Jb65rams Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 I came across the decals on ebay and just had to buy them, so my entry is a Brazilian Navy AF-1 in the "15 Years" Anniversary Scheme. As I understand it, the Brazilian Navy Skyhawk's were ex-Kuwaiti Air Force A-4KUs, which were modified A-4Ms. Hasegawa has boxed version of both the Brazilian and Kuwaiti aircraft, but was unable to find either. My starting point will be the Hasegawa A-4M. Luckily the decal instructions list the changes you need to make to the nose and fin to build the AF-1. And finally my references and some additional after-market. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 That really is an eye catching scheme isn't it, I can see why you were drawn to it. You are quite right that the Brazilian AF-1's started out as Kuwaiti A-4KU's, I am going to be building one of them. If your instructions show exactly what is needed to turn an M into a KU/AF-1 would you mind sharing that info on here as there's going to be a few of us building this version. Looks like you have a nice selection of goodies to throw at your build too. This will be another very interesting build. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anatol Pigwa Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 (edited) Another Brasiliero! I guess the GB has a favourite! We should make an AF-1 subsection I will be following closely, even if I'll build mine in the 1:72 scale. Edited February 28, 2021 by Anatol Pigwa 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trickyrich Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 that's an awesome scheme, Hasegawa did do a special edition boxing of that one. Their A-4M "Greg Gates" boxing has all the correct sprue you need to build this version and they are reasonably priced as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 7, 2021 Author Share Posted March 7, 2021 On 28/02/2021 at 17:23, modelling minion said: You are quite right that the Brazilian AF-1's started out as Kuwaiti A-4KU's, I am going to be building one of them. If your instructions show exactly what is needed to turn an M into a KU/AF-1 would you mind sharing that info on here as there's going to be a few of us building this version. Apologies fir the delay in responding, was busy finishing a couple of entries in the Interceptors GB. The decal instructions show 4 modifications you need to make. Don't install the RHAW sesnors and fill panel lines on the nose (parts S1&S For the dorsal antenna, use part E6, not E11 as shown in the A-4M instructions. Need to modify the tail. Suggest using part E14, i think it means part A14 as a basis. Will need some additional scratch building to match the profile. The instruction include a scale sketch showing the profile. Two strakes need to be added to the fin. Will need to use some plastic card. Again a template profile is included in the instructions. On 28/02/2021 at 23:26, trickyrich said: Their A-4M "Greg Gates" boxing has all the correct sprue you need to build this version and they are reasonably priced as well. Thanks. Had never heard of Greg Gates. A quick google put that right. Looks like a number of aircraft from that series Area 88 where produced. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zebra Posted March 8, 2021 Share Posted March 8, 2021 Nice choice. Those decals look great, it'll be a very striking scheme. Looks like there are going to be a few builds from this kit in the GB. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 9, 2021 Author Share Posted March 9, 2021 @zebra Thanks. Does seem to be the most common boxing available. Made a start on the cockpit. Although I got the etch set, i decided to go with the kit detail for the side consoles, thought the etch looked a bit flat. Use the etch for the main instrument panel. Also using a replacement resin seat. Next moved to looked at modifying the tail fin. The instructions included a scale profile. Kit part over-layed on the profile. Part A14 shown in position. Plan is to square the top off and glue some plasticard to the fin and then sand to shape. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 Very nice work on your cockpit and seat, they really do look very good and the mix of kit raised details and etched IP works brilliantly. Looks like you have a sound plan for tackling the tail mods required, hats off to Caracal models for giving you such useful instructions, if only other manufacturers would do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Masters Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 A very sharp looking bird JB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share Posted March 13, 2021 Not a great picture, but a bit more work on the rudder. Fuselage halves going together. This kit is really a joy to build. Coming together really well. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 Very, very nice. You have knocked that into shape very quickly indeed. Good job on the tip of the tail too, you look to have got the shape spot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted March 24, 2021 Share Posted March 24, 2021 Just found a great walkaround of Brazilian AF-1's that might be useful to you. https://www.carrierbuilders.net/articles/20050627_Brazil_Skyhawk/20050627_Brazil_Skyhawk.htm 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 24, 2021 Author Share Posted March 24, 2021 Thanks. Some useful photos there. Liked the use of gaffer tape on the slats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted March 27, 2021 Author Share Posted March 27, 2021 I had order a paint mask for this, but could I find it? No. So had to order a second one, turned up on Friday. I have now primed the the fuselage, identified a few seams that need a bit of attention. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted March 27, 2021 Share Posted March 27, 2021 Glad its not just me that has to order things twice! Skyhawk is looking very nice and you look like you have sorted all the seams very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basket Posted April 2, 2021 Share Posted April 2, 2021 Very nice start , it will look rather smart with this special scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted April 17, 2021 Author Share Posted April 17, 2021 Just a quick update to show I haven't forgotten this kit. Been finishing my entry in the ANZAC build, then got sidetracked by the Anything but Injection GB. The skyhawk is in the paintshop. WIll be slow progress, I am using vallejo paints and like to leave each coat 2-3 days before masking over. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted April 17, 2021 Share Posted April 17, 2021 Good to see some paint going on. I don't blame you for leaving a couple of days between painting and masking as it is always better to be safe than sorry and we don't want any paint lifting off when removing the masking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted April 19, 2021 Author Share Posted April 19, 2021 Masking removed, i am really happy with the result, Just posting this photo, i thought something didn't look right, The tail feathers should be black, not dark ghost grey. doh! I was really happy with the masking job I had done. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 That really is a very nice bit of masking, very neat indeed. I am sure that you will be able to sort the tail planes without too much hassle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basket Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 Ah ... masking story .... never ending story ... Your job is perfect and no doubt you'll cope with the color of your feathers . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 3 hours ago, Jb65rams said: I was really happy with the masking job I had done. So you should be! Tailplanes error aside (and we’ve all been there) you have done really well to get that nice straight demarcation over the curves of the fuselage.👏 AW 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted April 23, 2021 Share Posted April 23, 2021 Super sharp masking. Looking very nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jb65rams Posted April 25, 2021 Author Share Posted April 25, 2021 Re-masked the tail and correct the tail colours. Gave it a coat of Aqua Gloss then started with the decaling. Only put three decals on so far, but looks really smart. The nose decal does need a bit of setting solution to get it to conform. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted April 25, 2021 Share Posted April 25, 2021 That looks fantastic, amazing the difference that only 3 decals have made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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