A-4M Skyhawk

Published: December 4, 2022
Company: Hobby Boss

A new kit from HobbyBoss this year is the A-4M Skyhawk with new parts, specific for the “M” version. Previously released HobbyBoss kits are the A-4E & F in 72nd scale.

In the Box

This kit comes with 6 sprues with two (2) brand new ones that are different from previous A-4 kits (A-4E & F versions). New sprues are D and F. Remolded/Common sprues are B, C & G (2X). The plastic is molded in light gray and the sprues are individually wrapped in clear bags. Parts count is over 160 pieces. Most of the parts come from the ordnance sprue, G, which has 45 pieces, each (90 total).

Instructions are formatted in a simple booklet format stapled down the center and has 8 steps.

Decals represent Low-Vis markings for the following:

• VMA-311… more

F-104, TF-104, CF-104 Landing Gear (2 sets) (Has)

Published: November 9, 2022
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) specializes in white metal replacement landing gear parts for aircraft kits. This review is for the 1/72nd scale Hasegawa F-104 Starfighter from the 1989 original mold and its reissues (which there are several). Two full sets are in the blister pack, so two kits can have metal landing gear. These are drop-in replacements for the F-104 (parts D7, C12, B11 & B12) and TF-104 (parts F15, C12, B11 & B12). Attached pictures are for the F-104 comparison.

SAC products are a necessity when dealing with overly heavy builds or for the modeler who wants to keep his/her collection for the long term and don’t want the landing gear to “squat” or misalign over time. Also, for aircraft with a tricycle landing gear configuration, it adds more nose weight… more