1/72 Tamiya F4D-1 Skyray

by Mario Serelle

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This is the Tamiya 1/72 scale Douglas F4D-1 Skyray built straight from the box. This is one of the best kits I’ve ever built: great detailing overall and easy to assemble. I only add seat belts made from Tamiya tape and replace the original plastic ejection handle with cooper wire.

 

Cockpit is very well represented with great raised details on instruments and consoles. Landing gears are very nice as well, but the assembly of the main gear is a bit trick, and actually is the only point of attention during the entire process. Overall fitting is almost perfect, and just a little of putty was necessary around the intakes.

 

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I choose to depict one of the aircraft flow by the VF-213 Black Lions. Decals are a mix of Tamiya (star ’n’ bars and general markings) and Eagle Strike (VF-213 specific markings). Eagle Strike decals are very thin and you need to be very careful during its application.

Paints used were Tamiya and Metalizers for leading edge corroguard and exhaust area. The model received a black pre-shading and a post-shading with a lighter shade of the base gray color to depict the beaten appearance of US Navy carrier based fighters. The effect is subtle but visible, just as I wanted. Burnt Umber oil paint wash and stains around the engine area finished the job. 

Hope you like it!

 

Mario 

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Photos and text © by Mario Serelle