Magic Factory Skyhawk A-4M "Scooter"
Hi everyone,
I finally completed this Magic Factory A-4M model in 1/48 scale that was well-hyped and I'd say it lived up to it's billing. The detail was excellent, parts fit together very well, and decals went on smoothly. For the first time in a while, I did not add after-market accessories or details. The only complaint I'd mention is the lack of clarity around part orientation and fit in some of the instructions; taking a part is just pointing it to another part is not helpful.
I added Mig anti-slip material to the Mk 82 Snakeyes for texture. The rudder definitely needs to be fully painted before attaching to the body as the yellow/midnight blue design needs to be painted, no decals. I should've brought the decals in to my local hobby store to try and match the midnight blue with the other decals, but, close enough. I did not add all the avionics and nose cone parts as I decided to leave those access doors closed. Knowing that, I should have added several more fishing sinkers in those bays to keep the nose down as the included metal ballast wasn't nearly enough. It was a fun build, gave my airbrush a good workout.
One new technique I tried, in addition to pre-shading panel lines with a dark grey, I started adding lighter shading with a few drops of white for more depth to panels, and I was pleased with the results. Sitting on my shelf next to an F-4, F-18, F-15, and F-14 in 1/48 scale, it is a small aircraft. But, it's a nice addition to my collection and I enjoyed the build.
Thanks for checking it out!
Very nice and very colourful
Thanks, George. It is a bit colorful, but, all out of the box!
Looks like all your extra work paid good dividends Joe. Looks great.
Thanks Vic
Just one word about this exceptional build/finish...WOW.
Appreciate it, Bob!
Very nice build of the last US version of the Scooter with excellent paint job, making me want to take out of the stash my Magic Factory A-4M to build.
Thanks, David!
Nice work. How does it compare to the Hasegawa kit?
Thanks, Tom. Never built the Hasegawa kit, but I am tackling a Hasegawa A-7 Corsair II as my next project. From what I read & reviews on YouTube, the Magic Factory A-4 is better in terms of detail, panel lines, weapons, etc.
Excellent Scooter, Joe!
Congratulations!
Thanks, Spiros!
That's a fine looking Skyhawk, Joe @jroamer
Well done.
Thanks, John, appreciate it!
Great job, Joe
Nice work. I like the texture on the bombs, great addition.
Outstanding build. Great work on the decals.
Beautiful build! Love the paintwork, and an excellent choice for the scheme. Well done.