Significant progress on the AD today. Assembled the cockpit, fuselage, and wings today. It’s a pretty simple kit that fits almost perfectly.
I think this kit provides the easiest path to a Korean War AD. In addition to having the correct seat, it also contains a ton of useful ordnance that can be used on a KW model. I’ve decided to equip my AD for an ASW “Gator” mission. Soviet submarines were a real threat had the war escalated. ASW patrols were conducted by Hunter/Killer teams of AD-4W and AD-4s or AD-4Ns. Sometimes, a Corsair would be substituted in the killer role to free up the Skyraider for a strike mission. The armament for this mission will consist of six HVARS on the outer wings, two Mk.54 depth bombs on the resin inner AD-4 wing pylons, and a fuel tank on the centerline.
The HVARS are from the kit, the Mk. 54s are from an Accurate Miniatures TBF kit, and the drop tank is from a Hasegawa F4U-4.
I got rid of the centerline pylon and drilled holes for mounting the tank and it’s sway braces. The early AD centerline station was mostly internal. This is why bombs and tanks seem so close to the belly on these planes.
7 attached images. Click to enlarge.
