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1/32 A-6E Intruder from VA-115


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Hello all!

 

I've been around a few months and love the site, the content, and the great contributors on here!

 

This is my first WIP and my first real journey back into the world of modelling. I decided to build Trumpeter's 1/32 A-6E and represent the bird I had the privilege to take care of as a plane captain in VA-115. We were stationed in Japan at NAF Atsugi and deployed aboard the USS Independence. After qualifying as a Plane Captain, I was assigned to aircraft 503 BuNo 152950. She was the oldest in the squadron yet she had lots to offer. While on deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch, she racked up more sortie hours than any other aircraft in the air group!

 

Just a quick note: I am not a rivet counter and my memory is a bit faded. I do appreciate any and all comments, advice, criticism, etc. PLEASE do not be offended if I choose not to incorporate your particular suggestion. It's nothing personal.

 

And here we go!

 

I chose to start in the office. I used the Eduard PE set (first time using PE) and upgraded to Quickboost seats (I used the GRU 7A seats and modified them to my liking).

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Edited by Intruder503
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Finally got some time to work on the Intruder. I got the "Birdcage" close to being done. Still have some weathering and whatnot to finish.

 

35690165241_fc808d8f96_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35789945251_1e35a9fe34_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35533376250_78b25992cb_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35082213804_c5a7197cc1_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35751950792_ecaf796326_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35881112796_128f360415_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking!

 

Chris

Edited by Intruder503
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I've built this kit twice now, and if you'd ever like any help, advice, input I'd be happy to help.  I thought its one of Trumpeter's best engineered kits with really good fit overall.  When attaching the wings to the fuselage make sure you've got everything prepped because it "clicks" into place and removing it can be hard!  Also be sure to paint the main gear wells white before attaching them to the fuselage.  Nice work so far, I'd recommend AOA decals if you're so inclined.

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Thanks for the advice! All advice is welcome!

 

I'm mostly using decals from AOAs Sandbox sheets. However, due to the relative obscurity of my subject (I literally have 2 photos) I'll have to make some of my own decals. 

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Jari, those are the only ones I've seen with any detail. I reached out to a few squadron mates but since we were all pretty young (and could care less about the future) and prior to the digital age, no one seems to have any detail photos of any of 115's birds. 

 

I appreciate everyone's kind words. 

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I will follow this thread with great interest; not because I am going to build one of these 1/32nd scale Intruders myself, but because I have several of the HB 1/48th scale Intruders. The moulds are similar in most areas AFAIK.

On the 1/48th scale Intruders you need to move the inner wing fences inboard. Does that apply to the 1/32nd scale version too?

 

Jens

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13 hours ago, Jens said:

I will follow this thread with great interest

 

On the 1/48th scale Intruders you need to move the inner wing fences inboard. Does that apply to the 1/32nd scale version too?

 

Jens

I will do my best to keep you interested!

 

Based on my research, I'm going to have to move the inboard stall fence about 13mm inward. Still looking at the outboard fence. 

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Started work on the J52. I'm only installing the port motor. (I have plans for the other motor :ner:)

35164149063_c8a860baff_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35803453882_a0cdc61754_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

Even though the kit's engines are very well detailed, I added some wire to simulate some piping to give the motor some life.

35987892705_5777318aa1_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35147942114_c9a9dd4fd6_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

 

I also have a bit of a secret build I'm doing for this. I'll document it and add it to the WIP once it's complete.

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23 hours ago, Intruder503 said:

I will do my best to keep you interested!

 

Based on my research, I'm going to have to move the inboard stall fence about 13mm inward. Still looking at the outboard fence. 

 

The outboard fences are fine, only the inboard ones need to be moved. I don't recall the exact measurements, but I believe they are supposed to almost line up with the wing pylons.
My first A-6A shows the signs of having the fences moved:

 

A-6A_HB_6292.jpg

 

Jens

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Well Done Sir,

The Intruder is the 3rd on my most liked birds.

Glad to see one here.

I have the détails and scale at hand if you need Something, feel free to ask.

Congratulations !

Sincerely.

Corsaircorp

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A little progress to report. Mostly finished the LH motor.

 

Weathering for the exhaust can was achieved by painting a base coat of rust color then painting a coat of Mr. Metal Color Dark Iron haphazardly then rubbing it down to get some shine. I was hoping to allow some of the rust color to show through just a bit.

35991020981_12cdd29565_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35955110092_311aecd20a_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

36124591365_12139b32bb_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35316010063_f0e1fde6d8_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

35283140564_0bd933be43_c.jpgUntitled by Chris Coggon, on Flickr.

 

Hope you like it!

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  • 2 weeks later...

Slowly but surely I have been progressing. Not much to share photo-wise but I've knocked out the problem of the incorrect positioning of the inboard stall fence.

36187800271_18bc2c9261_c.jpgstall fence move by Chris Coggon, on Flickr

 

I'm almost done with the drop tanks (robbed them from another kit due to the poor shape of the ones from the Trumpy kit).

 

I've got a few scratch-build projects working for this. Hoping to be done with them very soon.

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