1/48 Monogram A-1H Skyraider

Gallery Article by Danny Dinh on Feb 2 2011

 

VNAF 83rd SOG – Thần Phong

History: The 83rd SOG Skyraiders, VNAF: 

Formed in the mid 60’s by former VNAF Commander Nguyen Cao Ky, this elite group was uniquely camouflaged and carried no South Vietnamese national markings other than the rudder markings. They carried the group’s insignia on the fuselage sides only with the inscription Thần Phong which directly translates as 'God Of Wind'. This group conducted many clandestine operations over North and South Vietnam, mainly at night and supporting other Vietnamese ground units. Due to the long loiter times that these aircraft can attain above any required zone, they carried a huge array of weapons and extra fuel. This aircraft is configured for a ground strike mission to support special forces. The artwork seen on the engine cowling depicts one of four characters used in the Vietnamese game of Tổ Tôm is called Cửu Xung: Best of the Best.

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The Kit: 
I have made some small modifications to the kit by replacing all exhaust pipes with brass tubes. All Vietnamese national insignia and serial numbers were home-made. The kit is relatively easy to put together and with some tender loving care, it can come out half way decent.

Last but not least, I would like to dedicate this A-1H 83rd SOG to all the VNAF Thần Phong pilots.

Danny Dinh

Photos and text © by Danny Dinh