Nice, they'd definitely need the hump to accommodate the avionics for the Hughes system.


One minor note, the "FA" designation wasn't added to the US designation system until 1977.

Will it look anything like the Revell 1/80 kit that I built ages ago.

Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 10, 2023, 12:32:12 PMI've built all three of the 1/72 Vigi kits, Airfix, FROG/Hasegawa and Trumpeter, and the FROG/Hase one always seemed to be the best to work with.

The Airfix is rather simple, and the Trumpeter, while modern, doesn't fit all that well and is pretty inaccurate, not that that matters to us in the slightest. 

There is apparently a 1/72 Revell version as well, but that has received pretty damning review, in particular around general mold quality/fit and the nose shape. I have one, acquired cheaply some twenty years ago, but it seems that will lend itself nicely as whif fodder..

This Airfix version looks nice though!

Ooooh, I've never seen that one, I should get one. 

Quote from: Pellson on June 13, 2023, 12:51:26 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 10, 2023, 12:32:12 PMI've built all three of the 1/72 Vigi kits, Airfix, FROG/Hasegawa and Trumpeter, and the FROG/Hase one always seemed to be the best to work with.

The Airfix is rather simple, and the Trumpeter, while modern, doesn't fit all that well and is pretty inaccurate, not that that matters to us in the slightest. 

There is apparently a 1/72 Revell version as well, but that has received pretty damning review, in particular around general mold quality/fit and the nose shape. I have one, acquired cheaply some twenty years ago, but it seems that will lend itself nicely as whif fodder..

This Airfix version looks nice though!

I agree with the comments from our Swedish correspondent.  I had a copy of the Revell Vigi (sold on a while ago) and yes it's good whip fodder.

Quote from: McColm on June 12, 2023, 11:22:41 PMWill it look anything like the Revell 1/80 kit that I built ages ago.

A bit different, yours was based on the early flat topped A3J/A-5A bomber version, mine is based on the RA-5C with the distinctive hump.

Quote from: jcf on June 12, 2023, 10:01:29 AMOne minor note, the "FA" designation wasn't added to the US designation system until 1977.

Thank you, my made up FA designation was bothering me, so I have changed to the A-5F Vigilante, which is still wrong for a fighter, but I did not want to change the designation too much, or go with a F-5 to avoid confusions with the smaller Northrop F-5. The F was for fighter, and somehow the designation stuck, despite the sub-designator in the incorrect position.  Besides a Vigilante need a A-5 somewhere in the designation!  The crews referred to it as "The F'in Vigilante".

Quote from: Pellson on June 13, 2023, 12:51:26 AMThis Airfix version looks nice though!

It is a nice kit, rather simple and no intricate detail.  Goes together well.  Seems needed putty.



Underside white sprayed, missile load taking shape with early Sidewinder, Sparrow and Phoenix. 

I built both of the ancient, they date to 1959, Revell and Monogram A3J-1/A-5 kits many years ago.
The Revell was a later boxing with the marvelous Jack Leynwood box art. Kit instructions state 1/80th,
Scalemates entry claims 1/82nd. The kit has movable stabilators and removable engines.


Revell A3J-1/A-5A instructions


The Monogram 1/79th (also sometimes shown as 1/76th) kit was also a later issue and it didn't have the ejecting
bomb of the original release. It is also a much cruder kit than the old Revell.

Quote from: jcf on June 13, 2023, 01:13:59 PMThe Monogram 1/79th (also sometimes shown as 1/76th) kit was also a later issue and it didn't have the ejecting
bomb of the original release. It is also a much cruder kit than the old Revell.


[

The rearward ejecting Mk28 is a neat gimmick!  Mrs.Sandiego89 would be most impressed with me doing lay-down tactical nuke deliveries in the living room!!!....

Big Bird is looking good ! Some day I'd like to build one. RN sounds like a good idea.

It always surprised me that no-one ever did a resin conversion for the RA-5C to convert it into a 'flat back' A-5A.

Or at least one that I could find anyway............

Paint on, Vallejo Air light gray, airbrushed.  Control surfaces and some outline semi-gloss white, as per US Navy schemes of the period..



Now where to configure the missiles.  Lots of neat options, the semi-recessed Sparrows were always a good look on the F-4 and F-14.  The Vigilante was always so sleek and clean, and rarely had wing stores (but was capable of carrying).  Think I need to put some of the missiles the wings. 

Now I have to look for the Vigilante in my stash. Can't remember what company made it.
This is looking really good!

Quote from: Captain Canada on June 14, 2023, 04:02:42 AMBig Bird is looking good ! Some day I'd like to build one.

I've also got one on the agenda, too (Hasegawa kit), with some conversions, but the time has not been ripe yet... 

I've got the Frog boxing of the Hasegawa moulds.  Scheduled for RAN FAA colours.

Finished.

RA-5F Vigilante, VF-31 Squadron based aboard USS SARATOGA. 

1/72 Airfix, by Sandiego89.







Loaded for (Tu-95) Bear