AOA Decals 48-009 1/48 Battle Scooters Decals (II):USN/USMC A-4C/4E/4F Skyhawks,The Vietnam War for Hasegawa

This Part 2 decal sheet focuses on four A-4 Skyhawk squadrons in the Vietnam War. Typical for most of 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 if appropriate. An exception is VMA-214, who only operated the A-4C in Vietnam.

VMA-214 is only represented with decals for their markings used during the latter part of their Vietnam deployment - initially their aircraft at Chu Lai did not have the unique squadron markings on the fuselage or rudder/tail apart from the WE tail codes. The somewhat simplified stylized jumping ram/blacksheep on the fuselage carried in Vietnam was further elaborated with additional detail in the later 1960's.

Similar to the VMA-223 bulldog insignia on A-4 aircraft in Vietnam, the later common VMA-311 insignia is nearly always shown in illustrations (and in decals) with significant black outlining, varying details, and various colours for the rocket - presumably due to basing the appearance on more modern VMA-311 examples and/or squadron patch detail. The original Vietnam-era marking was apparently sprayed on the fuselage using stencils. As a result, the alignment between all the components (outer circle, heart, rocket, tomcat, etc.) varied such that each aircraft's insignia was slightly unique (in more than one case the cat was "sitting" over the rocket rather than on it). The late style insignia decals provided on this sheet were based on the actual Vietnam marking on the A-4 (and in the case of WL-4 and WL-16, on the specific marking on those particular airframes), and as such, are significantly closer in appearance to the original VMA-311 marking than has been portrayed generically in the past.

13 Marking options included:

VMA-214 Blacksheep - one A-4C option from Chu Lai, South Vietnam, 1966/67

VMA-311 Tomcats - six options from Chu Lai, South Vietnam, spanning between 1966-70

VA-22 Fighting Redcocks - one A-4C option from USS Ranger 1967-68 and two A-4F options from USS Bon Homme Richard 1970 (one CAG, one line scheme)

VA-55 Warhorses - three options, one A-4E from USS Ranger 1965-66, one A-4C from USS Constellation 1967, 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 AOA48-004).

Decals also included for VMA-214 and 1972 VA-55 fuel tanks (VMA-311 typically only had plain fuel tanks without any squadron markings/identifiers and VA-22 had blue tipped tanks).
Cover Image Correction: The date of "1966-69" on the title/cover page for VMA-214 is a cut/paste remnant error; the "1966/67" date in the profile/scheme illustration is correct.

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.