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Platz 1/144 A-4E/F Skyhawk

By Matt Bittner

Introduction

I've read about Platz kits for awhile now, but haven't had the opportunity to own one.  When I received the Starfighter Decals Navy Scooters Part 1, I knew I wanted to use these decals, since those markings were for aircraft that fewl during the Vietnam War.  So, lo and behold, Starfighter also carries some of the 1/144 Platz kits.  An excellent opportunity.

The Kit

Typing "the kit" is actually mis-leading.  The Platz 1/144 A-4E/F "box" actually has two kits in it.  I'll be truthful, when I saw the price of the kit was US$24.99 I was hesitant, thinking it was overpriced.  But when it dawned on me there were two kits in one box, then the price actually worked out quite reasonably.

As I mentioned, there are two kits in one box.  Each kit consists of 33 grey, injected plastic pieces and one clear canopy.  There are decals for four aircraft:

  • A-4E, Bu150060, VA-195 Dambusters
  • A-4F, Bu154998, VA-192 Golden Dragons, 1968
  • A-4F, Bu154186, VA-192 Golden Dragons, 1967
  • A-4 Skyhawk "Gate Guard", NAF Atugi, VA-192

Decals are very nicely printed - colorful - and in register.

platz_a4-parts.jpg
Construction starts with - wait for it - wait for it - NOT the cockpit.  Woo hoo!  I can finally start one of these reviews on an aircraft where construction doesn't start with the cockpit.  With that being said, construction starts by assembling the external wing tanks and the main landing gear (although you might want to wait until the end to add the tires to the gear).

Now construction moves to the main aircraft.  Before gluing anything together, though, you want to pay attention to the instructions that show you what holes should be opened for the various external stores.  Now you can assemble both fuselage halves together (the "cockpit" is actually just a seat that glues onto a "solid" cockpit tub), the wing halves together, and then the fuselage to the wing.  From there you add the intakes, horizontal tail, tail pipe (although again that could probably be left off until the end so it can be painted separate), ejection seat and canopy.  The next piece - the refueling probe - is definitely best left off until the very end.  I know I would probably break it off many times if I glued it on before the end.

The last step in the instructions is also best left until after painting.  That's the addition of the external stores, pylons, landing gear and gear doors.

Conclusion

Many claim that Revell is state-of-the-art when it comes to 1/144 models.  I add to that in that Platz is also on-par  with Revell.  If you're thinking about purchasing any Platz kits - especially the A-4E/F - then do so without hesitation.  They're awesome kits and the fact you get two in a box is just "icing on the cake".

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