1/72 ESCI A-7E Corsair II  

by Keith Money

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It is sometimes refreshing to switch between 1/32nd scale and 1/72nd scale - it keeps me on my toes so to speak.  Even so the amount of detail that can be added to the smaller scale kits is still vast.  In this case I started with a basic kit which cost £3.00 from a trader at an airshow.  The ESCI A-7E kit is a great foundation for superdetailing and comes complete with recessed panel lines.

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In 1/72nd scale the plastic is thinner so removing flying surfaces and panels is normally easier.  In this case the flaps, slats and rudder were repositioned either down or moved.  Several panels were opened up and the Verlinden resin set provides two bays for you along with a reasonable seat, the Eduard etched set was also used.  The rest were created from plastic card, strip and wire etc - it was great fun.  I have several more to make and have some really bright and colourful decals for both A-7E and A-7B aircraft.

Although I wanted to make a scene on a carrier deck with the SLUF undergoing maintenance this would have normally meant no weapons.  However my research provided several photos of aircraft undergoing work on the flight-deck with either empty TER's, MER's or inert weapons loaded.  The MER was superdetailed with its charge cables unplugged and new bomb clasps in place.  The fins were cut-off an AGM-62 and this was painted as in inert version.  The wings were also cut and folded after detailing the joint.

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All in all the ESCI A-7 kits are great, although I believe that the more recent Italeri kits are even better.  The decals are by Superscale which went on without any problems at all.  The paints were good old Humbrol enamels and the weathering is my secret formula (Permit me a wicked chuckle hee..hee..he).  Oh yes, I almost forgot, the tractor and men are from Fujimi's great carrier diorama set.  The chains are by PP aeroparts and are more difficult to get hold of than Mr Bin Laden!  The other carrier equipment was scratchbuilt, unfortunately Verlinden only provided 48th scale utility carts so I had to build them myself.  The deck is just plastic card with holes measured and drilled with etched brass tie-downs.  

Keith

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Photos and text © by Keith Money