Tamiya, 1:48 Scale, Douglass F4D-1, "Skyray"

October 28, 2024 · in Aviation · 9 · 242

Being a Jet engined aircraft, this was not my usual type of kit to build. There are no 'Spinny Things' or big fans on the nose, so it's been a bit of a departure for me.

Still, this is a nice nice kit and it is a really fun build as well. Detail in the cockpit and inside the intakes seems a little sparse, and supposedly the wing fold mechanism is WAY wrong, (I would not know if it were, or were not to be honest). I built mine as OOB as possible however, there are correction kits out there to correct the kits shortcomings whatever they may be.

I painted the model using MRP paint, (Light Ghost Grey over Insignia White), Furball Decals and Reskit resin wheels. Weathering was by Flory Washes, thinned oils and pastel chalks.

I enjoyed building her, even though it was not what I think is my best work. This is my own fault in trying to push it through to the finish line. I have learned a bit, and will employ those methods when I build another one. Notice I said, "When"? It's a nice kit and I highly recommend it.

Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day, peeps!

So many models, so little time...

Reader reactions:
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5 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Awesome. Love this early jet. The rear view really gives the impression it’s tipped back and ready to launch!

  2. Excellent job and really great result, Frederick!

  3. Excellent build.

  4. Despite not being your usual build, this Skyray turned out beautifully, Frederick @fjs3
    Well done.

  5. Nice job Freddie you old fart! Hope you are doing well in FL and fared well during the hurricane. Miss you at the area shows as now I only have Bill left from my buddies in the LI club. Keep building and posting your nice models.

    • Hey Mike!
      Nice to hear from you! Florida is fine, and I do miss the shows up north. I go to quite a few down here and have met a bunch of guys, some of whom are down here from the northeast. Bill is a great contest buddy and a lot of fun.
      Hurricanes were on the west coast and north of us so we were good. Others not so much.

  6. What a beautiful result, Frederick! 🤩 That "Ford" looks great! 👏 I've always loved that plane and thought it looked so futuristic for its time (and still does! 😉). I built my Tamiya F4D several years ago and here's a look at her, if interested:

  7. Nice work! Don't usually see these folded up, so a unique look for this bird.

  8. Beautifully done!

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