FCM has produced another superb sheet for the enthusiast with this one on the A-4 Skyhawk. This sheet includes a number of different aircraft  from three different nations, all of whom have been among the last users of the Scooter. For kits, each has a couple of options, but the vast majority will be using the superb Hasegawa kits, though several of these will need some sort of modifications.

The first nation is Argentina. There are four aircraft and five different camouflage schemes available ranging from the the Light Gull Grey over White scheme with the nice blue and white tail plane markings, to one that has FS 36307 grey on the upper fuselage to a pair that have a two tone brown camo on the upper surfaces. The latter three all have yellow marks of some sort as used during the Falklands War. These are A-4P/Q variants

Next is Indonesia. These planes look to be all ex-Israeli AF aircraft as they have the extended exhaust intended to provide some protection from aircraft loss due to surface to air missiles. These are two A-4E single seat aircraft and a two seat TA-4H. For the latter, you will need to have the squared off fin tip. These are all in a camouflage scheme of grey, brown and blue. To me, not a very fetching scheme, but one the probably works well.

The last nation is Brazil. These planes are possibly still current with the Brazilian Navy and are in a three greys scheme. These are ex Kuwait Air Force A-4KU and TA-4KU aircraft. Brazil had also purchased OA-4M airframes, though none of those are portrayed on this sheet.

The sheet itself is superbly printed by Microscale so you know the quality is good. From the look of things, there are enough insignia and such to do one aircraft from each nation. If doing the early A-4Q, the blue and white tail stripes will need to be painted. The full color instructions give not only profiles but upper and lower views as well so one can get the colors and markings just right. No specific paint company info is provided and all colors provided are generic with FS 595 references given where appropriate.

May 2012