This is Monogram's Spad kit which was first released in 1980 in Vietnam era markings and then again in 1983 in Korean War markings. It has been re-released a number of times as late as 2010. Although the Tamiya kit is now the ultimate in 1/48th, this build proved you can still get a nice result from this bargain kit.
Notable Kit Features:
Nice raised detail in the pit
Relatively simple build
Overall fit is decent although as I recall the fuselage to wing join requires some attention
External cockpit armour plate molded into kit
Weapons are molded onto pylons
Some wing fold parts provided but not all (seems like folded wing option was abandoned)
Two-piece canopy can be open or closed
Build Inspiration:
I had previously built a Monogram Spad in the USN Gull gray over White scheme and was looking to do a TAC Jungle scheme. I managed to find a nice set of decals with an option for a 1st SOS 56th SOW Skyraider with a night underside and from there had my project cut our for me.
Heads-Up Report:
Weapons are molded onto pylons
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Drilled out the gun barrels
Substituted Cutting Edge CED48096 - Skyraider #2 decals
End Result:
The paint scheme for this aircraft was the USAF TAC Jungle camouflage consisting of FS 30219 / FS 34079 / FS 34102 upper over FS 36622 undersides. For weathering effect I lightened and darkened the paint tones on the panels as I sprayed the colours. The 1st SOS at times operated their Skyraiders at night and applied a temporary black underside paint, so I chose to depict this night scheme.
I was quite happy with the results as I managed to get a good looking build out of a very inexpensive kit without much hassle. Note: Hasegawa apparently used this mold as the base on their 1/48th release adding / modifying parts to give it new life.
The After-Build Report:
Despite the age of this 1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider kit I will still recommend it for an inexpensive build. Sure the kit has raised panel lines however you could leave them be, as I did here (or start with a black undercoat so you can lightly sand the panel lines after painting the final coats to give some effect), or re-scribe. Out of the box you can still get a nice kit for display. If you want to go for more quality the 1/48th Tamiya kit certainly is a gem, however it obviously doesn't relegate this kit to the junk pile.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers