Thanks for the comments. Im happy You like it. As for the coating - first was a gloss coat then the major decals were added. Then another gloss coat followed by wash of the panel lines and some smaller decals and finally a flat coat. This method enables me to do the wash also on the decals. Both gloss and flat coats were Tamiya can sprays. I was experimenting a bit with the colors as You already saw. I plan to do the Crusader, Intruder and Tomcat so this is the opportunity to find the "right colours".

I have been slowly working on the Skyhawk last weekend and during the week. Here are som upate pictures. Im slowly moving towards the finish line on this one.

Naseby,
I really like how you painted and weathered the landing gear. My only suggestion is to apply a gloss coat like Pledge or a Acrylic gloss varnish to the oleos so they have a shine to them.

As for all the gear doors, well done especially the red outlining that does cause me fits at times.

Joel

Thanks Joel. Red outline on the white gear doors is one of those things that keep prolonging this built. Red and white are two of the worst colours to work with

Naseby,
I've struggled so much with those darn red outlines on the gear doors, that I've gone to using Red Markers. Now markers vary in quality, and thickness quite a lot, so I'm still looking for the perfect match.
Joel

Again flawless and perfect work !

Neat little Heineman's Hotrod. I don't usually like putty very much as I have found it crumbles or chips too often. CA glue and sheet styrene of the right thickness is my preferred method.

Willem,
Each media has its strengths and weaknesses, none are really best for all applications and situations.

Personally, I prefer thin or Med CCA glue for filling seams depending on the size of the seam opening. For large steps or wide gaps sheet plastic is a good start, followed by a coat of putty. And for putty work it's the best option when there is a need for blending.

The issue for me has always been that Squadron Green Stuff has been the standard here in States for years. And yes it had horrendous shrinking issues that caused properly filled and readied seams to show up weeks later after painting! What's more it so brittle that it chips when drilled or scribed as the general rule.

I've now switched to an automotive body filler product: Bondo Glazing Putty. It hardly shrinks, dries rock hard in mins to an hour or so depending on how much you apply. It sands, blends, drills, and scribes perfectly without issues. Since it's an automotive product, modeling applications are handled quickly and efficiently. And one last thing, I never get any bubble holes, but old habits die hard so I still seal it with thin CCA glue.

Joel

I do prefer Tamiya white putty and liquid surfacer for most filling jobs, but I also us plastic strips when the gaps are too big. Hasegawa kits have a lot of places on the fuselage where parts are inserted into the fuselage - to cover all versions of the planes, and if the parts are not flush with the fuselage, then there is no alternative to putty.

I havent posted here for a long time since the Skyhawk project was on hold due to other projects going on. Shortly before Christmas I decided to get it finally done since it was nearly completed anyway. So here is the final result. I added Mk.82 Snakeeye bombs from the the old Hasegawa weapons set. These arent as nice as the ones from Tamiya, but they are better then the Trumpeter offering. My usual camera is not working so I used a substitute, not realy designed to make detailed pictures, so please excuse the poor quality of the photos.

Naseby,
Just an exceptional build. your painting coupled with some of the best operationally orientated weathering of a well maintained Naval aircraft is just simply outstanding. Well done.
Joel

That is really a beautifully done Scooter. Great finish and an excellent choice of markings too. I have always had an affection for the B's and C's because of the short nose and slick back. They really are graceful airplanes but robust at the same time. Thanks for sharing.

Best wishes,

Ian

@Joel Thanks for the comments. This one was sort of a test for future projects. I also have Hasegawas Crusader in the stash which will be joined shortly by the HB Intruder, so there is more to come for sure.

@ Ian I do fully agree that the early models have more elegance to tem than the later "humpbacks". What I like especially is the placement of the insignia directly beneath the cockpit. It just gives the whole plane a different appearance.

Splendid build!!!

I have a A-4 in the workshop myself and hope that it will turn out half as good as this one

your work looks amazing.

is this the best kit to buy or are there better makes with less fit issues. I built the tamiya harrier and it wasn't that great

Excellent build, a joy to watch. I really like the toned down colors (like the red), the colorful markings and the mild weathering.



Jelger