This is the second sheet for the Hasegawa A-4 kit from AOA Decals. Like the others this is thoroughly researched with the help of the A-4 Skyhawk Association, notable pilots and mechanics. Who better to make sure that the markings are correct than the ones that were there?

The A-4 was a workhorse for the Navy and the Marines in Vietnam. As such it was operated from carriers and shore airfields. This sheet covers the Skyhawk from 1966 to 1972. Where a unit used both types or had early and later cruises, AOA selects an aircraft from both time frames.

Eduard’s Bf-109G series of models is one of my favorite models. As such I tend to build a lot of them. They are a lot of fun to build and look great when completed. The Eduard decals are printed by Eduard, and are very thin and beautifully done. Because of their thinness, they fit into all the panel lines with ease, and the carrier film disappears. The only thing that I’ve had an issue with the thinness of the decals is that they stick real fast if you don’t have enough water under them. This is not a bad thing just an observation. Eduard has released this sheet of decals which contains enough different styles to do at least two aircraft.

The decals come in a typical European self-sealing/re-sealing plastic packaging. The decals are protected by a thick card stock between the decals and the instructions. The instructions are simple as they should be. You don’t need a whole lot of instructions for just these crosses.

The Academy F-4 series of models are impressive models but they could benefit from a little bit of resin, especially in the cockpit. The F-4 cockpit, like most jets, is dominated by one item, the ejection seat. If you are going to add anything to your kit the ejection seat is that one item.

The parts are in a small Ziploc bag. Within that bag Hypersonic provides two seats. There are two seats and one gang pour block of the ejection handles. The ejection seat handles are safeguarded inside another baggie. A section of wire is included for the side of the seat. The casting of these seats in light grey resin is perfect. The detail is exquisite. The baggie is stapled to the instruction sheet which is folded into quarters. The instructions are on a single sheet of high quality paper. It is broken down into Navy and Air Force versions and has a painting guide for both types.

If you want to mount your Frogfoot’s boarding ladder in the down position you will have a hard time doing that with the kit parts and you’ll still have to scratchbuild the area and the ladder. That is until now.

Quickboost provides you with this simple upgrade. Packaged in the typical Quickboost resealable envelope with card stock backing to prevent damage. This set contains four light grey resin pieces. The instructions tell you what you have to remove to add this set. It is relatively easy to do. Removal of the parts from the pour block is easy. It just takes paint to bring out the detail.

This will look great when added to the model. The boarding ladder, when lowered. adds life to your Frogfoot. This is the easiest way to add that little bit of detail at an inexpensive price with minimal effort. I like fast and easy.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

The KP/Smer Su-25 Landing Gear covers lack detail and are slightly thick. Quickboost comes to the rescue with this simple set.

This set is packaged in the typical Quickboost way with a cardstock protecting the contents. You get two pour stubs of light grey resin with exquisite detail. There are four doors two for the front wheel and each main gear. Removal of the parts from the pour blocks is simple enough. Then it is just a matter of cleanup, prime, and paint. The parts feature rivet details and beautifully recessed portions.

Another simple and effective set that will enhance your model with minimal work.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy.