Just got this kit ordered and very excited, when I was growing up my dad was stationed at Willow Grove and I saw the Diamond Backs A-4's in low vis paint. I plan on doing this one in high vis and my Hasegawa kit in low vis.
I used to work on the “M”s in the late 70’s wonderful bird. Yes the elevator is a flying tail even with the proper elevators. Reasoning is when on carrier launch it can be trimmed all up to assist in takeoff. The Marines were the only ones to fly this particular model. It had much more thrust than previous versions.
Worth noting that USN aircraft with access panels open, cannot have live stores attached. So it’s going to be a modellers choice open panels , or weapons. Can’t have both if accuracy is key.
Great review Phil. The Magic Factory Corsairs build beautifully and panels the can be left open are good even if one wants to close them. It bodes well for the A4, hopefully.
Yes, the horizontal tails on the A-4 are adjustable up and down. Probably for trim, like many modern airliners. You can even see through the vertical if they are trimmed all the way. Check out the latest Hasegawa "Top Gun" release box top photo where it is very apparent.
Hi Phil! Well displayed presentation, once more. I think that on the "heat" of a new scooter you forgot to show us the decals. How are them? And is there any prepainted PE? What about the instrument panels? On sprues we saw 2 different options, one with raised details and another one plain. Thanks though. Keep up the good job!
Overall I like it, but after unboxing one today I see the same thing that ruined their Corsair for me: superfluous and false detail. Namely, lines of rivets placed where they do not exist on the actual plane. It sticks out like a third tit on a woman. Placing false detail just to make the kit look more detailed is a cheap way to do things. I mean, its good enough to not need things like that.
Thanks for reviewing it. Not for me, as it looks like it has smallpox, and no real A-4 ever looked anything like that. A nice kit, utterly ruined by the “rivet” fad.
The nose section is horrible fit......if you want everything open...you'll be ok....if not......DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME! The panels do not sit in flat, all edges are not sitting flat, they look like raised panels.
Just got this kit ordered and very excited, when I was growing up my dad was stationed at Willow Grove and I saw the Diamond Backs A-4's in low vis paint. I plan on doing this one in high vis and my Hasegawa kit in low vis.
A fantastic review of a great looking new A-4M Skyhawk .
I used to work on the “M”s in the late 70’s wonderful bird.
Yes the elevator is a flying tail even with the proper elevators.
Reasoning is when on carrier launch it can be trimmed all up to assist in takeoff.
The Marines were the only ones to fly this particular model. It had much more thrust than previous versions.
Worth noting that USN aircraft with access panels open, cannot have live stores attached. So it’s going to be a modellers choice open panels , or weapons. Can’t have both if accuracy is key.
Good review Phil you’ve sold it to me 👏👏👏🏴
Great review, complete and well done!
Great review Phil. The Magic Factory Corsairs build beautifully and panels the can be left open are good even if one wants to close them. It bodes well for the A4, hopefully.
Nice review , mine is on the way. Also, the hasegawa A-4c has been re-released.
Yes, the horizontal tails on the A-4 are adjustable up and down. Probably for trim, like many modern airliners. You can even see through the vertical if they are trimmed all the way. Check out the latest Hasegawa "Top Gun" release box top photo where it is very apparent.
Hi Phil! Well displayed presentation, once more. I think that on the "heat" of a new scooter you forgot to show us the decals. How are them? And is there any prepainted PE? What about the instrument panels? On sprues we saw 2 different options, one with raised details and another one plain. Thanks though. Keep up the good job!
Very nice Light attack aircraft little jet A-4M Skyhawk different air forces.
Nice review of this A-4M Skyhawk little jet 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇺🇲🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇱🇦🇷🇦🇷 love jets.
Looks really nice, but I probably will hold off for earlier versions, E,F,G which I believe they are doing. Love the Vietnam era schemes.
The masks are die-cut. Their Corsair had them die-cut also.
Great review!
A-4 had standard elevators but the entire horizontal tail moved for trimming
No decals?
Yes, like I say standard hi quality Cartograf Decals
It's odd that this kit is marketed as a, "2 in 1" kit yet they don't offer a decal option for the early one.
Overall I like it, but after unboxing one today I see the same thing that ruined their Corsair for me: superfluous and false detail. Namely, lines of rivets placed where they do not exist on the actual plane. It sticks out like a third tit on a woman. Placing false detail just to make the kit look more detailed is a cheap way to do things. I mean, its good enough to not need things like that.
Probably a kit to die for but slightly over engineered in one’s humble opinion plus over priced .😞
Thanks for reviewing it. Not for me, as it looks like it has smallpox, and no real A-4 ever looked anything like that. A nice kit, utterly ruined by the “rivet” fad.
The nose section is horrible fit......if you want everything open...you'll be ok....if not......DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME! The panels do not sit in flat, all edges are not sitting flat, they look like raised panels.