1:48 Scale, Tamiya A-1H, 'Skyraider'

January 30, 2024 · in Aviation · · 18 · 451

Calling this one, DONE! Second for 2024 as well. and I am on a roll.

This is a really good kit and you can build a fantastic model right from the box. I did use some after market, a couple of Quickboost items, (Gun barrels and canopy retraction boot). I added paper strip belts and Infini Aero Rigging. Paint is Mr. Paint, (MRP), Flory washes, AK Weathering Pencils, thinned oils and pastel chalk. Decals are kit supplied as well! Yeah, kit decals!
Markings are for an A-1H assigned to Attack Squadron 25, (VA-25), 'Fists of the Fleet', USS Midway, June 1965. Pilots were Lt. Clint Johnson or Lt.(JG) Andrew Hinsberger.

A very enjoyable build and I recommend it highly.

So many models, so little time...On to the next one!

Reader reactions:
19  Awesome 4 

8 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. This looks awesome Frederick (@fjs3).

    I love the paint job, the weathering - everything about it. Well done sir! 🙂

  2. That is a fine looking Skyraider, Frederick @fjs3
    The paintwork and weathering is beautifully done.

  3. Nice work and a superb result.

    This is the first of the two Skyraider MiG-killers during the war.

  4. Have to love a spad, it's a beauty. Nice work and well done.

    Like most radials these were covered with an oily film.

    I have one in the stash, just not looking forward to construction of the HVARs but some sort of jig is probably best.

    It's funny but these moulds are really old now but the kit still builds better than many current kits.

  5. Nice looking skyraider ,thanks for sharing.

  6. Excellent job on the good Tamiya kit, Frederick!

  7. Classic kit, classic model, love the exhaust stains, Frederick.

  8. Super build Frederick. Never seen one in the flesh, but these aircraft must have been massive. Good looking model 👍

    • Said to be the largest engine fitted to a single engine fighter (it was actually a dive bomber, originally the Dauntless II) the beast could (and did) flip itself on its back if mishandled on throttling up. The final J model (mostly seen in USAF guise working at CSAR "Sandy and Hobo among others) was capable of out stripping the B17 in terms of load...with its extra armour😳. FACs that worked with VNAF Skyraider pilots said that they basically gave them the target and got out of the way. The VNAF pilots were prone to deliver the lot (not easy) on one run, usually devastatingly accurate as they often used the spad as the dive bomber it was designed as. Interestingly the CAS and CSAR work lead to the USAF spec for the A10. The A10 went on to excel at CSAR work...Well I wouldn't hang about to argue would you?

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

  9. Sweet work. You did this venerable aircraft justice!

  10. Well built as always. And the support arm...well tanned.

  11. Excellent job! Your paint and finish is well done.

  12. What a beast!
    Gorgeous paintwork and spot-on weathering. Awesome build.

  13. Very nicely finished. @fjs3

  14. Looks great! I really need to build a dump truck soon...

  15. Great looking Spad, I LOVE it!

  16. Nicely done Fredrick, great looking Spad. Saw a lot of them taxing around on Hobert Field in 1970. USAF were training Vietnamese pilots for the war.

  17. Good work, Frederick @fjs3! 👍

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