ArmouredSprue Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Hi all For my next project I have decided to build an A-4B Skyhawk from Argentine Air Force during the Falklands conflict in 1982. Politics aside, the conflict proved that skilled pilots can make a difference even when using an outdated, or inferior material. In this case the old and still reliable Scooter (Douglas A-4B Skyhawk). This is a challenging subject, since the resources available are, quite often, not reliable or conflicting. I was fortunate to find an amazing tread in a scale modelling forum where the author (FAAMAN) made a comprehensive article (post) in regards to the Argentinian Skyhawks. This post will be my guide through this building, you can read it HERE. (Images used are in the public domain and used for educational purposes only) I have decided to built the A-4B C-242, as seen im late May 1982. It was flown by Primer Teniente (1st Lt) Guadagnini. Unfortunately he was killed on the the 23rd during the attack to HMS Antelope. Primer Teniente Luciano Guadagnini Following is the accounting for that day: 23 MAY 1982: A flight of four Grupo 5 A-4B Skyhawks attack in two groups. The first attack is led by Capitan Carballo with Primer teniente Alferez Gomez flying his wing. They approach HMS Antelope fast and low over the water. The results of the attack are one 1000 lb. un-exploded bomb in the Antelope's stern. It is believed that the Skyhawk piloted by Alférez H. Gómez stroke Antelope with the 1000 lb. bomb that did not explode. (Later this bomb did explode while being defused, leading to further explosions that sunk the ship.) Capaitan Carballo's Skyhawk is severely damaged by AAA and an exploding SAM, and barely escapes a second SAM. Carvballo's damaged Skyhawk makes it back to base and post-flight inspection finds a damaged fin on one of his drop tanks. This may have been caused by striking the mast rigging of the Antelope.The second attack from this flight is flown by Primer Teniente Guadagnini and Teniente Rinke and results in another 1000 lb. unexploded bomb in the Antelope. Primer Teniente Guadagnini flying A-4B Skyhawk C-242 was killed when his Skyhawk was struck, mostly likely by a British Sea Wolf SAM from HMS Broadsword.Later,Argentine Navy Third Escuadrilla A-4Q Skyhawks, attack the British Frigate Antelope. The Navy flight consisted of Capitan de Corbeta Castro Fox and Zubizarreta, Benitez and Oliverira. Zuizarreta would die when his aircraft, laden with un-expended ordinance he could not discard, blew a tire causing his aircraft to veer of the runway upon landing. Zuizarreta ejected but did not have the needed speed to facilitate completion of the chute deployment and was killed. His aircraft, 3-A-309 ironically was not damaged. C-242 shot down by SAMs and AAA on the 23rd May 1982 whilst attacking HMS Antelope, the pilot Primer Teniente Guadagnini was killed, ‘B’ pattern camouflage with standard ‘official’ I.D. bands in six positions Photo Resource C-242 Before applying the yellow ID bands in 6 positions C-242 (forefront aircraft on the right) with yellow ID bands applied Here is the final model: Painted with Tamiya acrylic paints. That's all folks! 30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil5208 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Nice Skyhawk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dads203 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Fantastic build 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJP Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Nice Skyhawk and looks interesting in the Argentinian scheme CJP 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winenut Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 When I clicked on that last photo and it went full size it was like "BOOOOOM"!!!!!! Great build and finish. Really like the back story, the different scheme and the final weathering and finishes. Top stuff! Might have to get me a Skyhawk I think Cheers Bruce 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted November 18, 2017 Author Share Posted November 18, 2017 1 hour ago, Winenut said: When I clicked on that last photo and it went full size it was like "BOOOOOM"!!!!!! Great build and finish. Really like the back story, the different scheme and the final weathering and finishes. Top stuff! Might have to get me a Skyhawk I think Cheers Bruce As far as I know you have one mate. Just waiting to be built. Cheers Paulo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 A background history makes any model that much more interesting, and especially if it includes personal details. Great finish and an eye opener livery! If there're any slightly distracting details, they concern the symmetry of construction. The main wheels seem to have some uncharacteristic negative camber, the nose gear looks skewed from the vertical and the raised canopy likewise – all seen from the straight ahead second photo, compared to the real thing: Otherwise, splendid and interesting modelling! Kind regards, Joachim 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djos Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 (edited) This is simply outstanding, one on my MUST TO DO list, and i will be happy if i manage to get near look to your model. I like the colors and weathering very much. And to add, always liked planes with the story behind, and this one have it for sure. Thank you for that Best regards Djordje Edited November 18, 2017 by djos 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Excellent build 👍 ... always nice to have a bit of history to go with it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Superb build,alway's nice with a back story. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 A super build, mate 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winenut Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 16 hours ago, ArmouredSprue said: As far as I know you have one mate. Just waiting to be built. Cheers Paulo That one was Harry's I still have to get one for myself! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted November 19, 2017 Author Share Posted November 19, 2017 16 hours ago, Spitfire31 said: A background history makes any model that much more interesting, and especially if it includes personal details. Great finish and an eye opener livery! If there're any slightly distracting details, they concern the symmetry of construction. The main wheels seem to have some uncharacteristic negative camber, the nose gear looks skewed from the vertical and the raised canopy likewise – all seen from the straight ahead second photo, compared to the real thing: Otherwise, splendid and interesting modelling! Kind regards, Joachim Yes! I've noticed these mistakes after the photos and I'm working to fix them. Thanks for the honest advise! Cheers Paulo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanC Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 I'm the same. Every time I see one of these kits built to a high standard I think, why don't I get one! Yours is one of the best I've seen. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 Cracking work there, well done! Very interesting historical detail too 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 Wonderful work, looks great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmouredSprue Posted November 19, 2017 Author Share Posted November 19, 2017 Thanks all for the kind words. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now