Platz Hobby

 1/144 A-4F Skyhawk model kit

product # PD-19

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Sept 30 2010

 

I always get excited when I receive a 1/144 model kit from Platz Hobby.  You actually get 2 complete kits in this one box.  This latest kit is the A-4F Skyhawk complete with recessed panel lines, drop tanks, weapon pylons, 3 decal options, finely detailed landing gear, separate ejection seat and much more.

The canopy and windshield are a one piece affair, so if you want to pose this model with an open canopy you have 2 choices.  Use an Xacto knife and carefully cut the windscreen apart from the rest of the canopy.......or just cut grind/sand/file away the unwanted parts from the 2 canopies included in this kit.  Yes you actually get 2 kits in this one box......so if you are willing to sacrifice the second kit to have an open canopy on your model, then this is an option.

The cockpit is pretty simple and includes a nicely done ejection seat.  You even get a refueling probe with lovely detail on the end of the probe.  This jet has some great markings that will be the focus of attention when it is finished.  

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There is 2 drop tanks with each kit, but no weapons to mount on the weapons pylons that are included with the kits.  One item that really stood out when I was looking at the sprues is the tiny engine exhaust......pretty impressive detail for a 1/144th scale kit.

Another area that is loaded with detail is the always important landing gear legs and wheels.  I was quite surprised by the high level of detail on the landing gear legs and wheels.

The decals include markings for 3 different aircraft.....including two Lady Jessie jets with VA-164 "Ghost Riders" in 1969 and 1972 and one jet from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" with gorgeous blue and white sun burst stripes covering the entire tail.  Platz  did a wonderful job selecting some very appealing marking schemes. 

  • A-4 Skyhawk "Lady Jessie" Bu No 155022 VA-164 Ghost Riders in 1969 

  • A-4 Skyhawk "Lady Jessie" Bu No 155018 VA-164 Ghost Riders in 1972 

  • A-4 Skyhawk Bu No 155022 VA-153 "Blue tail Flies" in 1969 

The decals are excellent quality and in register and include stencils for all 3 aircraft.  All parts are packed in separate bags to protect the smaller more delicate parts.

1/144 models are a blast to build out of the box and I guarantee you will enjoy building in this tiny scale and if you are crazy enough to try.......I've seen some stunning detailing in 1/144 scale.  If you have never built a 1/144 model then you should definitely give them a try.

Steve

Check out http://www.platz-hobby.com/ for this and other fine products.  I'd like to thank Platz for the review sample......this kit is made in Japan and the high quality is evident throughout this tiny model kit.

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Photos and text © by Steve Bamford