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Hi everyone, I'm in with another build; this time a Fujimi A-4E/F "TOPGUN" boxing. I was hoping to do a couple more quick builds before getting started on this one, but I'm waiting for word on my purchase, so it's onto this one for the time being.

First off, thanks very much to SonyKen for supplying the kit, had a very quick and easy transaction with him!

I'll be building this one also OOB with minimal add-ons, using the kit decals for an A-4E from VC-1. The two options I'm weighing for the loadout are:

- two wing tanks; centerline MER with standard Mk82s or Snakeyes; no outboard wing pylons

- two wing tanks; centerline early-style buddy refueling pod; no outboard wing pylons

I almost ordered the Attack Squadron refueling pod, but I figured I'd pose a question first:

I also have the Fujimi KA-6D that includes a similar-looking refueling pod. Would anyone reading know if these are the same type of pods, and if I could steal it from the Intruder for this build? It looks almost too large to fit under the Skyhawk, but the details look correct. Any input is appreciated.

I should be able to get started on this next week, and will update as I go. Thanks for looking!

Box pic:

IMG_20150815_023037694_zpsfqojxqy3.jpg

Edited by plasticWerks_JL
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I almost ordered the Attack Squadron refueling pod, but I figured I'd pose a question first:

I also have the Fujimi KA-6D that includes a similar-looking refueling pod. Would anyone reading know if these are the same type of pods, and if I could steal it from the Intruder for this build? It looks almost too large to fit under the Skyhawk, but the details look correct. Any input is appreciated.

There is a Douglas D-704 tank that was used on both aircraft, and later on the A-6 would use a slightly different model with a shape that didn't have bumps, so it depends on what is provided with the Fujimi KA-6D kit.

I would check these to make sure the provided part is accurate:

http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2011/07/douglas-low-drag-external-fuel-tanks.html

http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2015/06/things-under-wings-inflight-refueling.html

Edited by spejic
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The tanks supplied in the Fujimi boxing are IIRC 300gal type. The big 400gal type tanks could be found in Hasegawas EA-6 kits. They look way cooler on a Skyhawk, I just painted a TA-4 and used them.

Michael

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Not much of an update, just a few questions for the hive mind at ARC :P

Firstly, I couldn't find enough info on this item that sits under the port wing on the Skyhawk. It's piece #89 on the Fujimi kit:

IMG_20150819_213541330_zpskkw0ipv1.jpg

Could someone clue me in as to what this is and whether it was present on the A-4E? I would assume so, but since it's not molded to the wing and there are flashed over holes, I'd like to be certain before I attach it.

I am also curious about the kits' external fuel tanks. In images, the tank profiles look fairly even, fore-to-aft, but the Fujimi parts are noticeably bulged towards the front (slightly with Fujimi's buddy pod I robbed from the KA-6D kit, too :bandhead2: Maybe they're deformed from too many traps :blink:)? The fins also appear to be an odd shape, compared to references. Are the Fujimi kit tanks known to be inaccurate, or am I just infected with a raging case of AMS? I could live with these as they are, but it might be enough of an excuse to try the Attack Squadron replacements for these items. Thanks for any insight into these questions!

As far as the build itself, I've managed to paint the base colors in the cockpit, next up is detailing and weathering before final installation. I've started constructing and painting the intake and engine fan items, assembled the buddy pod, and started prepping other pieces for construction. I've got a set of Aires resin wheels on the way to replace the kit items, since they look a bit weak on detail, and I've got other things in the works. I'll update with pics again as I finish up the sub-assemblies. Thanks for looking!

-JL

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Could someone clue me in as to what this is and whether it was present on the A-4E? I would assume so, but since it's not molded to the wing and there are flashed over holes, I'd like to be certain before I attach it.

Yes, A-4E's had that part. It's a radar emitter and receiver, something to do with detecting SAMs I think.

Are the Fujimi kit tanks known to be inaccurate, or am I just infected with a raging case of AMS?

I think pretty much every kit does these tanks at least a little wrong. Most of the tank is going to be under the wing, so it won't be that easy to see, but I think the plastic is thick enough to do a little sanding for a more accurate shape if you wish.

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Yes, A-4E's had that part. It's a radar emitter and receiver, something to do with detecting SAMs I think.

I think pretty much every kit does these tanks at least a little wrong. Most of the tank is going to be under the wing, so it won't be that easy to see, but I think the plastic is thick enough to do a little sanding for a more accurate shape if you wish.

Thanks for your reply, spejic! :cheers:

I'll mull over what to do for the next few days, although the Attack Squadron items do look nice. If anyone has seen them in person and can vouch for their quality, just let me know. I also have a spare set of tanks from the Hasegawa kit. The overall shape seems more accurate, but they would take quite some work to detail. Decisions, decisions...

Back with more updates soon!

-JL

Edited by plasticWerks_JL
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About time for an update on this one:

The cockpit is painted, washed and flat-coated; not the best I've managed, but it works.

Untitled-1_zpszvye9vrr.jpg

Here are a few other items I've managed to get to. First are the D704 refueling pod from the Fujimi KA-6D, and my replacements for the fuel tanks. A huge thanks to Rex for including these ESCI tanks with the two kits I received from him. The shape and details look more accurate than the Fujimi, which will be swapped for another Scooter I'm planning to build. I replaced the flimsy and warped tailhook plastic with metal rod. I added an extention of plastic rod to the exhaust, and am almost finished the intake duct and engine fan. Lastly, I just received some Aires resin wheels to replace the kit parts.

Untitled-12_zps10mn37hm.jpg

My building time is getting slimmer with other things going on, but I'll try to keep my momentum up and post again soon. Leave your thoughts/comments/criticisms/questions, and thanks for looking.

-JL

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  • 2 weeks later...

Quick update here:

I managed to get the fuselage glued up. This would've happened a bit sooner, but I made the classic mistake of getting impatient and neglecting to dry-fit the intakes before gluing. This obviously caused a noticeable step, and I had to fill and sand a few times to even them out.

She's coming together now, and I should be able to post another update soon. Thanks for following along :cheers:

img1_zpslocwl950.jpg

Edited by plasticWerks_JL
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  • 2 weeks later...

Another update:

Started spraying Tamiya flat white over a base coat of black. I'm shooting for a less-weathered look for this Scooter, so I have to spray a number of thin coats and build up a very subtle look. I attempted to use very thin strands of stretched sprue to replicate weld seams on the fuel tanks. They look way too oversize, but as an experiment, I'm happy with them.

img1_zps2v4frnmd.jpg

I painted the beautiful Aires main wheels, and am going to spruce up the kit ejection seat with some extra PE belts from the spares bin. After shooting a lot of white through the airbrush, I pulled out the red for a dose of color, and painted the inside of the speedbrakes and lower flaps.

img12_zpsegfpfqs6.jpg

I'll update again once I get more painting done. Thanks for looking!

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I spent most of this weekend painting the fuselage. I still have a handful of spots to touch up with the paintbrush and airbrush, then I have to finish up detail items before I can start applying decals and weathering. As stated previously, this Scooter will be much cleaner, with just a bit of soot buildup around the fuselage, and a medium/dark grey panel wash to accentuate the details.

I'm enjoying working on a more colorful jet than the OA-4M, and this build is a vast improvement over the last where fit is concerned. There are plenty of areas that could use more work, but working on a deadline I won't be addressing them all. More updates soon!

1_zpszivd4fji.jpg

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  • 6 months later...
  • 4 weeks later...

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