AOA Decals 32-014 1/32 Decals for USN/USMC A-4E/4F Skyhawks in Vietnam War:Combat Scooters (4) for Trumpeter

Note: This set does NOT include aircraft kit.

This Part 4 decal sheet focuses on three more A-4E/A-4F Skyhawk squadrons in the Vietnam War. Typical for AOA's coverage of Vietnam USN/USMC aircraft, this sheet also provides the modeller with the choice of time periods for a specific squadron, and in the case of the A-4, also a choice of aircraft with and without the later avionics hump. An exception is VA-22, who switched directly to the A-4F for their 1969 Bon Homme Richard cruise from the earlier A-4C. Their 1969 A-4F scheme looked the same as their 1970 Bon Homme Richard cruise with the exception of not having the large BuNo painted on the tail, so only the 1970 was chosen for representation on this release. Earlier wartime VMA-211 schemes featured different squadron insignias on the tail and the fuselage are unfortunately not covered due to not having satisfactory references at the time of printing to cover them accurately enough.

The set includes 6 marking options:
- VMA-211 Wake Island Avengers - 2 A-4E options from Chu Lai, South Vietnam between 1968-69
- VA-22 Fighting Redcocks - 2 A-4F options from USS Bon Homme Richard 1970 (one CAG, one line scheme)
- VA-55 Warhorses - 2 options, one A-4E from USS Ranger 1965-66 and one A-4F from USS Hancock 1972

As usual with AOA releases, an extensive airframe stencil sheet is also included. Stencils are provided for one A-4; however, the stencil sheet is also available to purchase separately (see AOA32-012).

Decals also included for 1972 VA-55 fuel tanks (VMA-211 generally had plain white fuel tanks without any squadron markings/identifiers and VA-22 had blue tipped tanks.)

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softener is also recommended at this stage. After applying softener, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.