A-4KU(AF-1) Skyhawk 'Brazilian Navy VF-1 15th Anniversary'
The 1/48th Hasegawa Skyhawk variants is a favorite model of mine. Although it has sparse cockpit detailing and some fit issues, the texture details are excellent. And most importantly, the model looks like the real aircraft when completed.
This particular kit depicting the commemoration of the Brazilian Navy Anniversary was challenging. Not only that the large decals require great care when applied, but also the gray color hues were confusing.
Sometimes the abundance of references creates conflicting impressions as for the actual colors applied on the aircraft. I has to change the grey tones several times before settling on the final scheme. The solution was simple, always go for the source. In this case, the decals have the gray tone by which it is possible to adjust the correct contrast to the rest of the surfaces.
Superb result, Rafi! You tackled the challenging scheme with your usual excellence. I checked net available pics and your model looks just like the real thing.
Congratulations!
Thank you kindly Spiros.
Very nice work on an unusual scheme and a great result, Rafi.
Many thanks Tom
This is an extremely good looking model. I love the fact that the A-4 is still flying somewhere...
Thank you Marcello
You did a perfect job on this challenging build, Rafi @blackmopane
One of my favorite jet aircraft.
Thank you kindly John
What a great looking scooter ,well done on that difficult colour scheme Rafi.
Thank you Neil
How many shades of grey, Rafi? A great looking A4, the colour scheme really suits it.
Thank you kindly George.
Nicely done, Rafi
Thank you Gary
Very nice AF-1 Skyhawk. My hat goes off to you for tackling that complicated scheme, wow.
Built the Hobby Craft A-4N in 1/48 in AF-1 markings years ago. Used the FSM 48-044 decal sheet instructions for the paint scheme. It seems Brazil in 2010 went with the US Navy TPS pattern for OA-4M/A-4Ms. The FCM sheet lists the colors as FS26187 for the primary top color, FS26515 for the side color, and FS26515 for the bottom color.
Maybe I should build another AF-1.
2 attached images. Click to enlarge.
1. The kit.
1. The real thing.
Thank you David for the info. Hard to resist another scooter build.
When decals are supplied with the fuselage color, I prefer to match the paint tone to the decal even if the decal color does not match the FS number.
Nice work, Rafi! I’m an A-4 fan too.
Thank you John!
This is a very cool color scheme
Another great build, Rafi!
Not prettiest version of the A-4, this hunchbacked scooter though. 😂
Thank you Alfred.
that is a real beauty!
Thank you Greg!