Progress Picture

L to R: HobbyCraft AF-1, Hasegawa TA-4J, and Monogram OA-4M converted to TA-4H

Skyhawk Progress

Building the AF-1 has prompted me to re-start the TA-4H.

Wing is glued to the AF-1 and now fixing the usual seam issues with the leading edge slat area plus wing root and where the wing trailing edge joins the fuselage.  Looks like the avionics hump now fits properly.

For the TA-4H, started to scratch build the bulkheads behind the ejection seats.  Also fixing the leading edge area of those seams.  I think this time its will get sorted out.

Non-sticky problem

I am not sure what is going on.  But with two different bottles of Testors glue and a bottle of Weld-On I am experiencing the same problem on the HobbyCraft A-4N model kit.  Sometimes the glue will bind the pieces together.  Other times the glue will dry and the parts seem to be joined, but the slightest pressure the parts will pop apart.

Latest example - the avionics hump.  It has been curing for 24 hours after being glued.  Even glued in a sheet styrene bulkhead to help make it stronger.  Then with test fitting find the hump does not fit flush, there is too much side in the middle of the hump.  So sand and sand more, think I have it.  So lay down the Testors glue and tape the hump down.  So the rear the hump splits at the seam as if never glued.  So having to fix it again after pulling the hump off.

AF-1 N-1012

 AF-1 N-1012 of the Brazilian Navy.  Decals for this aircraft are included in the HobbyCraft A-4N model kit in 1/48th scale.  Notice no cannon is fitted at the wing root.

One of the things missing from the model kit is an A-4M/A-4KU HUD.  So from sheet plastic and careful cutting/sanding I have crafted one.  I also replaced the ejection seat with a resin True Details Escapac seat.  Pulled from the spare parts box a control column from a Monogram A-4 to replace the T-handle HobbyCraft calls a stick.