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.
3 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Greg Kittinger said on August 24, 2016
Sharp-looking little scooter!
Craig Abrahamson said on August 24, 2016
Clean little build, Robert.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on August 24, 2016
Bob, they worked! Whew, I was worried! Great build, haven't seen a furrin' Skyhawk ever! Great stuff!
Gábor Szabó said on August 24, 2016
Great one! I always liked the Scooter's clean lines and the idea behind the plane.
Allan J Withers said on August 25, 2016
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.
Robert Royes said on August 25, 2016
Was that with a brake rider?
Allan J Withers said on August 27, 2016
Yes, Aircraft Maintenance Sailor AB E Kann, suffered lacerations, was thrown a lifebuoy, he and a diver were picked up by HMAS Hobart.
Dirk Derks said on August 25, 2016
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.
Robert Royes said on August 25, 2016
Thanks all.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on August 25, 2016
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.
Robert Royes said on August 25, 2016
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.
George Williams said on August 26, 2016
Neat little A4, Robert.