Miniwing 1/144 F4D-1 Skyray “US Marines”
By Matt Bittner
Introduction
The one claim-to-fame by the Douglas F4D Skyray was it was the first carrier-launched aircraft to hold the world's absolute speed record and was the first US Navy/Marines fighter that went faster than Mach 1, the speed of sound. It didn't serve very long, with the first squadron taking operational control of the fighter in 1956 and the last F4D was withdrawn from service in 1964.
The Kit
The Miniwing 1/144 F4D Skyray consists of x pieces of tan resin, two clear pieces (one clear resin the other vacuum-formed), a set of masks for the canopy and decals for two aircraft. Since this is the US Marines release those decals – produced by JBr Decals and in excellent registration and color – are for the following:
- Douglas F4D Skyray (BuNo 134804) AE9, VMF(AW)-115 "Able Eagles" – MCAF Mojave, 1957
- Douglas F4D Skyray (BuNo 139068) EK3, VMF(AW)-114 "Death Dealers" – NAF Atsugi, Japan, 1962
Both aircraft are finished in Light Gull Gray on top and Gloss White on the undersides.
The Miniwing Skyray is probably the easiest to assemble model Miniwing produces. The main fuselage and wing is all one piece to which is added the separate rudder/fin, intakes and exhaust. Once the seat is added to the cockpit and the cockpit painted the canopy can be added (once you decide if you want the clear resin or vacuum-formed piece) and masked, and then the model can be painted. Once painting is finished then you can add the landing gear and external fuel tanks if desired.
And there you have it, a 1/144 F4D Skyray that will look excellent sitting on your shelf.
Conclusion
This is a great kit to introduce one to building resin models and/or a perfect AMS-busting kit. By all means pick one (or two!) up and enjoy modeling again!
Huge, huge thanks to Miniwing for supplying the 1/144 US Marine F4D Skyray to review. Now to build it!