The A-7D was
developed for the USAF based on the Navy's A-7C. The "navalized"
components such as launch bar being removed and the air-to-air refueling
switched from probe to the high speed boom type. Other changes included a more
powerful engine, stronger brakes and a single 20mm rotary cannon replacing the
pair of single barrel 20mm guns. One feature did remain on the Air Force birds,
the wing fold system.
The 138th TFW
(Tactical Fighter Wing) of the Oklahoma ANG, based at Tulsa International
Airport, operated the A-7D from 1978 until they were replaced by the F-16 in
1993.
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This kit was a great
build and the only after market parts is a Black Box cockpit, Verlinden seat and
home made decals. There was quite a bit of sanding required in the intake to
fill the seam as well as where it joined the fuselage but it was manageable. I
decided to not fold the wings and I am not sure how much the USAF used this
option. This is my second model that I painted using Xtracrylix colors and I am
very impressed with this paint however some areas did not lay down a smooth
enough finish which had to be sanded smooth and repainted. For the panel washes,
I used Mr. Detailer making the process real easy. The combination of Xtracrylix
and Mr. Detailer saved me from having to apply Future clear saving tome and
excess paint in the seams.
Since there are not any decals
for the OK ANG A-7D, I had to make my own using a color laser printer. The
beaver patch was made from a photograph I took during a visit to a local flight
school that the 138th donated a retired A-7D to. The "Tulsa" lettering
on the tail and "244" on the nose gear doors were hand painted. The
font is not anything standard and I did not have the capability of producing
white decals so painting was my only option for these.
Overall, this was a very fun
build and I look forward to the Trumpeter release in 1/32 scale.
David
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