I’m a die-hard WWII prop-driven aircraft kinda guy. But even I have my weaknesses. Namely, a clearance tag on a 1/72 A-7E Corsair II for nearly 50% off. [:D] Besides, I need a change from that stuff from the '40s.
My question- is there anything that really jumps out from this kit that I should know? Terrible fit of certain areas, incorrect decals, etc, etc, etc? And for that matter, is there anything I should know about building jets in general?
Wish me luck with this, my first serious foray into the realm of jets, rockets, and missiles! [8-]
There’s nothing with this kit that is a disaster but I found the fit of the canopy/windscreen wasn’t great. Also, the lower wing panels don’t fit very well either. There are gaps to fill and steps to file down. The wings will need a bit of attention at the roots and the cockpit detail is basic. You might want to at least get an aftermarket seat. The decals are certainly well printed and usable but notice that all of the pilots are named “CDR Scotty Vought”.
I think you’ve scored well with this kit and I think you’ll like it. It’s the old Fujimi kit re-boxed by Italeri with a few extra parts tooled like the FOD cover on the intake. Have fun!
I just got this kit, Italeri released it at the same time the issued an A-7D kit. Both the A-7E and D kits are old Esci, not Fujimi (I actually compared the Italeri A-7 kit to the Fujimi one before buying.
I would say a big advantage to the Italeri/Esci A-7 is that you get an intake cover, the intake trunking of A-7s is notoriously difficult to clean up and get looking right. The intake on the Italeri/Esi kit is very shallow and incomplete, so unless you are willing to do some cutting and scratchbuilding to get a properly deep intake, it seems the cover piece was meant to be used.
I’ll agree that the underside section of the wing doesn’t fit as snug as it should and leaves gaps, but if you put a full load of bombs on her, you likely won’t notice the gap when completed.
My main vetch is that the cockpit is all decals, considering how roomy the A-7s cockpit is and how much you can see through the canopy, decals really aren’t terribly convincing as details.
I’d say from a construction standpoint, you’ve got a good first jet kit. Esci did engineer their kits quite well.