Douglas
A-4 Skyhawk

Victory Productions

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

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Victory Productions’ fourth foray into decal production covers Douglas A-4 C and E model Skyhawks that took part in the early operations from the carriers on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf during the period 1965 to 1969. 

Wow!   

That's the first thing you think when you see this decal sheet.  Its sheer size of 11^1/8" x 8^1/2" is certainly impressive.  Add to that the fact that the markings are all in bright colours, completely cover the sheets (there are two of them) and you are instantly impressed. 

The impression of a quality product is confirmed when you open the package and start to read the separate, same-sized general notes sheet.  This sheet provides you with comprehensive notes on the different types of stencil data carried by the A-4 as well as specific and exhaustive notes on each of the aircraft on the decal sheet.  These notes are a great help as they not only guide you on what antenna were carried on the aircraft and what stencil data it wore but it also gives you a potted history lesson on the squadron, the aircraft and the pilot.  The sheet also incudes a comprehensive list of references – twenty of them in fact! 

In all, there ten different Skyhawks covered on the sheet all of them finished in gull grey and white with bright "in your face" markings.  Here is what you get: 

• A-4C, Bureau number 147681 of VA-94 Mighty Shrikes, USS Enterprise, June 1966.

• A-4C, Bureau number 148566 of VA-144 Roadrunners, USS Kittyhawk, 1966-67.

• A-4C, Bureau number 148576 of VA-126 Black Diamonds, USS Hancock, 1966.

• A-4C, Bureau number 149493 of VA-66 Waldos, USS Intrepid, 1968-69.

• A-4E, Bureau number 149993 of VA-72 Blue Hawks, USS Independence, 1965.

• A-4E, Bureau number 150118 of VA-46 Clansmen, USS Forrestal, 1967.

• A-4E, Bureau number 151073 of VA-192 Golden Dragons, USS Ticonderoga, April 1967.

• A-4E, Bureau number 151134 of VA-163 Saints, USS Oriskany, 1965.

• A-4E, Bureau number 151165 of VA-86 Sidewinders, USS Independence, 1965.

• A-4E, Bureau number 152048 of VA-164 Ghostriders, USS Oriskany, 1967.

There are some famous aircraft amongst them too: 

·        The VA-192 aircraft was piloted by LTCDR Mike J. Escotin when he won his Congressional Medal of Honour in April 1967. 

·        The VA-163 is the aircraft that was being flown by CDR James B. Stockdale when he was shot down in 1967 and began his seven years of captivity which resulted in the award of the Congressional Medal of Honour for his leadership and inspiration to other prisoners during his captivity. 

The decals have been produced in Italy by Cartograf.  They are beautifully printed and in perfect register.  The colours appear to be correct as well with the of the VA-94 squadron markings being printed in the right shade of orange.  The suggested kit is the superb Hasegawa one.  In fact the decals have been tailored to fit it.  The notes sheet states that the decals can be used on other A-4 kits but don't guarantee that they will fit as well.  Attention to detail is obvious and is shown through the provision of five different versions of the NAVY titles and the four different rescue arrows.  Different versions of national insignia are also provided to take care of open dive brakes and placement over in-flight refuelling probes. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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The placement guide is in full colour and like everything else in this package – LARGE!  It gives you a side profile of each aircraft as well as smaller part profiles to show the other side of the aircraft as required.  The decals and instructions are packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag. 

In summary, this is an excellent effort from Victory Productions.  If you are a Scooter fan or a lover of gull grey and white camouflage with bright squadron markings you are going to love this sheet. 

Heartily Recommended!

Thanks to Victory Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2003 by Rodger Kelly
Page Created 19 June, 2003
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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