This is my model of the 1/48 Hasegawa A-4F Skyhawk kit number PT21.  This without a doubt the best Skyhawk kit on the market.  For a long time the only Skyhawk kit available has been the Monogram kit, then Hobbycraft released their A-4, but this Hasegawa kit is the best of them all. 

Click on images to see larger images Built out of the box, this Skyhawk builds up into a very nice model.  The cockpit is quite nice as well.  The level of detail in the nose gear well and main gear wells is of the highest quality.  I did add wire to the nose and main gear legs to represent hydraulic hoses.

I did exchange the kit ejection seat with a Verlinden ejection seat that offered more detail.  

Click on images below to see larger images

Weapons  

Click on images below to see larger images

For weapons load I used the MK-20dispenser resin part from Teknics. I also used the  AGM-45 from the Hasegawa Weapons Set C.  

Click on images below to see larger images

Decal and paint

For decals I went with Third Group Decal 48031. I went with the decal option of VA-55. Since these decals were designed for the Monogram kit, some adjustments were needed to get them to fit the Hasegawa kit. 

Click on images below to see larger images

I painted my Skyhawk with Mr Color.  Then I took some enamel paint mixed with thinner and applied this to the recessed detail.  I wiped off the excess and the dark wash brought out all the lovely recessed detail in this kit.  This technique is referred to in Japan as''Su　mi　i re".

Click on images below to see larger images

I found this an excellent kit that was a pleasure to build and I recommend it to everyone.  

C type is on the market now and B type will be available around May 2002.

Hiroyuki