1/48 Hasegawa A-7E |
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Gallery
Article by Scott Snow |
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Ever since I saw pictures of
VA-72's brown camouflage scheme I knew that I needed to save my Hasegawa 1/48th
scale A-7E until I could find the appropriate decal sheet. A couple of
months ago I finally found the decals at CRM Hobbies in St. Louis, MO. It
is a Superscale sheet, and the only offering in 1/48th scale of this attractive
Desert Storm scheme.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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This paint scheme was applied to the squadron's
CAG bird, and was painted as the squadron was headed home after the war.
This scheme not only commemorated the Gulf War victory, but it signified the
last time the venerable "SLUF" would drop bombs in anger. The
model kit is a classic and unlike many of Hasegawa's Navy jet releases, the A-7E
was a pleasure to build. Parts fit was nearly flawless, and the level of
detail exquisite.
I used Testor's Acryl and airbrushed using a
Badger Anthem airbrush (the best airbrush I have ever used). Since I could
not find Federal Standard colors for this scheme, I used poetic licence, and
approximated. Before applying the decals, I sprayed several thin coats of
Future. After allowing the future to dry overnight, I applied the decals
using Micro-Sol. I was originally concerned that all of that clear carrier
film on the Desert Storm logos was going to cause silvering problems. My
fears; however, were completely unfounded. When the decals dried, I could
find not a hint of silvering anywhere. I wish all my decal jobs went as
well as this one.
Scott Snow
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