Ray_W Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 I note there have been a number of discussions on 1/48 Skyhawks. Some older: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235020929-best-148-a-4/ Some new: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235067811-a-4-skyhawk-in-148/ Some current: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235091318-finding-it-difficult-to-track-down-a-148-a-4b-skyhawk/ My questions are specific to the Hobby Boss kits, which I can source easily, with the plan to present as a RAN A-4G most likely from HMAS Melbourne, grey scheme with red checkerboard fin. For me the shape is key and I will correct if need be. That is if something is correctable and the error is well defined. Therefore, are there any issues with the Hobby Boss in shape, canopy, cockpit depth, and also surface detail representation? I expect I will have to cut, fabricate and deploy slats. What else? For the A-4G, should I start with the Hobby Boss F (sans avionics pod), like the original, or come up from the E? Hasegawa ain't an option and besides I do not mind some mod work if the starting kit is modern and fundamentally correct. Thoughts? Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgio N Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 I don't have the HB kit so can't comment on the accuracy, one thing I noticed however is that both A-4E and A-4F boxes seem to include exactly the same parts, unless I've missed something https://www.super-hobby.it/products/A-4F-Sky-Hawk.html https://www.super-hobby.it/products/A-4E-Skyhawk-20194027-1.html If so, then you may start from either one 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray_W Posted April 1, 2021 Author Share Posted April 1, 2021 4 minutes ago, Giorgio N said: If so, then you may start from either one I think your're right. Sensible if they can use the same moulds. I wonder what, if any, sacrifices were made to achieve this? Funny, checking the sprues it seems little aircraft plastic and a massive amount of ordnance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anatol Pigwa Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 21 minutes ago, Giorgio N said: I don't have the HB kit so can't comment on the accuracy, one thing I noticed however is that both A-4E and A-4F boxes seem to include exactly the same parts, unless I've missed something https://www.super-hobby.it/products/A-4F-Sky-Hawk.html https://www.super-hobby.it/products/A-4E-Skyhawk-20194027-1.html If so, then you may start from either one Actually there are certainly some slight differences regarding wing (the F variant has wing-top spoilers). This is also reflected in the HB kits. Since the A-4G was based on the A-4F I would suggest this kit as the base for your build. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray_W Posted April 1, 2021 Author Share Posted April 1, 2021 @NAVY870 Hi Steve, I am very interested to know your thoughts on this. Also, any of the intricacies the kit manufacturers miss for a HMAS Melbourne Skyhawk. I think I will commit to the Hobby Boss A-4F as the base kit unless it is horribly wrong. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgio N Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 2 hours ago, Anatol Pigwa said: Actually there are certainly some slight differences regarding wing (the F variant has wing-top spoilers). This is also reflected in the HB kits. Since the A-4G was based on the A-4F I would suggest this kit as the base for your build. I'm aware of the differences between the variants, I'm not sure however I'm seeing these in the HB kit parts. Mind, I do not have the kit in my hands so I can only check sprue pictures, but these and the instructions really look the same to me. If you have seen them then HB did their homework right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NAVY870 Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 5 hours ago, Ray_W said: @NAVY870 Hi Steve, I am very interested to know your thoughts on this. Also, any of the intricacies the kit manufacturers miss for a HMAS Melbourne Skyhawk. I think I will commit to the Hobby Boss A-4F as the base kit unless it is horribly wrong. Ray Ray The Hobbyboss kit looks like a down scaled clone of the Trumpeter 1/32 kit. Other than the retracted slats theres a couple of other pooches copied from its bigger sister Main gear legs are way too long, makes it look like its had a parade boot up the jacksie. Main wheels are all over the shop Intakes are under nourished Cockpit is sparse, rear bulkhead shape is well off No bent IFR probe, Ours had the bent probe before the chequer board fin was applied It has the rear under fuselage chaff dispenser only Landing light on each MLG door, should be starboard only UHF antennae is incorrect shape No TER and the MK82 are underweight No nose wheel steering, only the snubber of the A-4E Its doable but needs help from other sources Cheers 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NAVY870 Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 5 hours ago, Anatol Pigwa said: Actually there are certainly some slight differences regarding wing (the F variant has wing-top spoilers). This is also reflected in the HB kits. Since the A-4G was based on the A-4F I would suggest this kit as the base for your build. Unfortunately for us Douglas thoroughly muddied the waters by backdating the spoilers, nose wheel steering and other goodies to the A-4E. The only real way to be sure is to check the Bu number 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray_W Posted April 2, 2021 Author Share Posted April 2, 2021 7 hours ago, NAVY870 said: Its doable but needs help from other sources Thanks Steve, a very useful list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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