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Hasegawa 1/48 A-4K Kahu


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Evening again,

on a roll now with Photobucket, so another model I have just finished. It is the vanilla A-4E with scratchbuilt cockpit mods, fin RWR and wingtip antennas all fabricated out of plastic card or rod. Am really pleased with it; it is the first Skyhawk I have built, and the European One camo really seems to suit it. I used the Gekko Graphics sheet for it (part 2), and a Wolfpack Maverick launcher; I was planning on using an Italeri maverick, but the clear lens was rather inaccurate. I see Eduard have just announced some mavericks - might have to get these!

All in all, made a pleasant change from my normal diet of RAF machines and the Battle of Britain . . .

PaulIMG_20140415_2006182651.jpgIMG_20140415_2006300941-1.jpgIMG_20140415_2007179001.jpgIMG_20140416_1142343361.jpg

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06 was the only Kiwi Skyhawk to fire its guns in anger. Nice work sir. The Gekko graphics decals are something special aren't they, the instructions are a great example of how to package decals. I wish they were still available. the

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06 was the only Kiwi Skyhawk to fire its guns in anger. Nice work sir. The Gekko graphics decals are something special aren't they, the instructions are a great example of how to package decals. I wish they were still available. the

Sounds fascinating. Can you shed any light on this?

Paul

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Sounds fascinating. Can you shed any light on this?

Paul

30 March 1976….The Taiwanese squid boat Kin Nan was discovered conducting illegal fishing off the coast of Taranaki by a RNZN fisheries patrol vessel. Two 75 Sqn A-4Ks were scrambled to 'help' persuade the Taiwanese vessel, which was now heading out to sea, to return to New Zealand coastal waters and surrender to the NZ authorities. After several low passes which did not appear to have much effect, a quick burst of good 'ol 20mm ahead of the vessel managed to encourage the crew to change their minds !.

Extract from 'Topped Gun' - Requiem for the Skyhawk….an excellent and rather controversial book that charts the history and demise of the A-4 Skyhawk in RNZAF Service……a politically loaded decision that saw the RNZAF, a small but proud Air Force with a rich history lose its fast jet combat power almost overnight……Think of the decision to axe the RAF Harrier Force and imagine something ten times worse !.

Excellent model BTW !. I have had one of these on the go for almost 10 years now…..I have the Gekko decals and plan to do an overall green one…your build may actually inspire me to get it finished !

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30 March 1976….The Taiwanese squid boat Kin Nan was discovered conducting illegal fishing off the coast of Taranaki by a RNZN fisheries patrol vessel. Two 75 Sqn A-4Ks were scrambled to 'help' persuade the Taiwanese vessel, which was now heading out to sea, to return to New Zealand coastal waters and surrender to the NZ authorities. After several low passes which did not appear to have much effect, a quick burst of good 'ol 20mm ahead of the vessel managed to encourage the crew to change their minds !.

Yes, it was quite the discussion topic around the RNZAF base where we lived at the time.

I think the RNZAF stood quite proud that day. :boxing:

Regards

Alan

BTW Paul, Nice A4K, thanks for sharing your build :thumbsup:

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Very nice indeed. It's brings a tear to my eye (in a nice way of course).

I managed to pick up a set of Gekko Graphics off TradeMe a couple of weeks ago and although I haven't used them yet, if they go on as well as they've been packaged and presented, then they'll be brilliant.

Gaz

:thumbsup:

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Richard has heaps of the gekko sheets still available. Getting him to return emails or PMs is the problem.

Nice model too. But I think the photos don't do it justice

You're right! My photography skills aren't all that! Am saving for a decent camera, and the course to go with it . . .!

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