1/48th Revell EA-6A
Here's my attempt to build the Revell EA-6A Electric Intruder. I always liked the black tail markings with the white 'CY' and the Playboy bunny used by VMCJ-2 (and later re-designated VMAQ-2). I've had that Revell kit in my stash for quite some time and finally decided to build it. The Electric Intruder is instantly recognizable by the huge radome/ECM pod on the top of the tail. I had the privilege of photographing a few of them at MCAS Cherry Point, NC on two occasions.
The Revell kit was not without its challenges but everything was there to produce a respectable model. Certainly a modeler deciding to attack this kit needs to be prepared to spend some time filling and filing seams and areas where the fit is a bit off. The instructions were clearly written and well thought out.
This model was finished with Model Master enamel paints of gull gray and insignia white and some flat black and insignia red. After the decals were applied and thoroughly dry, it was over-sprayed with Testors clear semi-gloss lacquer. The landing gear is in MM aluminum. The tires are grimy black. There is some slight weathering on the model but the camera flash pretty much blew that away. The Marines kept their Electric Intruders clean. This model had after market decals but other than that was build out of the box. If anyone is looking for a moderate building challenge, this EA-6A kit is for you. The last photo shows a typical EA-6A from VMCJ-2.
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Bob Bailey said on September 21, 2021
Cool and clean. Great build and finish. All good.
Jim Sullivan said on September 22, 2021
Thanks Bob.
Spiros Pendedekas said on September 21, 2021
Great model, out of a not shake and bake model, Jim.
Congratulations!
Jim Sullivan said on September 22, 2021
Thanks Spiros and I'd certainly agree that a bit of previous modeling experience would be a real asset in attempting to build that kit.
Gary Brantley said on September 21, 2021
@bentwing, Excellent work Jim! That is some sweet paintwork man. 🙂 Those Revell Intruders aren't easy to tackle, but you rose to the challenge with this build.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Gary, the old Paasche H-1 airbrush still serves me well.
John vd Biggelaar said on September 21, 2021
Your attempt is very successful, Jim @bentwing
Awesome work, you created a real gem.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thank you John.
Greg Kittinger said on September 21, 2021
Looks like a mirror image of the pic - well done!
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Greg, I find it most helpful to have a photo or photos of what you're building. It sure helps with some of the details.
Michel Verschuere said on September 21, 2021
Great one, kudos!
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thank you Michel
Tom Bebout said on September 21, 2021
Nicely done Jim, an that's a beautiful paint scheme.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Tom, I always liked that paint scheme too.
Robert Royes said on September 21, 2021
Looks great! You don't see this version done too often.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Robert and you're certainly right about the EA-6A not showing up often. I had that kit in my stash for over 20 years. I got the 'bug' to build it after seeing some fine photos of VMAQ-2 Electric Intruders.
Clark Cook said on September 21, 2021
Very nice Jim. An excellent representation of the 2 seat "Jammin" version of the Intruder. Great looking finish and an excellent choice of markings. Good work and I see positive comments already adding up.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Clark, I appreciate your comments. That paint job on the real bird has always been a favorite of mine.
Bernard Bedeur said on September 22, 2021
I always liked the esthetics of the intruder Jim . The side by side position and aero manoeuvrability Probably came from that.
Your model looks Perfect , like the real aircraft.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thank you Bernard and I surely agree that Grumman did a fine job with that bird,
DE4EVER said on September 22, 2021
🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
An Intruder fan myself, I just love seeing this one.
Very nice and befitting job on this model.
Good clean and sharp work Jim.
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thank you DE4EVER. I photographed quite a few of them at Cherry Point and Oceana. Send me a PM if you'd like to discuss it further.
Phillip Friddell said on September 22, 2021
That's great, Jim---outstanding work on a seldom-built and hugely underappreciated kit!
phil
Jim Sullivan said on September 23, 2021
Thanks Phil and I always look forward to seeing your modeling projects.
George R Blair Jr said on September 24, 2021
You are right, old Revell kits still build into a respectable model, Jim (@bentwing). I am sure your building skills had a lot to do with the outcome. Well done.
Jim Sullivan said on September 24, 2021
Thank you George. Those old Monogram and Revell 'classics' seem to serve two purposes. First off is the nostalgia thing as many of our older modelers (like myself) built those kids early in their modeling ventures. The second aspect is the challenge of seeing what can be done with those kits now that we have more modeling experience under our belts and also the huge amount of after-market offerings out there now. I personally enjoy both aspects.
Eric Berg said on September 24, 2021
Very nice. Looks just like the photo you took. Excellent!
Jim Sullivan said on September 24, 2021
Thanks Eric. Building with a photo (or photos) in hand often allows you to pick up additional details that kit or decal instructions don't show.
Drew Tarter said on October 3, 2021
Beautifully done, Jim!
Anthony Ricco said on October 17, 2021
Beautiful build Jim, I'm a big fan of the Intruders and this is really nicely done - very clean, and just like your reference.