1:72 A-4B/Q Skyhawk Chassis

The real subject

The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was an American carrier-borne attack aircraft. For its time it was remarkably small and light, so it fitted onto the deck of an aircraft carrier even without folding wings, and precisely because of its simplicity it served in many countries for decades. The A-4B version is one of the early production variants. The Skyhawk served for decades and saw a whole series of versions that differ in details of the airframe and the landing gear, so it is worth checking exactly what you are building.

What the set contains

A landing gear set for a model in 1:72 scale for the A-4B and A-4Q versions. It replaces the landing gear parts of the kit with a version of finer detail; on a displayed model the landing gear is permanently in view and is often seen from below, where a viewer usually looks first. Before gluing, dry fit the parts to the model you are building and check the length of the legs and their rake, so that the machine stands level.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water and let them dry; on a degreased surface both paint and glue hold far better. Cut the excess material and production marks off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest down carefully. Choose the glue according to the material of the parts; with add-on sets cyanoacrylate has proved itself. Glue the legs on a flat surface according to the instructions, stand the model on them only after the joint has cured completely and check that it sits down on all wheels at once. Paint the bays and the inner sides of the doors before you close them.

• 1:72 scale
• the landing gear of the A-4B and A-4Q Skyhawk carrier attack aircraft
• the bays and the inner sides of the doors are painted before they are closed
• the legs are glued on a flat surface so that the model sits down on all wheels

Terms of supply

The aircraft kit, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.