Tamiya 60741 - 1:72 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray

Plastic model kit of the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray interceptor in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60741 depicts the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray – the only operational delta-wing interceptor of the U.S. Navy. Its distinctive 50-degree swept wings with rounded tips, fitted with leading-edge slats and trailing-edge elevons, give the aircraft an unusual, easily recognisable silhouette. Although the Skyray never saw combat, it proved its worth as a fast-climbing interceptor.

This new-tool Tamiya model captures the slim 1950s shape, with a detailed cockpit and landing-gear bays. The box includes underwing AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and the decals let you finish the aircraft in one of three schemes – two U.S. Marine Corps and one U.S. Navy.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing and tail parts
• Detailed cockpit and landing-gear bays
• Underwing AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and fuel tanks
• Clear canopy parts
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (2× USMC, U.S. Navy)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60741
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 190 mm, wingspan: approx. 141 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it has a low parts count and good fit, making it friendly to beginners. The wing-to-fuselage joint is simple and needs only light smoothing. Paint the cockpit before closing the fuselage and fit the canopy last.

Skyrays usually wore the U.S. Navy scheme: gull gray on the upper surfaces over a white underside; a natural-metal finish was also seen. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all three schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – Douglas F4D-1 Skyray:

The Skyray was developed in the early 1950s as a fast-climbing interceptor for the U.S. Navy. First flown in 1951, it set records for speed and time-to-climb, and its unusual delta layout drew on aerodynamic research into highly swept wings.

Under its unofficial nickname 'Ford' (from the F4D designation) the aircraft entered service in 1956 and served with both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Although the Skyray never saw combat, it remains an interesting and striking modelling subject representing the era of pioneering jet designs. A total of 419 were built, and the aircraft was retired in 1964.

Original aircraft specifications (Douglas F4D-1 Skyray):

• Length: 13.93 m
• Wingspan: 10.21 m
• Height: 3.96 m
• Empty weight: approx. 7,300 kg
• Powerplant: 1 Pratt & Whitney J57-P-8 turbojet, approx. 71 kN with afterburner
• Max speed: approx. 1,160 km/h
• Armament: four 20 mm cannon; underwing AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and unguided rockets
• Crew: 1
• Production: 419 aircraft; in service 1956–1964

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.