Hasegawa 1/48 A-4E/F Skyhawk

HASEGAWA 1:48 A-4E/F SKYHAWK
'INBOX (Comprehensive!) Review'

Reviewer: Jose Herculano (taken from rec.models.scale newsgroup - two posts edited into one)
A fully built review of this kit appears on SMAKR, see links below

The Hasegawa Skyhawk sets clear new standards of model making. Detail is incredible (except on the cockpit). The extremely thin gaps that separate the control surfaces from the other panels are to scale and correct, and are a marvel to look at. Best overall Hasegawa so far, in my opinion.

However there is a catch: if you want to make an A-4F you'll have to engrave the panel lines for the wing spoilers. The wing is a straight E or earlier version. The work needed, however, is minimal.

Surface detail is incredible. If you want to see an example of true-scale rivets, you'll find it here. The control surfaces, besides the already referred absolutely correct gaps on the tips, have another detail of finesse: the roundness of the control surface where it meets the fixed panels, as well as the corresponding recess on those, is represented in a way that can only be described as perfect. You've got to see it to believe. The piping detail on the gear wells, as well as the depth of those, is outstanding.

You get a base cockpit, with a correct, but not too detailed Escapac seat (It is basic, but a bit of rod here and there will make it the part. Not that complicated). Resin update producer will get a field day here, although, due to the size and type of detail, I doubt if I would pay any money for a full cockpit to anyone except Cutting Edge. A separate seat would be another matter, though.

I've just compared the KMC detail set for the Monogram A-4 with the new Hasegawa. Bad news is: it will not fit; no way, no how. The Monogram's fuselage does not correctly represent the triangular profile of the real thing (while the Hasegawa does), and hence the KMC cockpit is far too broad. The KMC seat also does not fit; but the KMC seat is overscale. It supposedly represents the C-3 version of the Escapac. Put it close to the Hasegawa seat, or to the Verlinden C-4 and you'll see. The Verlinden seat will fit with some effort. But this seat does not look that accurate.

The Hasegawa cockpit tub is slightly better than the KMC, anyway. The instrument panel is much better on the Hasegawa. Bulkhead and behind is more detailed on the KMC, but again 15 minutes with rod and plasticard will make it very good. The basics are all there.

The undercarriage bays are wonderful. Landing gear is very good, except that the front wheel is molded with the gear leg (an unpleasant thing to do). The nose wheel steering that separates the F from the E models is supplied as an option, although I'm not too convinced by it. Adding detail, however, is pretty easy.

Slats, flaps and speedbrakes are separate, and extremely well done. The slats are very good. They even have accurate underside detail. Slat rails are just a bit over thick (it's plastic you know). But etch replacements, such as the one on the High Tech version of the Monogram kit, are more than a bit too skinny.

The Intakes are a step on the right direction and the intake trunking is not entirely accurate: the curvature on the intakes should start closer to the lip. Also there are some seams that will take quite a bit of toil to make invisible. But I needed to shine a flashlight on the intakes while comparing with some pictures to see that. Alone they look pretty good. However, should anyone do some accurate front intakes, I'm buying. The KMC set for the Monogram is worst than what the Hasegawa has. The KMC wheels are also worse than the Hasegawa ones.

The KMC conversion to make an A-4B/C out of the Monogram will not fit the Hasegawa. Neither will the War Eagle vac conversion. But, as I outline below, evidence is there that Hasegawa will make at least an A-4B.

Two wing tanks are provided, with a bonus: rounded ends, and the more common longer ends with fins. Very important to get it right for the precise model / time being built.
(added in by John Binford to original post):- if you are using the tank that has fins on it. DO NOT mount the fuel tank thinking the fins are level with the ground. They tilt downward towards the inside of the aircraft.

Overall I'd give the model a 95% rating. I have, between orders and arrivals, 5 of them. I'll buy plenty more!

Decals are pretty nice, with some well-chosen CAG bird, from VA-192 (E) and VA-22 (F).

Some Skyhawk comments, starting with the differences between the E and the F:

Detail changes introduced on the F model include:
* More powerful J52 engine - The Blue Angels' A-4F received the J52-480, with 11,000 pounds of thrust - same engine as applied to the A-4M -, with the corresponding larger intakes. These were referred as Super-Fox. Super-Foxes were later used extensively as Adversary aircraft at Topgun and elsewhere. At light fuel loads they had a thrust-to-weight ratio of a bit better than 1:1, which made then tough aircraft to fight.
- (Addendum supplied to the orignial post by Pete Hunter): Sorry to nitpick, but the F model used a Pratt&Whitney J52-P408 vice a J52-480. Same motor as the Prowler until the Prowler's upgraded to 408A's in the early 90's. When I flew TA-4J's in the Training Command they had under-trimmed J52-P6's.
* Cranked in-flight refuelling probe - This feature was also retrofitted to some A-4E.
* Avionics humpback - The first F units were built without this feature, but were later retrofitted at the fleet. Available A-4E also received this retrofit. Adversary aircraft flew with this hump, but it was removed during depot-level maintenance as a weight saving measure. 100 A-4C received the avionics pack, becoming A-4L.
* Nose wheel steering - This feature was introduced with the A-4F. However, it is common to see Adversary A-4F without it. A possible explanation is depot-level difficulties in maintaining it coupled with little need for it in a land-based use.
* Wing spoilers above the flaps - Introduced with the TA-4F. Very distinctive actuating arm. When closed, heavier panel line than on the A-4E. Relatively common to see them deployed on taxing aircraft, not so common, although not rare, on parked aircraft.
* The Blue Angels' A-4F - Besides the already commented change of engine and intakes, the Blues had some other changes to the basic F configuration:
          · No avionics hump
          · Inclusion of a brake chute - as on A-4M
          · Slats are bolted shut
          · Deletion of guns
          · Port gun fairing extended to accommodate fold-in boarding ladder
          · Smoke generating tubings

