Airfix Skyray

The Rat · March 28, 2018, 03:26:37 PM

Picked this up at a local shop for $9.95, and it seems like a nice kit. 1970s era, raised panel lines, but rather detailed. I think I've figured out how to print decals, so that's one problem (possibly) out of the way. This will be joining the old old old Lincoln EE Canberra as a stablemate in the air force of... Well, I won't give it away yet. Still need to test the decal printing.

AS.12 · March 30, 2018, 08:37:00 AM

My first introduction to the Skyray was through finding that model in the back of a grocery store about 30 years ago. It fascinated me ever since! Fastest-climbing interceptor of its era but difficult to handle at low speeds:

The F4D-1 Skyray: Operating Procedured
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioC-6neun8Q

I remember the kit being very difficult to build, something to do with mating the wings and fuselage. But part of that might have been my inexperience. Back in the days when Airfix tackled other oddballs like the Bv-141, Super Mystere, Vigilante...

The Rat · March 30, 2018, 09:32:13 PM

On the bench, and painting and gluing has commenced. Armament will be sidewinders and possibly SNEBS, but I can't find info on when they were first produced. Can anyone help me out on that? Could be critical to the back story timeline.

NARSES2 · March 31, 2018, 02:30:43 AM

Quote from: The Rat on March 30, 2018, 09:32:13 PM
and possibly SNEBS, but I can't find info on when they were first produced. Can anyone help me out on that?

Neither can I

Development was "early" 50's but as for production ?

AS.12 · March 31, 2018, 02:48:35 AM

Sidewinder deployed from July 1956 onwards initially with VA-46 ( F9F-8 Cougar, USS Randolph ) and VF-211 ( FJ-3 Fury, USS Bon Homme Richard )

Per Flight archive ( 6 August 1964 ) the SNEB was also available from 1956. There was grumbling about the RAF taking so long to adopt them for the CAS role ( Hunter FGA.9 in 1964, in place of the old and rather-useless-by-then 3in RPs ).

Also of interest is that the Skyray failed its initial carrier qualification trials in 1955. I'm trying to find out what changes were made to permit it to pass in 1956.

.

The Rat · March 31, 2018, 05:37:54 AM

Quote from: AS.12 on March 31, 2018, 02:48:35 AM
Sidewinder deployed from July 1956 onwards initially with VA-46 ( F9F-8 Cougar, USS Randolph ) and VF-211 ( FJ-3 Fury, USS Bon Homme Richard )

Per Flight archive ( 6 August 1964 ) the SNEB was also available from 1956. There was grumbling about the RAF taking so long to adopt them for the CAS role ( Hunter FGA.9 in 1964, in place of the old and rather-useless-by-then 3in RPs ).

Also of interest is that the Skyray failed its initial carrier qualification trials in 1955. I'm trying to find out what changes were made to permit it to pass in 1956.

.

Thanks! And since mine will be land-based the carrier qualification will be inconsequential.

The Rat · March 31, 2018, 11:07:15 AM

Cockpit is coming along. Seat wouldn't fit with the lap belts on either side, I'll have to add those once the glue dries on the seat. Ejection seat handle added, just bent copper wire stuck on with gel super glue. Instruments are just drill holes in the black paint, quick and simple method that should look okay with a closed canopy.

The Rat · April 01, 2018, 09:09:53 AM

I'm calling this part finished. That's a 25 cent coin for size reference.

Weaver · April 01, 2018, 11:49:47 AM

That looks good - nice work on the cockpit!

(How big is a 25 cent coin?

)

The Rat · April 01, 2018, 12:05:56 PM

Quote from: Weaver on April 01, 2018, 11:49:47 AM
That looks good - nice work on the cockpit!

(How big is a 25 cent coin? )

23mm, 15/16ths"

The Rat · April 01, 2018, 03:59:12 PM

Beginning to look like a Ford!

AeroplaneDriver · April 01, 2018, 04:04:23 PM

Such a pretty airplane! Cant wait to see it done!

Captain Canada · April 03, 2018, 03:35:40 PM

Nice details Ratty. Looks good.

AS.12 · April 03, 2018, 11:20:21 PM

Historical note: the plastic of the model kit may be thicker than the Skyray's aluminium skin. I can't find a gauge reference online but it was very fragile and had to be handled carefully on deck, it was easy to puncture the skin. Pilots were also alarmed to see skin panels 'ballooning' in flight.

The Rat · April 06, 2018, 07:26:51 PM

The more I work on this, the more I realise that it's a little gem. 1977 pressing, and it must have been a pleasant surprise to Airfix aficionados when it came out. Sure, the panel lines are raised, but they're quite fine, the fit is great, and the detail is very good for the time, with detailed landing gear wells, no see-through effect, and the potential to take it to another level if you wish. Really wish I had picked up one of these earlier. Highly recommended.