DONE@p.6 +++ 1:72 YA-14A "Squatina" prototype, a stealthy USAF A-10 replacement

[Dizzyfugu]

That olive drab tone did not leave me satisfied, so I gave the upper surfaces a treatment with thinned Humbrol 66. The result is much less contrast - while the aircraft looks quite murky now, I think it looks better:


1:72 M7 Aerosystems YA-14A "Squatina", 2nd prototype for the United States of America Air Force (USAF), during DT&E (Demonstration Testing and Evaluation) trials, 2016 - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Soon afterwards the wings' leading edges were painted black and the model now receives a black ink washink, emphasizing the recessed panel lines:


1:72 M7 Aerosystems YA-14A "Squatina", 2nd prototype for the United States of America Air Force (USAF), during DT&E (Demonstration Testing and Evaluation) trials, 2016 - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[nighthunter]

Definitely an improvement, Thomas!

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you. Here's more progress, ink washing on the top surfaces and right now some post-panel-shading in order to add some more structure to the very flat surfaces:


1:72 M7 Aerosystems YA-14A "Squatina", 2nd prototype for the United States of America Air Force (USAF), during DT&E (Demonstration Testing and Evaluation) trials, 2016 - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


1:72 M7 Aerosystems YA-14A "Squatina", 2nd prototype for the United States of America Air Force (USAF), during DT&E (Demonstration Testing and Evaluation) trials, 2016 - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Murky, but not bad - and I am surprised how good the surface quality of all the putty work and body sculpting became, the whole thing looks very "intentional". 

[Old Wombat]

I still prefer the "triangular" wing form, however, the "murky" paint work looks good & more "real" but that's just my aesthetic opinion.

[zenrat]

Very good.  There's a definite Sci Fi look to it.  Stargate maybe.

[Dizzyfugu]

The finish line comes closer! Added decals yesterday, and now there are just some finishing touches (gun dummy, sensor ball under the nose, fairing for tail hook compartment, graphite rubbing) and a coat of matt varnish left on the to-to list. 


1:72 M7 Aerosystems YA-14A "Squatina", 2nd prototype for the United States of America Air Force (USAF), during DT&E (Demonstration Testing and Evaluation) trials, 2016 - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

Is that the stock Ka-58 canopy Thomas?

If so it suits the whole concept VERY well. 

[Dizzyfugu]

Yes, the whole "fuselage" (sans engines and gearbox on top) was taken from the Ka-58, inlcuding the complete cockpit with glazing and interior. It fist very well, not only stylistically, but also the size and shape. The lower half fits right onto the B-2's lower wing half. 

[nighthunter]

You should make a BatWing from those same kits, just saying

[Dizzyfugu]

Yes, there's a certain "Wayne Industries" appeal. And who knows what became of the A-14 prototypes after the test program had been finished and the F-35 had been adopted by the USAF instead as the next attack aircraft...? 

[silverwindblade]

I love this thing. The overall appearance is very aesthetically pleasing, and as you've said; it all looks very intentional, like it should be that way. It would fit right in with any one of a number of 'near future military' video game aesthetics and stylings, which is probably why I like it so much.
Now I wonder if I could make one in 1/48th...

[Dizzyfugu]

Well, there's an 1:72 B-2 (ModelCollect) and an 1:48 F-117A (Italeri), but an 1:48 Ka-58 will be hard to obtain... There's an Italeri 1:48 RAH-66, though, and the (rare and exotic) 1:48 LHX "Stingbat" model... 

[silverwindblade]

I've been trying to get hold of a 1/48 RAH-66 to make it just as it is for years, without much luck.
Making something from the Stingbat seems like it might be a good bet. One to bear in mind for sure - thanks for the help

[sideshowbob9]

Saying that this looks awesome may very well be redundant in a Dizzyfugu thread but I'm saying it anyway.

[PR19_Kit]

Saying that this looks awesome may very well be redundant in a Dizzyfugu thread but I'm saying it anyway.