Painting the Skyhawk:
As a general rule, Vietnam era A-4E/F had the following colors:-
Cockpit Gull gray with black instrument panels
Seat Gull gray, green cushion, black or red headrest
Inside of canopy Gull gray (padded)
Speedbrake wells Red
Speedbrake inside Red
Wing bellow slats Red
Slats underside White
Landing gear White
Gear wells White
Gear doors White, with red borders
Inside of intakes White
Flaps inside Red (with white aircraft modex)
Flaps well (E) White
Spoilers inside (F) Red

Later variations to general painting rule:
With the introduction of the all-gray schemes, things get a bit more complicated:
· Most of the speedbrake wells are in fuselage color
· Wing area under the slats is wing top color on some aircraft
· Many flap and spoiler inside surfaces are in wing top color
It is best to have a photo of the aircraft you want to model. In what concerns Adversary aircraft, this is an absolute must.

Slats:
Slats are mechanical, and gravity actuated. They operate freely on their rails. On the ground they are seen deployed - although they can be locked shut by the plane captain. Blue Angels aircraft have the slats permanently locked shut; the possibility of differential slat actuation on close formation manoeuvres and near the ground was potentially lethal.
- This can be shown by either placing a properly placed strap on the slat, or as was done sometimes during weapons loads, A screwdriver was used to hold the slat up (added in by John Binford to original post).
- For carrier dioramas, take note on the catapult sequence. A tensioned aircraft has the slats down. An aircraft pictured during the cat stroke has the slats slammed shut by the G forces.

Speedbrakes:
Speedbrakes are rarely seen deployed. They might be seen open on taxing aircraft, and are seen about 1/3rd open on carrier landings - like the Intruder, which shares the same base engine, Skyhawks are a bit slow responding to power inputs, and so the approach is usually power on with speedbrake action; in case of need, the closing of the speedbrakes has an immediate speed increase.
- Parked aircraft sometimes show just a hint of opening - just enough to make the speedbrake noticeable. Parked aircraft with open speedbrakes are rare, although documented.
- It was very common on the flightline to find speedbrakes open, especially if the aircraft was be worked on (added in by John Binford to original post).

Flaps:
Flaps are frequently seen down on parked and taxing aircraft. Retracted flaps are also a common sight, so take your pick.

Tailplanes and elevators:
Do not attempt to show elevator deflection without a corresponding tailplane movement. Tailplane movements imply the movement of the tailplane to fuselage mounting plate, unfortunately molded into the fuselage on available models. Big deflections allow a very clear see-thru effect at the rear, so prepare for surgery.

Ailerons:
Mostly seen level, but small deflexions on parked birds are not uncommon especially when on the flightline.

Spoilers on A-4F:
Sometimes seen on taxing and parked aircraft. Commonly seen on aircraft during carrier landings. Mostly seen retracted.

Catapult hooks:
They are retractable (swivelling), and are only seen extended when the plane is on the catapult.

Aircraft attitude:
An aspect that can easily make or break a Skyhawk model is the aircraft attitude. Parked aircraft have the usual nose up attitude. Check your model' s stance carefully against photos, particularly if your model has stores. Take care with the wing drop tanks. They do not stay parallel to the fuselage, but show a drop to the rear. This is very noticeable.
- Moving aircraft show a large amplitude of movement of the nose gear leg. Ride the brakes hard and the nose drops. During tension on the catapult, the nose is high; during the cat shot, the gear oleo is fully compressed.

What new versions to expect from Hasegawa?
There is a mold separation mark in the inside of the middle fuselage. This can only mean one thing: Two-seaters are coming. Expect at least a TA-4J.

The kit includes both cannons and two different replacements for this area: one regular type, very nice to do adversary birds, and an elongated, ladder carrying, Blue Angels mod. Also, the intakes have a separate sprue, out of alphabetic sequence. So at least the wider intakes of the A-4F super Fox are coming. These are, of course, the same as the A-4M intakes. So: A-4F Blue Angels is coming.

Two types of end of tailpipe are included: a regular one, and a slightly shorter one. This indicates: A-4B is coming.

Several antennae and tips seem to indicate A-4K.

It is my strong belief that Hasegawa is planning a full line of Skyhawks. Just cancelled all my Hobbycraft pre-orders.

The final word on this kit:

So, what I would like to see in resin for this bird? Not much:
- A good seat, although anyone with average skills can detail the kit's seat;
- Some etch details for the pedals and sides of the cockpit tube;
- also some etch mirrors to replace the plastic ones included;
- Accurate resin intake fronts;
- A separate front wheel with metal fork.

As for decals, there are so many schemes... bring them on.

Out of the box this model is outstanding. Hasegawa made a wonderful job on kitting a wonderful aircraft.

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