[kb466]

With all this happy talk about the HM F-4 Phantoms, perhaps we have overlooked the new release A-4F Skyhawk "Lady Jessie". I just bought one today and, once again, I am very pleased and impressed. As I have said before, these HM Skyhawks are "cute". I really like them. This one looks great next to my "Showtime 100" Phantom and my CW F-14's, A-6's and A-7's. It will really complement my CW F-8's when they arrive. Also, I like how it provides a nice contrast with my earlier 1959-60-era VA-106 Gladiators A-4B (or more correctly for the its timeframe- A4D-2). These little A-4's are nice and go well with all these other Vietnam era USN-USMC birds.

[johnnyboy]

Another great scooter but should not the elevators be painted white?

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by johnnyboy

Another great scooter but should not the elevators be painted white?

You're right...but it's still nice. I got one and I think it's their best Skyhawk so far.

[kb466]

Originally Posted by johnnyboy

Another great scooter but should not the elevators be painted white?

Oops! You're right-- they aren't painted white on the model. I had missed that. I wonder it that was an oversight on HM's part or whether the prototype did not have white elevators. Does anyone know? They are painted white on my VA-106 Gladiators A-4. If it is an oversight and they should be white, I will get out the airbrush and paint them white. I still think it is a great little diecast airplane.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by kb466

With all this happy talk about the HM F-4 Phantoms, perhaps we have overlooked the new release A-4F Skyhawk "Lady Jessie". I just bought one today and, once again, I am very pleased and impressed. As I have said before, these HM Skyhawks are "cute". I really like them. This one looks great next to my "Showtime 100" Phantom and my CW F-14's, A-6's and A-7's. It will really complement my CW F-8's when they arrive. Also, I like how it provides a nice contrast with my earlier 1959-60-era VA-106 Gladiators A-4B (or more correctly for the its timeframe- A4D-2). These little A-4's are nice and go well with all these other Vietnam era USN-USMC birds.

Dog gone it, Kb, did you have to go and say that–? I was so impressed, I ordered one of those little Scooters two seconds ago just on your say-so.

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by Gort

Dog gone it, Kb, did you have to go and say that–? I was so impressed, I ordered one of those little Scooters two seconds ago just on your say-so.

It's still a good model, Gort. CW made the same mistake on their first Intruder.

[kb466]

Originally Posted by lanslide

It's still a good model, Gort. CW made the same mistake on their first Intruder.

It is still an excellent model. And I am still not convinced it was a mistake not to paint the elevators white. It would not be the first time that the US Navy deviated from painting instructions. I would like to see photos of the real "Lady Jessie" to be sure. Still, I think it is a great little Skyhawk and you will be pleased with it, as I was. Also, if it turns out the elevators should be white, and if you have any access or skill at all with an airbrush, it will be a quick and easy fix.

[forcerecon85]

I agree Lady Jessie is a great little bird. I like the paint scheme and weapon load out so she's on my "To Buy" list.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by kb466

It is still an excellent model. And I am still not convinced it was a mistake not to paint the elevators white. It would not be the first time that the US Navy deviated from painting instructions. I would like to see photos of the real "Lady Jessie" to be sure. Still, I think it is a great little Skyhawk and you will be pleased with it, as I was. Also, if it turns out the elevators should be white, and if you have any access or skill at all with an airbrush, it will be a quick and easy fix.

I wrote my last post poorly, Kb. By “that,” I meant praising Hobby Master’s A-4—not the fact that the elevators should be painted white. A failed attempt at humor, I'm afraid. My apologies. Fact is, I was delighted with your take on the Scooter.

After reading your post, I bought TWO A-4s. One with the hump (the Lady Jesse) and one without (the Gladiators).

Can’t wait ‘til they get here. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for this little bird! I'll keep you posted!

[johnnyboy]

I have not been able to find a picture of this airframe to confirm the white elevators but on all models I have seen based on this aircraft show them as white. This is the history of the Lady Jessie
VA-164 Ghost Riders