COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

I must admit beginning this build with a certain amount of trepidation, considering that though the kit has been available for almost two years, it still does not have any type of instruction manual or photo pack even. But after having at it the past couple days, I have to admit that one probably really isn't needed. Andreas and crew have done an excellent job of putting this kit together. Pretty much everything I've run in to so far is self explanatory for anyone who's built a few kits before. I've gotta say this kit is AWESOME! The landing gear has to be seen to be believed. The fit & finish is perfect.

The only thing the builder really has to do regarding construction relates to installing various scale intakes etc, which again is straight forward if you've ever done it before.

Following are some photos of what's done so far.

David S

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RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

more
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293664815
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293664864
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293664905
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293664949
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293664983
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293665020

I'm leaning towards this scheme, but whatever I decide final will be a Marine version, possibly even an A-4M. Dan Gill has a conversion kit set to go.
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293665539
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293665539

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

David,

The A-4 looks great! I wondered if anyone would ever do a build thread on one of these. Keep the photos coming.

Ronnie

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

The scheme you are thinking about is actually an A-4M, note the squared fin and rudder

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Correct. They also flew this scheme in the A-4F version, though. This is the best pic I could find, also Monogram made a 1/48 plastic model of this version. AeroLoft has already done the artwork, though in a smaller scale. So I'll work with Cindy to get paint masks, dry transfers etc made.

Still thinking maybe "The Diamondbacks" scheme, also an A-4M.



David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Looks like it will be a fun project David.

Cheers,
Ro

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Its one jet I have always wanted to build for a willing customer, so if there is there anyone out there wanting one built, I'll happily do a 'virtual manual' for as per the Skygate Hawk. PM me to discuss.

marcs

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Shall I order a kit then Marc? ;)

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

I think you should :D

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Lets chat ;-)

marcs

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Stuff the chat... We can do that when we go fly the Habu 32.
Seeing as you want to build one of these so much, I reckon this build is on you! :D
Regards Al

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Hi David,
Your COMP ARF A-4 will be awesome, looking forward to seeing her fly. What size motor are you planning on using??
Vin...

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Marc S,

OHHH, so NOW you tell me!;)

Seriously, there are some scale knick knacks & other assorted items I am planning to seek your creative input on, if you don't mind.

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Quote:

---

ORIGINAL: Vincent

Hi David,
Your COMP ARF A-4 will be awesome, looking forward to seeing her fly. What size motor are you planning on using??
Vin...

---

Hi Vin,

I'm not sure yet. I know a Rhino will fly it great in the wings clean configuration, but I'd like to be able to load her up, Vietnam style, on occasion. And for that, I'm thinking she's going to need more. I've got the two wing tanks now, but Dan Gill is already tempting me with every bomb, & missile the A-4 ever carried. Check out these Snakeyes:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293720257
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293720306
Also:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293720360

The fuel tanks will hold over 6 liters, so there's enough to install a larger turbine. I'll delay this decision till I get closer to completion.

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Here's some of Dan's A-4M conversion:
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293720991
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293721026
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293721065
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/r...g?t=1293721106

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

I served with the Marines for 8 years, most of my time was spent at MAG-13 at El toro from 1980 thru 1988. Worked on LOTS of A-4s and some F-4s. I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Pappy before he passed. Hung out with 214 quite a bit. Also spent time at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii with the OA-4M squadrons. Loved to deploy and watch the a-4s wreak havoc at wargames and so on. What a great, long life and stellar career the Scooters had.

I was stationed at El Toro when the Sgt who was an A-4 plane captain "borrowed" the A-4.......at night and flew for about a half hour. He made a perfect landing, and did no harm to the a/c. Fact is the Scooter is an extremely easy a/c to fly evidently. Although the individual had set records in gliders and so forth. The A-4 was also the smallest carrier born attack a/c that could carry a nuke. But for the record we NEVER practiced loading nukes at E.T.!! The visibility from the cockpit was spectacular. The nose swooping down gave an awesome forward, unobstructed view. It was like sitting in a BF-109 tho, extremely small. But everything was easily reached and the compactness made you feel as tho you were the hand in a glove.

And the Blue Angels mostly say the A-4 was the best performer they flew...........

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Nice David, what scale are the snakeeyes? I don't even want to know the price!!!

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Ian,

I believe these are 1/5. Dan is coming out with a new set of scale armament all in 1/5 scale to fit the various aircraft at about this same size. I haven't gotten pricing from Dan yet. [sm=greedy.gif]

Can you imagine streaking by and watching a few of those Snakeyes falling from the jet with the retarding fins extended!:D

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

David !

Congretulation with the A-4 ;) and nice to see others has spent a fortune on the most sexy plane ever :D

I purchased mine as one of the first customers when it first came our 2 years ago and are almost done with her ready for painting ;)

Along the build from my point of view, I have had some headaches but I now see the light in the end of the tunnel of say ;)

Mine will bee Hawaian VC-1 with centertank and all off Dan´s scale details !

I will post some pictures after New Year !


Best regards from snowy Denmark

Peter Bang

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Heck yeah!!! Thats my plan for the A-6, but I will be dropping 24-36 when fully loaded!!! Now that would be a sight!

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Peter,

I'm glad to hear someone else is going to have another one in the air soon! Let me know your final weight & balance & surface throws as soon as you're done, please. That's another one of the missing items not yet provided by Comp Arf. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos soon. How did you do the wing vortex generators?

I placed the very first USA order for the A-4 two years ago with the deposit, but eventually got discouraged when the LG was delayed, so I cancelled. I just picked this one up, complete, in the second hand market from another modeler who apparently decided not to build it. I'm glad I did!

Happy New Year!:D


David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

OMG!

That, I would love to see!

David S

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Hey Dave, that looks GREAT, I thought You sold yours, but it looks like you didnt and that is a good thing.Scotty
OOPS ,must have cross posted. Just saw your last post and that answers that.

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Going to enjoy this one, love the ordnance! I always find myself drawn to the comp website looking at the mig and A4.......dreaming for the most part but it's great to see one come together on here. I look forward to watching your progress.

Cheers, Alex

RE: COMP-ARF A-4 BUILD
 

Ian
You had best hit the lottery first ! :) "Dem big BUCKS" :D:D
David
any scheme would look good on that " scooter " I might have a good walk around of the A4M that's on display @ NAS willow grove VMA 131 Diamondbacks .
Semper Fi