Bantam Bomber

Douglas A-4B Skyhawk in 1/72

- Stephen J Di Nucci

Kit No: A03029 Scale: 1/72

Type: Injection Moulded Plastic

Manufacturer: Airfix www.airfix.com

Known widely as the 'Bantam Bomber' and the 'Scooter, the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk could carry a load of ordnance and stores out of all proportion to its size, and it proved to be capable of significant development. Of course, it was well timed to be immersed fully in the conflict in Vietnam. Its small stature was useful in avoiding many shoot-downs, but even so, a huge total of 195 were lost in combat between 1964 and 1973.

The Airfix kit represents the second variant of the Skyhawk, the A-4B (the A-4P in Argentina) also known as the A4D-2 until 1962. This was not the first ever Skyhawk from Airfix, but their earlier kit, an A-4A/A4D-1 also in 1/72 scale, dated from way back in 1958! The new kit was greeted with some excitement when it was released in 2012; it was a welcome kit of an early Skyhawk, plus of course the Airfix renaissance was already well under way, so much was expected.

And there was little to disappoint. The kit is moulded in Airfix's now customary light blue soft polystyrene, but the detail and recessed panel lining is crisp. The representation of the rows of access panels on the upper wing is second to none. For some modellers, the current Airfix style of lining on some of its new products is sometimes a little strong, and it certainly has a different character to some other market leaders. You might want to make sure that you don't over emphasise the panel lining at the weathering stage but, make no mistake, today's Airfix kits are satisfying to build and look good. I found the fit of parts to be excellent - I actually gasped out loud a couple of times. Decals are good, too, with minimal film at the edges.