Hasegawa 02527 - 1:72 A-1H Skyraider VA-25 MiG Killer

Plastic model kit of the carrier-based attack aircraft A-1H Skyraider “VA-25 MiG Killer” in 1:72 scale

Hasegawa 02527 is a kit for self-assembly representing the American carrier-based attack aircraft A-1H Skyraider. This piston-engined machine was designed back in the late 1940s, yet it served successfully through the Vietnam War, valued for its heavy ordnance load and long loiter time over the battlefield.

This edition commemorates the aircraft that – although propeller-driven – managed to shoot down MiG-17 jet fighters. The kit includes underwing ordnance parts and new decals for two options: an aircraft of VA-25 from the carrier USS Midway (the kill of 20 June 1965) and an aircraft of VA-176 from the carrier USS Intrepid (the kill of 9 October 1966).

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with airframe parts
• Clear parts for the canopy
• Underwing ordnance parts: rocket launchers and pods, plus bombs
• Waterslide decal sheet for 2 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 02527
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled length: approx. 164 mm, wingspan: approx. 212 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

A model of moderate difficulty, with additional underwing ordnance parts. The cockpit is best painted before the fuselage is closed. It is worth planning the arrangement of the underwing stores according to the instructions for the chosen option.

For US Navy carrier aircraft of this period a light grey on the upper surfaces and white underneath are recommended; the instructions provide paint suggestions for both options. Decals are best applied over a gloss coat, and the model finished with a satin varnish, with the detail emphasised using a wash.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Douglas A-1 Skyraider:

The Douglas A-1 Skyraider is an American single-seat piston-engined attack aircraft developed towards the end of the Second World War. Although designed in the era of propeller aircraft, its ruggedness and enormous ordnance load kept it in service well into the jet age.

The Skyraider became famous above all during the Vietnam War, where it was used for close support of ground forces, covering rescue operations and destroying ground targets. Its long loiter time over the battlefield made it a valuable support asset.

Two episodes passed into legend, in which the slow, propeller-driven Skyraiders shot down much faster MiG-17 jet fighters – in June 1965 and in October 1966. It is these aircraft that are represented in this edition.

Original aircraft specifications (A-1H Skyraider):

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: a Wright R-3350 radial engine of approx. 2700 hp
• Wingspan: approx. 15.25 m
• Length: approx. 11.84 m
• Maximum speed: approx. 520 km/h
• Armament: four 20 mm cannon and a wide range of underwing ordnance

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese modelling industry. The company has been active since the 1940s and has developed its range of injection-moulded plastic kits since the 1960s. Hasegawa is best known for its aircraft models in 1:72 and 1:48 scale, valued for finely reproduced, subtly recessed panel lines and good parts fit. A hallmark of the brand is its frequent limited editions with dedicated decal sheets representing specific, often commemorative aircraft. The range also includes ship, vehicle and car models as well as modelling accessories. Hasegawa kits are recognised and available among modellers worldwide.