plasticWerks_JL Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 (edited) 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: Edited September 20, 2015 by plasticWerks_JL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tomcat Tweeker Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Cool! Looking forward to this one... I love how you make the Brail Scale birds look so good! Dave Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spejic Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 (edited) 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 August 15, 2015 by spejic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SCOUT712 Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted August 15, 2015 Author Share Posted August 15, 2015 Thanks for the replies and the info, fellas, seems like I have just what I need from the Intruder kit. I'll start working on this little guy this w/e if I can get some other things out of the way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 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: 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 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
spejic Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) 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! 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 August 20, 2015 by plasticWerks_JL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted August 26, 2015 Author Share Posted August 26, 2015 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. 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. 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurnass77 Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 Great job mate! I need these Aires wheels for my kits! Gianni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 7, 2015 Author Share Posted September 7, 2015 (edited) 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 Edited September 7, 2015 by plasticWerks_JL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
falcon20driver Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I still can't get over how well you guys build in 1/72. I can't even hold the parts in that scale. The A-4 looks great and I'll be excited to see it finished up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share Posted September 16, 2015 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. 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. I'll update again once I get more painting done. Thanks for looking! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 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! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RKic Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 This is looking beautiful! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 22, 2015 Author Share Posted September 22, 2015 Thanks, RKic! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RKic Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 what paint did you use for the exhaust and for the red? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 (edited) Both colors are MM acrylic: jet exhaust and guards red. I'm not sold on the red; in person it's a bit dark. With a few more builds under my belt, I'll start tweaking my techniques and experimenting to be more accurate Edited September 23, 2015 by plasticWerks_JL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurnass77 Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 Flawless painting mate! :thumbsup: Gianni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted September 30, 2015 Author Share Posted September 30, 2015 Started playing with stickers on this one, always an enjoyable but nerve-wracking part of the build. Thanks to those who've been following along and commenting, more decal pics coming soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plasticWerks_JL Posted April 19, 2016 Author Share Posted April 19, 2016 Finished pics in the Display Case: 1:72 Fujimi A-4E Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swbailey Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 Sharp looking bird! I like it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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