Product descriptionHere we are a year later and the 1/32 A-1J Skyraider has been released, and as you would expect, this release is essentially the A-1H kit with one new parts tree, one new decal sheet, and a supplemental instruction booklet describing the differences in assembly between this release and the original A-1H kit. The original A-1H instruction book is also provided. The images to the right are from the A-1H review except for the new parts tree at the bottom. In this new release, all of the parts trees are molded in light gray styrene instead of the different colors rendered in the first release.
Both instruction books are printed to resemble the NATOPS flight manuals for the A-1H and A-1J though they are entitled ZATOPS Modeling Manual. The instruction books are well-illustrated with color photos and CAD drawings with text printed in Japanese and English. A correction sheet is also included to correct some parts identification errors from their original A-1H release.
Let's start with the features and options:
•Choice of A-1H or A-1J configurations
•Detailed cockpit (even without the color photo-etch)
•Choice of pilot's seats
•Navy bucket seat (with and without belt/shoulder harness)
•Air Force Yankee extraction seat (with and without belt/shoulder harness)
•Cockpit subassembly also includes hydraulic service bay, main fuel cell bay, and avionics bay
•Canopy is movable
•Speed brakes are movable
•Detailed R3350 engine
•Cowling panels can be left off to show off engine
•Choice of open or closed cowl flaps
•Choice of open or closed cowl shutters
•Hinged wings can be folded and unfolded after assembly
•Optional parts can be inserted for folded wings (actuators and support struts)
•Detailed wing gun bays with removable access doors
•Detailed landing gear wells
•Choice of weighted or lightly weighted gear struts
•Choice of A-1H or A-1J wheel hubs
•Choice of A-1H or A-1J wing tips (A-1J tips have retractable landing lights)
•Positionable flaps
•Positionable ailerons
•Positionable elevators
•Positionable rudder
•Centerline external fuel tank
•Two inboard drop tanks
•Canopy masks included
Markings are included for four aircraft:
•A-1H, 137496, VA-176 (USN), AK/405, USS Intrepid, 1966
•A-1H, 137543, VA-176 (USN), AK/409, USS Intrepid, MiG kill, 1966
•A-1J, 142063 (42-063), 602 SOS (USAF), 'The Hasler'
•A-1J, 142014 (42-014), 602 SOS (USAF), squadron commander's aircraft