Hasegawa 1/48 A-4B (AD4-2) Skyhawk
KIT #: |
09426 |
PRICE: |
$29.99 when new in 2002 |
DECALS: |
Two options |
REVIEWER: |
Scott Van Aken |
NOTES: |
2002 release |
![](09246bt.jpg)
I'm sure that most if not all of you are aware of the A-4 Skyhawk, Here
are a few specifics on the version kitted, the A-4B. It was a strengthened
aircraft and added air-to-air refueling capabilities, improved navigation
and flight control systems, provision for AGM-12 Bullpup missile;
redesignated A-4B in 1962, 542 built. Many of the extant airframes were
remanufactured with improved systems and sold overseas. The A-4P and A-4Q
were sold to the Argentine Air Force and Navy respectively. The A-4S was
sold to Singapore.
One thing about Hasegawa 1/48 Skyhawks is that if you have built one,
you will find all the others to be quite familiar. Hasegawa provides a
base airframe and only puts in the bits needed for the variant being
boxed. In this case it is the intakes, nose, and a few other smaller
items. The basic fuselage, wings and tail are the same in nearly all the
versions.
Since it is based on the initial A-4E/F boxing, there are a lot of parts
not used. In addition, you'll have to fill some panel lines that are not
germane to the A-4B. For instance, you won't use the avionics hump nor
the outer wing racks. The B model only had a straight refueling probe.
It also did not have chaff/flare dispensers so you'll need to use the
blanking plates for those.
Some of the options are an open or closed canopy, a boarding ladder (for
which you'll need to open some holes), and the ability to pose the speed
brakes open or closed. If you look at photos of Skyhawks at rest you'll
find that these latter items are usually closed or nearly so. You can
also pose the flaps lowered and this along with the slats are normally
deployed on the ground.
![](09246b.jpg)
The kit's instructions are standard fare for Hasegawa and use Gunze
paint references. Two markings options in light gull grey over white are
provided. Both are CAG birds with the more colorful being the box art
plane from VA-72, a squadron that went away when the A-7 was retired.
The other is from VA-106 a unit that disappeared after the A-4, then
reappeared as the east coast training unit for the legacy Hornet and the
Super Bug. The large decal sheet is well done and provides not only the
usual markings, but also the nose anti-glare markings and the markings
for the inside of the flaps and slats.
For reasone unbeknownst to me, Hasegawa has not frequently
released this kit as it has other versions. Other than the initial release (this
kit) it has been released in limited editions twice, the last time in 2007. This
results in it being offered for fairly ridiculous prices on the usual auction
sites. Even the reboxed Hobby 2000 kit is selling for more than I think it
reasonable. I'm pretty sure that there are resin conversion sets that you could
use on the A-4C kit to produce a B model for a lot less than $65-95.00
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk#Variants
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