Bandwagon 106

Also, in 1967-the AIM-9D was pretty new and would be a priority fit for fighters-Crusaders and Phantoms in the combat zone. If Skyhawks had sidewinders fitted during an operational cruise, they would be -9Bs more than likely. Of course-Skyhawks served as fighters in VSF squadrons and would have routinely carried Sidewinders, just like the A-4Gs ( except they carried 4!) This carried on to the Phantom-Tomcat and CorsairII era as well with the AIM-9L going to the fighters at first and the A-7s and A-6s having AIM-9G/H for a while. (Not that Intruders carried AAMs very often). Airforce did it too-AIM-9Ls going to F-15s and F-4Es and F-16s having -9Js / Ps for a while. (The Phantoms kept them a lot longer than the Vipers). Great pictures of a Green Lizard, and a very mixed load! Joel

I made an extremely rare venture into 1/72 to make a Hasegawa S and a J. The S was the VMFA-321 retirement scheme and the J was from VF-21. They were very nice kits. I did have an E, but it was an old one, not much detail on that one. Of course-Hasegawa released these in 1/48 since then and I returned to my scale, haven't sinned since (at least scale model wise!) Joel

Welcome both of you, I make that 17! Best make a list of interested members! That sounds like a good finishing date Bjarne, 60 years and still flying off carriers! I know what you mean Enzo, I'm the opposite for colour schemes, like them colourful. But the A4D-1 and 2 have a very clean shape about them. I don't think the early ones were ever in blue but it is possible. The first flight was in that transition period from blue to grey and white. I know the prototype was silver / unpainted. An overall blue example would look good, I must admit! Joel

I make that 15 with Kev! See what you can do about a date for this STGB Mish, wherever there is space. Joel

Welcome Peter-we need one more.... Joel

I've heard good things about Fujimi's Skyhawks, nice choice of versions there Enzo. I just purchased one of my "wanted forever" kits-the CO's aircraft from VMA-131 in it's final scheme. It's by Hasegawa and the decals are by Cartograf Here's the real one-loaded with snake and nape!- http://a4skyhawk.org/content/160024-vma-13...joe-cupido-6083 Joel

Welcome all! That's 13, nearly there... Wow Danni, that's a lotta Skyhawks there. That's why I can't get hold of any standard E/Fs, sold out for years to come! Just kidding, good on yer. Nothing better when you have a good stock in! Joel

Thanks guys, there's always time for Skyhawks!!! I make that 10! Joel

Welcome aboard! That's 8 so far, looking good... Joel

Be great to have both of you in. Ah well, at least we tried Hacker!! In the event of things continuing as normal at the end of this year, 2014 should be just fine for this Group Build! As Enzo says, it gives us time to practice / get (more) kits in Buttoncup, anybody can join a GB, whether you have been here from the start of BM or only just joined. All you need (in this case) is a kit of a Skyhawk that is less than 25% complete and 15 interested members and try and complete it within the time limit, which will be given by Mish if / once we have the required numbers. The basic rules are:- Any kit in any scale of the A-4 Skyhawk Any version and user nation If you fancy a What if, that's fine. The reference site includes a list of countries that seriously considered using A-4s and some versions that were not succesful or only mock ups. The VAL(which the A-7 won) is one example if you fancy testing yourself a little, or just using your imagination. Any aftermarket decals, resin, etched or scratch building is absolutely fine. Thanks for showing an interest guys, Joel

Thought you might have deployed the flaps for this one Dave, just to make you even more bonkers Just kidding! It really is a monster isn't it? Great start, the Monogram kits always had very good detail in the wheel bays. Like how the seats have armrests! Joel

That's 4, welcome aboard Gary! HUGE choice for the Adversary Skyhawks. I know I posted this in my build thread, but this site is excellent. Pictures, stories, unit and user histories abound - http://a4skyhawk.org/ Was reading today that Brazil intends to keep their Skyhawks until 2025! Even Isreal are flying theirs in the training role until 2015. Joel

Hi Andy, I know Fox One did some decals for Vietnam era Marine Skyhawks at one time, also Hasegawa released an E/F version with markings for USMC units which served in country-namely VMA-211 and 311. The exact aircraft depicted are a little later than Vietnam (about 1974 onwards). Joel

I noticed that the A-4C set is almost out already, the E/F shouldn't be too long-either as a set or probably a new kit. Should be plenty of time anyway. Always worth doing more than one, the first is always good for a practice, get used to the ins and outs of a new kit.... That's my reasoning anyway. Haven't a clue which one I'm going to do yet, or the version even! Joel

Thanks Enzo and Dave! Of course, with it being some time away, it gives Airfix a little time to release some more 1/72 kits for those who like 'em in 1/72 Joel