RetroWings 1/144 A-4E/F “Slick Fuselage” Conversion
By Matt Bittner
RetroWings releases an excellent addition to the Platz 1/144 A-4E/F kits. This is for a "slick fuselage" – meaning no-hump – A-4E/F. Since it's an almost direct replacement for the Platz fuselage, there is only minor work to use it with the Platz kit. The only modification needed is to the Platz wing – you'll need to remove the front of the wing that includes the fuselage underside and nose-gear well.
Not only do you get the one-piece replacement fuselage, but you also get the "bent" refueling probe (the kit comes with the straight one), and a new ejection seat and exhaust cone. In addition you receive the ALR-45 tip for the vertical tail, if you want to build an A-4E/F that included that. Again, some modification to the kit is needed to fit the RetroWings part, but it's not difficult.
If wanting to build a Blue Angels A-4 (since it used the "slick fuselage") RetroWings also includes replacement wing apexes. However, be aware there is more involved to making a Blue Angels Scooter, and the instructions tell you exactly what needs to be done.All in all an excellent conversion piece from RetroWings. Since the Platz box comes with two 1/144 Skyhawks you can build a "humped" and "non-humped" version using this set. Highly recommended.
Now if only someone would release decals for Scooters, either generic (so you can build almost any you would want), or aircraft-specific. While Starfighter Decals has one sheet for "humped" A-4E/Fs, a separate sheet for "slick-fuselage" Scooters would be most welcome.
Many thanks to RetroWings for the review conversion.