On Guard for Thee: 1/48th Revell O-2 Skymaster

I was pleased when ICM released a few 1/48th scale observation aircraft that, to that point, had seen very little coverage. This 1/48th Revell O-2 Skymaster is a re-box of the ICM kit, first released in 2020. It is a vast improvement over earlier offerings in this scale, but still has some issues.

Notable Kit Features:

• Nice detail in the cockpit with options for armed FAC aircraft with radio equipment

• Finely scribed panel lines and surface details

• Fuselage for Right-side has full observation windows

• Upper wing option with observation windows provided

• Clear and decently thin glass parts

• Four hard points with anti-sway braces

• LAU-59 rockets as well as bomblet dispenser weapons (plus M-16s for the crew)

• Optional decals for Vietnam era overall black FAC or California Fire Protection O-2A

Build Inspiration:

I had originally picked up this kit as an upgrade my old Italeri / Testors Vietnam O-2A FAC build. I figured by using a more modern kit I would hopefully get a better end result. That plan was changed somewhat when I came across some decals for a Canadian Coast Guard O-2A from JBOT Decals. I wasn't even aware that the Canadian Coast Guard flew fixed wing aircraft let alone the O-2! On that note, a new project was slated that would net me the very first Coast Guard aircraft in my collection.

Heads-Up Report:

• The main gear is very delicate and can barely support the kit weight (let alone any added ballast). I will try adding a thin coat of cyanoacrylate glue over the lower surfaces of the struts later to see if I can strengthen this area (This was a problem on the Itaeri O-2 kit as well)

• I added the radio equipment to my model kit before I took a good look at my subject and then realized that the CCG version did not have this radio equipment rack installed (I glued it in a bit too well to change course at that point)

• The fuselage observation windows were cemented in, filled and sanded to represent the standard fuselage

• To be sure the side windows didn't later push through into the fuselage (as they were designed to be inserted from the inside of the fuselage) I carefully applied Tamiya Thin Quick Set glue to these windows

• No seat harnesses supplied

• Fit of the radio equipment into the fuselage may require some trimming

• Upper fuselage to wing fit at air scoop required sanding and filler

• Rear engine panel fit had gaps that required filler and sanding

• Underside panel around main gear required filler and sanding (your results may vary:)

Kit Additions / Modifications:

• Added nose weight to ensure this would not be a tail dragger (Note: add as little as possible due to the weak main gear)

• Used thin strips of masking tape painted to represent seat belts

• Canadian Coast Guard Decals were acquired from JBOT Decals https://www.jbot.ca/aircraft/98/c-cessna.shtml (Three variations are provided, two in Red/White and one in Blue/White)

Finishing:

The paint scheme for this aircraft would be a bit more complex with the red fuselage striping, booms, and tail decor. I started by laying down several thin coats of flat white and off-white to get a good base. The red areas were masked off to prepare to paint the highlight colour next. This was made more challenging by the twin boom layout with wing struts, as well as the small size of this aircraft. A bit of paint bleed clean up was required (pretty typical), so this was tended to before moving on. After sufficient drying time, I then glossed the aircraft up with a spray of Pledge (floor finish) in preparation for decals and panel washes.

The JBOT Decals went on very well. They are very thin, so you have to be careful they don't rollover on themselves as this misstep is a big challenge to undo. Note: The JBOT decals are printed on a single piece of film carrier (so need to be trimmed however they are very thin and seem to adhere well without the need for decal softener (in this case). Once everything has a chance to dry, I coated the O-2 with a shot of semi-gloss clear as the final finish.

Afterwards the matt black anti-glare panel on the nose and de-icer boots were put on by masking off these areas and using a Rubber Black paint marker from AK. Extra care was taken to avoid taping on top of the decals by papering over as required.

Last stages of the build involved attaching the various gear pieces, propellers and antennas.

The After-Build Report:

I was glad to have this 1/48th Revell O-2A Skymaster (ICM) upgrade over the decades old Cessna versions kicking around from Italeri and Testors (both based of the even older Hawk kit). While the kit wasn't a cinch to build, it is clearly the best starting point for this small beauty of an aircraft... and it is small compared to most military aircraft in my collection. I am glad to have my first Canadian Coast Guard aircraft completed and on display. It will most likely find a place beside my Cold Lake Rescue CH-118 Iroquois (Huey) in similar colours that was flown by the Canadian military.

Completed build #281 - October 2025 using the 1/48th scale Revell #03819 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 supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers