Fujimi 1/72 A-6A Intruder
One of my earliest builds once back into the hobby (decades ago) was a Revell Intruder. I still have it, but will toss it now that I've built a real kit! The Fujimi kit has ducting to the blades all the way through front and rear (though the rear is so bent you cannot see that detail), nice engraved lines (though I went over them so they'd do a better job of holding panel line wash), pilots provided, and since I was forced to use them, decent kit decals.
Although rivets aren't really prominent on the Intruder, I noticed in my reference sources that a lot of the weathering followed and highlighted rivet lines, so I decided to rivet the aircraft. Kind of tricky on the tops of the wings due to the wig fences, but luckily I secured the "claw foot" version of the Galaxy rivet wheels along with my set, so was able to handle it. I also drilled open all the small vents, and I used Albion Alloy sleeved tubing for the pitot.
There were a few wonky moments getting the fuselage and wings all lined up, so that the gear doors would all seat as well as possible. Had to use a shim or two, and a bit of putty. Always the bane of a gear-up builder...
I added some detail to the cockpit, including some stuff on top of the dash under the windscreen, and I created a center console along the center line of the canopy per references. Use painted Tamiya tape for the shoulder harnesses.
First time I've painted a lot of white in a long time, and used a technique of mottled dark ghost grey on top of the black primer, then mottled and blended off-white over that. I used MRP, which is thin, and for the first time working this way I think the shade of white stayed too grey. Next time I'll use a lighter grey underneath the white and perhaps a little more white (have a Navy Phantom on deck soon...).
I had ordered decals assuming I would have them in time for our show this weekend (April 20), but then realized I had ordered from Europe, not the US! They weren't expected to be here until early May (wouldn't you know it, they were in the mailbox when I got home from our show Saturday...), so was stuck with the kit decals. They were really hard to get off the backing paper, and a few of them tore. I was able to get them all on, and do a bit of paint touch-up on the ones that tore the worst. Luckily I had two of the same kit for the one decal that was unsalvagable. Solvaset helped draw them down enough to pass muster.
Panel line wash in a couple of different grey tones, and weathering with pastel chalk powders, and that's about it. Because I made a mistake with where I put the mounting hole, I had to make some last-minute rearrangements to what ordnance and tanks were used and where they were placed. I was gluing this puppy to the stand at 6am the morning of the show! (a few Tums were involved this week)
This is very nice, Greg - @gkittinger - it's hard to believe it's 1/72, you have so much good detail in there.
Very nice Grumman Tadpole. I remember doing that last minute stuff late at night for a contest. Never again (I was so tired that I messed up and glued a part backwards... No noticed except the judge who was an experten on that particular plane and burned me for it.)
Great job on your A-6!
Excellent build, Greg!
Very nicely done
Don't toss the old one, you'll need that for the December meeting!
@casey_gray Oh - don't worry - that was my plan! It will then end up in the library trash receptacle...
This is a really nice Intruder, Greg @gkittinger
It is indeed hard to believe this is a 1/72 kit.
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What a masterpiece!
I like the balanced detailing of all the parts, the adequate weathering and the overall clean appearance, which gives the model just the right look.
Bravo!
A superbly built model. I like it very much.
Awesome A-6. Paint work, panel lines and decals look great. Nice job, Greg!
MAN! That is a real eye opener, Greg! Nicely done.
As all have said a great job Greg!
A superb result, Greg! Really hard to believe it is only 1/72!
Stunning! I love the dynamic in-flight pose.
Greg, Looks great, your paint work gives it a nice realistic look !
Greg, nice job on this, it looks great. You have a deft touch with the weathering.
This is extremely well done Greg (@gkittinger). The weathering looks spot on and as another builder who prefers inflight displays, I really appreciate the dynamic pose of this display.
Very nice! I really love your cockpit detail...
Beautiful build!
Well done, Greg (@gkittinger). You have captured the character of a weathered Navy plane. Your finishing looks really great.
I always felt the Fujimi series of A-6's were fun to build and look great when they first came out in the mid 80's. Greg this build of yours shows that as a fact. Well done, and in flight. Love it. thanks for sharing.
Nothing brings a smile to my face like a nice Fujimi kit expertly completed - and using the kit decals to boot! π₯Ύ
Such a nice completion, Greg and some good info on painting navy colours.
Hope you did well at the show.
Nice work, Greg! Excellent detail work.
Excellent build
I have the same kit built up in similiar markings. The Fujimi kits are still real nice
Steve,
A bit late to the party, I realize, but Greg I just love this one. I have a 1/48 A-6 in my voluminous stash that I keep looking at now and then...and I really want to do her wheels up. Your excellent job is inspiration to re-visit. I love that you do all your kits in flight...not many do but they always look so cool. Thanks for the inspriation, and God bless.
Thanks Doug @dsquared! I look forward to seeing your build when you get to it.