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Writer's picture@PlaneThought41

Midnight Cowboy: 1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

Updated: Jun 29

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.


1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

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


1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

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.


A-1H Skyraider

Heads-Up Report:


  • Weapons are molded onto pylons


Kit Additions / Modifications:


  • Drilled out the gun barrels

  • Substituted Cutting Edge CED48096 - Skyraider #2 decals


1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

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.


1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

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.


1/48th Monogram A-1H Skyraider

Completed build #205 - September 2017 using the 1/48th scale Monogram #5429 kit.


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


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