Monogram 1/48 A-7B Corsair II

[stikpusher]

I build this during the COVID lockdown in spring/summer 2020, my first build at our new home in Arizona. This is Monogram’s retool of the old Aurora A-7 molds. I did some added details in the cockpit, modified the tail a bit for the ECM antenna configuration worn during the Operation Linebacker phase in 1972, and altered the weapons load out to match wartime photos that I found online for an Iron Hand SEAD tasked A-7. Decals are a mix of a couple of different AM sets to model this particular aircraft, which was shot down in November of 1972, with the pilot being rescued.

[TJ]

Beautiful build of the oldie. Blue Blazers

[stikpusher]

Thanks TJ. The A-7 is such a natural for a shark mouth, that really sold me on the markings. Plus the cover of the old Squadron “In Action” artwork 😏

[deafpanzer]

NICE!!! You have been definitely busy for last few years! My former boss flew one of those when he served in the Navy back in the 80's!

[stikpusher]

Thanks Andy. I do like the A-7. I saw a few flying in the mid 80’s when the Air Force still had them, and it was a nimble CAS aircraft.

[Tobi]

An A-7 was one of my first models as a kid. I was carried away by the ordnance. Maybe I exceeded the maximum payload, dunno. But it made a great toy. 

[stikpusher]

Thanks Tobi! My Aurora A-7 flew a lot of combat missions successfully… working landing gear and all 😏 Unfortunately, when I passed it on to my kids, it did not survive… 😮

[dupes]

For a 1969 tooling that looks pretty darn sharp.

[stikpusher]

Jun 1, 2023 11:43:10 GMT -5 dupes said:

For a 1969 tooling that looks pretty darn sharp.

Thanks Dupes. Monogram revamped the Aurora molds in the late 70’s. Although they could not fix some of the basic shape issues, it was a major upgrade. And considering back then we had this or the ESCI kits to choose from…



both are now outclassed by the later Hasegawa and Hobbyboss kits, but will look decent with some effort…

[dupes]

These two look REALLY good together! Dang, now I need to dig out a Corsair...

[stikpusher]

Jun 1, 2023 11:52:44 GMT -5 dupes said:

These two look REALLY good together! Dang, now I need to dig out a Corsair...

Thank you Dupes. Both kits have reputations as “dogs”, but obviously can be made quite presentable. Will they win any national awards? No, but they will look good enough on a shelf in a collection.
Now go find and build a Corsair yourself!

[dupes]

-- descends into basement to root through A-7 kits --

Wait...I'm supposed to be starting on a Panther! 😂

[stikpusher]

Jun 1, 2023 13:30:26 GMT -5 dupes said:

-- descends into basement to root through A-7 kits --

Wait...I'm supposed to be starting on a Panther! 😂

Well you can take turns while paint and glue are drying on one or the other…. 😏

[dupes]

OMG. That's what got my shelf of doom started in the first place!!!

[Joe Rix]

Magnificent A-7 Stik. You really did do justice to that older kit.

[406 Silverado]

Oh man.....I REALLY like this one. Very sharp build of one of my all time favorite jet age subjects. Just beautiful!!

[stikpusher]

Joe & Joe, thank you.

Dupes, between my short attention spans with drawn out builds, and overcommitting to every GB that I found interesting under the sun, that accounts for the majority of my S.O.D. projects…

[deafpanzer]

Oh boy, I think I have to add this to my wish list next. Your fault...