M prior to being transferred to NATC.

 

Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk 152874 C/N 13520
12 Feb 1981 - H&MS-12 - MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
22 Sep 1989 - MAG-12 - Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan
21 Aug 1990 – NATC Strike Test – NAS Patuxent River, MD

 

As to why the Skyhawk.org still lists it as a TA-4F, I don't know.  Perhaps to show the lineage.

 

Here is a photo of OA-4M 152874 of H&MS-12 dated Jun 86

 

Joe is correct, other than a couple of H&MS-32 OA-4M that were painted in dark green and grey camo, almost all OA-4Ms were in the standard USN/USMC TPS scheme, which faded rather quickly, hence his comment about over sprayed areas being a darker hue.   Good luck with your project.

 

HTH,

Dutch

Edited August 20, 2022 by Dutch

[Collin]

I thought I saw this before:  

 

photo credit to T. Malcolm English. Book: Superbase 25, Pax River. 
 

Here is the pic of 305…

 

 

as Joe eluded to…typical mixed TPS grey scheme with touch ups. 
 

Cheers

Collin

Edited August 20, 2022 by Collin

[Nebbor]

So another case of grossly inaccurate paint recommendations by Revell.

 

TPS with touch ups it is. Great find of that photograph Collin, very helpful.

 

Thanks for the help all !

[Dutch]

@Nebbor, 

I was going through my 1/72 Wolfpak decals and discovered this same VX-23 NATC markings for OA-4M 152874 on sheet number 72-073, Raptors Talons. Unfortunately,  the color side view drawing is very basic and is more to show where the markings belong. They do include a miniature drawing from the USN Aircraft Painting guide, but it is so small and is not of much use. Collin gets the prize for including a beautiful color photo.

K/r,

Dutch