LTV (Vought) 
A-7E Corsair II  US Navy
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Trumpeter A-7E Corsair II in 1/32 scale 
modelling report
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I had purchased some 1/32 MICROSCALE DECALS for a US NAVY CAG plane of VA-87 with Indian Chief markings. It was deployed in the 1970's from US carriers, like the USS Independence. . .....

This particular aircraft is an earlier version of the A-7E, without the external cable ducts. During STEP 12, it's important to check whether parts F23 fairing, F5 camera fairing, and F10 are needed for the desired model. For this particular build, the decision was made not to add cable ducts below the wing roots (the metal parts included in the kit), as they were present on later versions of the A-7E.

The wings were assembled according to the instructions provided in STEPS 11, 13, and 14, with a focus on ensuring a straight upper wing. However, smaller detail parts were not added at this stage, as the model required some paint coats before moving forward.

To keep things organized, the decision was made to keep the wing assembly separate from the fuselage at this stage. The fit between the two pieces was excellent and could easily be combined later on in the build.

After completing the overall assemblies, some filler/putty was needed in certain areas. Once smoothed and sanded, the model was given a coat of light grey to check for any flaws. Smaller parts like doors, brakes, flaps, and slats were also given a grey base coat. Finally, the canopy was masked and given its first paint treatment.

Now a first base coat of  FS16440 Gull Grey was applied with the airbrush to check for any flaws on the surface gaps etc. On the lower surfaces FS16875 White was applied.  

For the FS16440 I used Mr.Hobby Gunze Sangyo acrylic #315 and for the white Gunze Sangyo #1

The green bays were masked off and some areas re-painted. 


At the rear end, the small extended rudder root fairing tip was filed a bit rounder.

The ventral speed brake area. Note: mostly closed for A-7's on the ground... ( I forgot to add the brake at an earlier stage... better do that as it fits terrible...) 

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A view inside the cockpit tub. Additional details can be added from the outside. 

Masking of the wing with tissue and low tack tape (KIP spezial papier) was also done. Flaps are set a bit drooped down. 


Next, was the landing gear. The kit has metal parts, which are welcome to add strength.
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The A-7 Trumpeter kit fueltanks are better replaced by more accurate ones from a 1/32 Hasegawa A-4 Skyhawk.


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