Italeri

1/48 A-4 E/F/G Skyhawk

Kit Number: 2671

Reviewed by  Michael Lindsey, IPMS# 42979

MSRP: $32.00 Kit Imported by MRC/Academy: Website: www.modelrec.com This is the description given by Squadron: "Cold War era Douglas-built carrier-capable jet attack aircraft kit. Features engraved (fuselage) and raised (wings) panel lines, basic cockpit, separately molded leading edge flaps, 2-piece canopy, optional avionics hump and external stores (includes (x2) drop tanks, (x2) rocket launcher pods and (x6) Mk 82 bombs). The decal and painting reference for 4 aircraft: A-4F USN VA-55 'Warhorses', USS Hancock, Vietnam, 1972. A-4F USN VC-5 'Checkertails', NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, 1972. A-4E USN VC-2 'Blue Falcons', NAS Oceana, Virginia, 1970. A-4G Royal Australian Navy, 805 Squadron, 1973. - Includes anti-glare panel, instrument panel, cockpit consoles and stencils." A very nice description. Being a bit of a Skyhawk enthusiast I'll admit I had high hopes when I learned that Italeri was releasing this kit. I'll also admit to a bit of disappointment when I discovered that the release was merely a re-release of the old ESCI kit. Then it arrived and I opened the box and the disappointment melted away.

Yes, it is still the same kit but with its accurate dimensions and straightforward build it is hard to complain. The Skyhawk goes together without any issues and the fit is not bad at all. The cockpit is as basic as you get but decaled instruments are acceptable in a basic build and you AMS folks can always aftermarket your way to glory. The landing gear, particularly the nose, as with all Skyhawks, can use some extra support. At the very least you will need to pay close attention or your front strut will want to lean. There's a hefty bomb load available. If you're going to pose the canopy open, you'll have to be clever about it. It's meant to be closed. The kit offers a nice selection of decal options. Probably the least desirable of which are the RAAF markings, which of course are the ones I used. (The Kangaroos seem a bit anemic) They went down fine and snugged right up with a bit of Micro-Sol. There are enough stencils included to satisfy most builders. All and all this quarter scale Skyhawk holds no surprises. What you see is what you get. If you're looking for a simple build of a classic airplane this is the kit for you. My thanks to MRC Academy and IPMS for the opportunity to build and review this kit.