HobbyBoss A-4F Sky Hawk

[Kevthemodeller]

My third aircraft build since returning to the hobby. As a teenager I love these USN jets, a love that would appear hasn't diminished. I did enjoy this kit, much better quality than my recent Kitty Hawk offering, still fairly basic in cockpit detail but a nice kit I've learned a skip load during this build and refined my airbrush skills and re-encountered an old enemy that plagued my GSX-R build a while back, fluff/fibre/hairs bloody stuff really annoying. That said I'm happy with the result, but there's huge room for improvement I was after a heavy combat use but with high levels of maintenance they the navy crews bestowed on their aircraft










Which this space for some more USN jets

[Twokidsnosleep]

Wow, that is excellent work

[DRUMS01]

I do not see what you are referring to with regards to improving your build. I really like the your clean construction, the colors of your bird, your skills at applying decals, pre-shading, panel lines, etc.

Really nice work all around!

Ben

[Kevthemodeller]

Wow, that is excellent work

Thanks Scott much appreciated

I do not see what you are referring to with regards to improving your build. I really like the your clean construction, the colors of your bird, your skills at applying decals, pre-shading, panel lines, etc.

Really nice work all around!

Ben

Thanks Ben

I'm not overall happy with the surface finish, mainly the contamination issues I suffered and areas that required very clean edges like the landing gear doors. Looking for more definition, it's all an enjoyable learning curve

[Hawkmoon]

Very nice finish and great work Kev

[Stokesy44]

Cracking work mate. Really good finish.

[BigWall]

That came out looking great!

[Kevthemodeller]

Very nice finish and great work Kev

Cracking work mate. Really good finish.

That came out looking great!

Fella's

[digger303]

I be proud to own that one

[Tomcat64]

That's superb work Kev - really tidy finish

[Kevthemodeller]

I be proud to own that one

mate

That's superb work Kev - really tidy finish

Neil

[Kratilim]

Great work on the overall shading!

[Kevthemodeller]

Many thanks

[cor]

I like it. Maybe a bit glossy. But overall, I respect the work you've put into the detailing. Nice.

[Kevthemodeller]

I like it. Maybe a bit glossy. But overall, I respect the work you've put into the detailing. Nice.

Thank you.

This is one of the biggest mistakes modellers make. From my detailed research, all post WW2 until late 89, were gloss finish. All US Navy aircraft were finished in gloss this was to aid cleaning for 2 main reasons, 1 grime and salt and 2 radiation decontamination. Post the Ex Soviet block and the lessoning of the threat of tactical nuclear strike on a carrier, low visibility and matt finish paint was introduced. With the advances in paint technology matt finish paint is now as smooth as gloss.

Due to use/weathering the gloss finish was at best semi at times, especially during the Vietnam War where some aircraft after prolonged sorties took on an almost matt finish. My aircraft is A4-F Sky Hawk 'Bobbie' NF400 VA-94 ‘Mighty Shrikes’ Attack USS Bon Homme Richard Gulf of Tonkin in circa 1968 - 69. Mid way during their deployment, hence a semi gloss finish. Build log

[BigWall]

I once overheard a couple military pilots at an airshow talking to a spectator about the gloss finish issue. I don't remember if they were Air Force or Navy pilots as this was a long time ago. They were saying that whoever was in charge of the issue erroneously believed that a gloss finish was more aerodynamic.

[cor]

Thanks for the info.