First released in 1993 this 1/48th Monogram A-37B Dragonfly kit still retains the signature raised surface detail that appears on most of the Monogram kits. The raised panel lines shouldn't cause you to dismiss Monogram kits, as many of them are quite respectable (especially for their time).
Notable Kit Features:
Decent cockpit with raised details
Two-piece positionable canopy
Two seated pilot figures included
Positionable FOD screens for the intakes
Separate ventral speed brakes
Optional air refueling probe (for the B version)
4 x external tanks
3 x napalm canisters
2 x minigun pods (nice ones)
2 x Mk.82 bombs
Build Inspiration:
I always liked the look of this "sportscar" aircraft. Compact, slightly sinister looking and typically loaded out with more kit than you'd think it could carry. Initially a trainer aircraft that was marketed later as an affordable COIN (Counter Insurgency) jet. (The Military-Industrial Complex has got to peddle their merchandise to every possible market otherwise their would be mayhem! ;)
Heads-Up Report:
Ejection seats could use some seat belts and other minor additions (ejection handles and seat cabling)
Nose weight required
Some filler and sanding necessary
FOD screens are clunky and should be redone with mesh inserts
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Used wire for the dorsal and tail antennas
Finishing:
This kit was finished in the standard USAF TAC Jungle scheme of the Vietnam war era, consisting of FS 30219 Tan / 34102 Med. Green / 34079 Dk. Green over FS 36622 Lt Gray). The camouflage was weathered by spraying variations of paint tone (darker along the panel lines and 'patched areas'). A gloss coat was then sprayed using Klear / Pledge floor finish to prepare for decals and washes which were used to highlight the controls. The final matt coat was sprayed, using Model Master, to complete the finish. To me the raised panel lines are not a detractor on this kit and I mostly left them in place (with a light sanding in spots).
The After-Build Report:
This 1/48th Monogram A-37B Dragonfly kit still builds up into a decent looking replica and doesn't require much shelf space at that. (Hasegawa and Revell have released boxings of this kit plastic as well.) Encore Models did a release of the kit plastic in 2011 complete with lots of resin and photo-etch parts added to bring this kit to another level. More recently, Trumpeter released their 1/48th nicely detailed A and B versions with recessed panel lines (I am looking forward to building up one of these as well).
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