The Douglas A-1 series of aircraft (known as the AD prior to 1962) was designed as an attack aircraft that could carry a heavy load of ordinance. Both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force flew the A-1H in the Vietnam War. The kit represents two aircraft flown off of the U.S.S. Ticonderoga aircraft carrier during that war.

Hasegawa’s A-1H kit has petite, engraved panel lines. The fit of most parts is excellent, except for the bottom aft wing-to-fuselage joint. That joint requires careful fitting, along with some putty to smooth it out. Most of the other seams required little more than sanding.

The cockpit is sparse in detail, consisting of a seat, an instrument panel, and a control column. Instruments and consoles are represented by decals. With the engine, you have the choice of having the cooling flaps open or closed.

Pay particular attention to the aircraft as you build them-there are subtle differences between the two aircraft. There is also an extra antenna that requires removal from both aircraft. Otherwise, they are identical.

Ordinance loading is great-there are many different combinations possible. Each of the small pylons have their ordinance to aircraft mounting lug details, something that is often overlooked in 1/72 scale. Likewise, for the pylons that carry the tanks, those same details are separate pieces.

Decals are thin, colorful, and set well with decal solvent. The only problem that I ran across with the decals was the blue tail tip decals-they don’t quite cover all of the tip.

This kit builds up to a nice representation of two aircraft flown off of the U.S.S. Ticonderoga carrier. I would like to thank Hasegawa for the review kit.