[b-huj]

Disclaimer: I am not an expert in the A-4 Skyhawk,
But, has anybody else noticed that except the twin-seater (trainer) version and the Israeli A-4, the cockpit windshield is usually oval in shape and not rectangular as the HM model depicts it?
Take a look at the photos of all releases so far and then compare to pics of the actual plane..(????)

Photos of the actual A-4 from the Falklands war (first pair) and the HM model (second pair) for comparison. They're supposed to be the same type (Actual plane pics taken from A.net)

[SKUNKY]

It looks to me like HM took the liberty of installing A-4M type canopies and windscreens on all their A-4s.....which of course would be wrong!!!.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

It looks to me like HM took the liberty of installing A-4M type canopies and windscreens on all their A-4s.....which of course would be wrong!!!.

Right on! I hope HM will correct this faux pas.

[zed550]

recieved the gladiators A-4 yesterday and the windshield has been corrected for the early versions so dont panic!

[Phantom Phan1200]

Yeah those are preproduction shots of the model as stated on HM collectors site.
Perpro models normally have a few mistakes that get sorted out once the production model hit's the stores.

[b-huj]

Originally Posted by Phantom Phan1200

Yeah those are preproduction shots of the model as stated on HM collectors site.
Perpro models normally have a few mistakes that get sorted out once the production model hit's the stores.

I am relieved then...
I know it is stated that preproduction samples will differ from release versions, but some mistakes do not get fixed before they ship!
Once I see the production Argentina A-4 I will know for sure if the cockpit is right.

[b-huj]

bought it after all, here is a picture of the cockpit with the correct windshield for this particular model (Fuerza Aérea Argentina, Malvinas, 1982)
Too bad I had to use a fine brush and yellow paint to add the sun in the flag on each side of the tailfin.

[flyXwire]

Thanks for that. How about some sideview pics of that A-4 as well. I wanted to see how you did the sun in the flag on both sides of the tailfin. Thanks!

[Epapazian]

While I am very pleased to see a new and quality-conscious company like Hobby Master enter the military diecast field this latest error on the A-4's windshield is disturbing. Following on the A-10's droopy tailplane- now corrected- we have another mistake on the A-4's windshield- also soon to be corrected. Does this mean that we should avoid all first releases on any new planes that HM sends to market and wait for corrected versions? I hope not. I intend to buy almost everything on HM's future production schedule but I don't want to fill up my IXO-laden attic with not- quite- ready- for- market HM diecasts that I am embarrassed to display. As I noted on another thread, I'd rather wait several months longer for a model if this is what it takes to get it right.

[b-huj]

here go the pictures. I used a fine brush and a drop (very small one to avoid smudging) of yellow paint. the enamel was quite dry when I applied it so it didn't go out of control and "flood" around, but it turned out a bit thick, but didn't bother to overwork it and probably erase the rest of the flag.

I also attached pictures of the HM sample for comparison. The "blue pixels" appear exactlly as is on the mass-production release.

If we want to get really picky, the cockpit and nose area could use some more work. The canopy is too "bubbly" and the nose cross-section could be a tad less "square". Look at photos of the real plane at the start of this thread, looks like the Skyhawk is a bit more pointy in real-life.