David Lengyel Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 I've wanted to build the famous close air support workhorse for the long time but didn't want to go the usual way as most of the fellows around here, so I picked this peculiar camouflage and started to research the story behind it. I found out that US were transferring their surplus A-1H airframes to the Republic of Vietnam in early 60s. Some of these Spads found its way to the elite 83rd Special Air Group "Thần Phong" (Divine Wind). This unit was established in 1965 and drafted only the best pilots of VNAF. Nguyễn Cao Kỳ who later became a prime minster and vice president of Democratic Republic of Vietnam personally handpicked unit's elite members. 83rd SAG personnel wore all-black flight suits which became a trademark of the unit. Skyraiders used dark green/dark brown camouflage. Only the bottom plane surface, serial number and eventually some spare parts wore original light gull grey paint in which it was delivered from the USA. Due to the nature of its missions unit didn't use any of the VNAF insignia except of the Flag of South Vietnam on the tail, which was also dropped later. 83rd SAG emblem depicting white dragon under five white stars was used instead. Most of the airframes used a yellow Chinese symbols as a nose art. According to unit's members, there was at least four different symbols used, all originating from the traditional Vietnamese card game called BAT. The symbol on my model reads "Cửu Sừng" which means The Best of the Best. Missions were flown over Laos and Cambodia where Vietcong insurgents were on the move. Usual ordnance loadout was up to 8 Mk. 82 bombs, 6 rocket pods or 6 napalm canisters and 4x 20 mm cannons. VNAF Spads had some interesting quirks in comparison of its American counterparts. Most of the antennas and aerials were repositioned or changed completely, Yankee Extractor seat was removed and replaced with the original bucket seat while Yankee Extractor mechanism was kept intact, tailhook was removed and main gear was equipped with taxi lights. All VNAF Skyraiders had their airbrakes deactivated, so they couldn't be used in flight but could be opened manually on the ground. I've used good old Tamiya kit as a base for this project along with a bunch of aftermarket detail sets from Master, Reskit, Aires, ANYZ, HGW and Brengun. Handful of decals came from AOA and the rest was a spray mask designed by Vietnamese fellow modeller and cut by Miryoku. I also used some 3D printing and scratch building in order to bring the model as close to its real life counterpart as possible. All painted with Mr. Paint colors and weathered with Rembrandt oil paints. 50 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Great research and excellent modelling! Well done 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Cracking weathering effects and an unusual scheme, what a cracker. Great work Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28ZComeback Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 This made my day. My flight instructor Buzz Polistock told me about these lads. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeff Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 An unusual version, but you've really done it justice. Absolutely fantastic work 👏 Keith 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troffa Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Awesome finish, and I've never seen this unit before- keeping history alive. Great job! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrés S. Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Awesome work. Fantastic !!!! Andrés. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Autle Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 That is a belter, really original markings. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod bettencourt Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 I really like what you did here. Thanks for sharing. Rod 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kampartiger Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Thank you so much for the useful info given on the seat. I have in mind to build a similar airframe but it won't be as good as your incredible Skyraider, that's for sure. 😆 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOxley Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Wow…great work 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in a shed Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Very interesting background information regarding this unit, thanks for that. The model is absolutely outstanding. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Very nice. I have that AOA decal set in 1/72 plus a pile of Hasegawa A-1s with the intention of build this too.... one day 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlxBNE Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Stunning model. Always nice to see a photo of the original and see that the model is spot on. Very interesting history to go with this impressive build. Thanks for sharing your research and photos of your beautifully finished results. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 57 minutes ago, RidgeRunner said: Very nice. I have that AOA decal set in 1/72 plus a pile of Hasegawa A-1s with the intention of build this too.... one day Sorry David, that was an understatement - she is VERY nice!!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electric Indigo Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Very nice to see such a classic design in new clothes, and phenomenal modeling and painting work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Fantastic Skyraider there David, really nice work 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeusa Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Great work on this Skyraider both in the build and finish. I really like the back story behind it. I have a special affection for these aircraft having them save my scrawny behind more than once. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Great looking model! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsbrown Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 That's fantastic, love the effort and the result. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellsprop Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Excellent, I've never seen this scheme before 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triet Cam Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 This is a very cool build with very detailed photographic accuracy. Great job. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantherhawk27263 Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Marvelous work, it looks amazing!!! 1 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