1/72 Monogram A-1E Skyraider

by Billy Calzada "Billbuccaneer"

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This is the classic Monogram Skyraider improved with the Cooper Details control surfaces and cockpit interior. These bits fit perfectly and were a joy to work with. The weapons load is from Hasegawa weapons sets. The rubber tires are from Equipage. The tail unit markings are painted on, and the playboy bunny on the metal Aeroclub prop is a homemade decal.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

The Douglas Skyraider was designed by Ed Heinemann and his team during World War II as a replacement for the U.S. Navy Dauntless and Helldiver dive bombers.  It reached the fleet too late to see service then, but saw extensive service in Korea and Vietnam.  It served in the air forces of many countries, including Great Britain, France Sweden and South Vietnam.

During the Vietnam, it was a prop-driven workhorse in the jet age.

This model represents A-1E serial 133865, 1st Air Commando Squadron, Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam.  Byron Hukee's website, www.skyraider.org, was a great help in researching this particular Skyraider.

Billy  aka Billbuccaneer

 

Photos and text © by Billy Calzada, aka Billbuccaneer