1/48 Tamiya A1J Skyraider

Gallery Article by Hector Alonso on Dec 11 2003

 

I began this project to participate in a contest promoted for an Spanish discussion group I used to 'walk around'. This group is called AERONET http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/255364 (just in case any Spaniard would like to have a peek   ).

The contest was about planes that participate in the Vietnam Conflict.

The kit is Tamiya's 1/48 Skyraider A1J. While searching the Net for info on the plane I found that the profile I liked most was one in Squadron- Signal Walkaround, the plane was based in Bien Hoa.

 

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I used Eduard PE and Cutting Edge decals and the numerals were made with spare decals I had.

First, I preshaded the plane with XF-1 Tamiya Flat Black, and afterwards I airbrushed the plane using the lighter color as base and after that I continued with the camouflage colors trying to lighten the middle of the panels to 'weather' a little the plane.

I paid a lot of attention in not covering completely the preshaded panels lines, as this would have spoiled the weather effect I wanted to achive.

Wheel's wells are painted with Tamiya XF-2 (Flat White) with some oil paintings washing.

Metallic painted parts may not be accurate, but that was the impression I took when I studied the pictures I had.

The kit was mainly painted using Gunze Sangyo USAF paintings that I founded to be very close to the painting chips I have seen.

This Tamiya kit is a pleasure to build as every piece fits perfectly, except that part of the cowling with the fuselage but that was finally solved with the aid of Mr. Surfacer 500, (the friend every modeller needs!!!! )

One last word to say that I enjoyed this kit a lot as is the first one that I have built from a picture.

And for those who mind....... I got a 2nd place in the Vietnam contest!!!! Proud Me!!!!

I hope you like my Skyraider as much as I do!.

Hector Alonso

Click on images below to see larger images

 

      

Photos and text © by Hector Alonso