A-4G ,No.805 Sqn.RAN 1977
The kit started out as a 1/72 A-4E/F Aggressor by scale craft/esci. the kit only supplies the avionic hump on top of the fuselage, so I had use filler for the tail fillet. No stores were provided so the wing tanks came from spares, the buddy pack from fuimi,KA-6D .the squadron markings are modelcraft decals supplied by B. Hackett. I also had to bend the refueling probe, the kits was straight. I was inspired after seeing A.J. Withers great Aussie builds.
Sharp-looking little scooter!
Clean little build, Robert.
Bob, they worked! Whew, I was worried! Great build, haven't seen a furrin' Skyhawk ever! Great stuff!
Great one! I always liked the Scooter's clean lines and the idea behind the plane.
Nicely done Robert, good to see another Aussie subject, this aircraft went over the side of HMAS Melbourne in 1979 when it rolled 20 degrees in heavy seas, while the aircraft was being repositioned it broke free of the towing tractor and lashing chains.
Was that with a brake rider?
Yes, Aircraft Maintenance Sailor AB E Kann, suffered lacerations, was thrown a lifebuoy, he and a diver were picked up by HMAS Hobart.
The scooter, one of the best designs from Heineman.
Well build.
I think lots of (interested) people would be surprised, how many airplanes went over the side because of a rolling carrier.By the Dutch navy a Sea Hawk went over the side the same way.
Thanks all.
Allan, thanks for the great story. I don't usually hear about incidents like that, guess the powers that be don't want me to get upset about my tax dollars going over the side.
Never was around when one went over, but I remember slipping and sliding while riding the brakes on F-4's being towed .Even with the non-skid coating a carrier's deck gets pretty slick.
Neat little A4, Robert.