A-4 Skyhawk- Yoav in 1/30 scale

[Isaac]

I started this new project as a continuation of my collection of models designed and rendered by Yoav. His collection is of Israeli Air Force jets all in 1/30 scale, but can be shrunk to any scale you need due to their high definition graphics. For me I am staying at 1/30 scale because I too thought they were in 1/33 scale and only after building a couple did I and Yoav realize they are in 1/30 scale. So to keep the collection compatible, all are in that scale.

This build is of the A-4E / A-4F Skyhawk ( externally identical ) without the avionics hump on top. However, the model provides parts for both versions.

Yoav has posted his design white model build
A4-e skyhawk - new project

and final build back in 2017 :

A4-e skyhawk - building report


The design of this model is also a collaboration with other builders/designers that assisted and provided input.


As an aside, I built the A-4N version of the Skyhawk designed by Emil Zarkov
Israeli Air Force A-4N, Model Art kit in 1/32



The model I will build is a rendering of this plane:



More soon


Isaac

[Isaac]

This particular version of the Skyhawk is the A-4E / F which is an in between version of the early C versions used by the US Navy and Marines and the later N / M version.
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk - Wikipedia


The E, F, H versions that served in the Israeli air Force are different than the later N versions . Israel has later on obtained the upgraded N ones and also locally added a longer tail pipe to reduce the damage from Infra Red missiles ( those were also added to the earlier Skyhawks ). Also, many have had the additional avionics hump on top of the fuselage.


I decided to build the earlier clean looking E / F version that Yoav created.

The files that Yoav provided for free were previously available on the DGA web site, however they are no longer available there. ( Yoav may want to jump in regarding that ).



Here are a couple of pages of the model.




Please note that if you are printing the JPEG files, you must use software that allows you to print it at the full size for each page or else, some pages will print at different scales and the model will not be built properly. If you want a different scale, then each page has to be printed at the same scale. Do not use the "fit to page " option for printing.


Isaac

[Isaac]

The cockpit details for this model is a highly rendered design instead of the overload of individual parts. So that makes the construction easy and also allows the installation into the fuselage later on from the opening because it is flexible.


Here are the parts




the ejection seat construction




and here are the assemblies




Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Isaac,


Always nice to see another one of Yoav's kits come together. Great start on the cockpit.


Gary

[Isaac]

Per Yoav's instruction, I started in the center section #7. I think that the rational is the unusual shape ( looks like a muffin cross section ) will make it difficult to assemble the fuselage sections otherwise.

first thing is to cut out the small area for an air scoop and glue it from the inside



here are all the parts for section 7



assembled. Notice there are inner card frames to allow for the stiffness to keep the shape of the lower section as required.



Section 7 is done and ready.



Isaac

[YOAVHOZMI]

good start Isaac

Little note Isaac.
You use white glue that softens the paper and also presses hard on the formers, so in the area of the bends the formers protrude out to you.






I use with a little super glue in all corners and bending areas.
it is strong and does not soften the paper and the rest of the perimeter of the former remains free, which also gives flexibility to the paper in later connection to another part.




YOAV

[herky]

great tips thank yoav

[Isaac]

You are correct Yoav.


I did screw up with that part.


Thank you for the suggestion

Isaac

[Isaac]

add the next sections going aft


joining is now relatively simple because the sections are simple rounded curves with a flat bottom ( sort of ).



The last item is to add the exhaust duct.
the inner disk is temporarily in place when the Super glue is spread on the outside of the rear duct to keep it rounded. It is removed when the glue has set.




Notice, this is the short duct version as originally delivered from the USA.


Isaac

[Isaac]

Here is the aft fuselage






add the exhaust upper heat shield ( to protect the vertical fin )






Isaac