Tamiya 1:48 Douglas F4D-1 Skyray

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of American first generation turbo-jet fighter in 1:48 scale.

After World War II ended, a new era in the history of aviation, the era of jets, has started. Pioneers in this field were Germans. Documents and materials taken over by the Americans ended the dynamic development of their native aviation. One of the projects based on German ideas was the Douglas F4D. It was one of the first American planes with delta wings. It was designed in 1949 and entered service in 1956. As the first of the US  aircrafts was able to break the sound barrier and beat all speed records in its time. However, the design of the fighter was not perfect. At high speeds and landing, there were significant problems with flight stability. Propulsion units at that time were extremely fuel-efficient, so Skyray had to operate with suspended fuel tanks. However, the nail in the coffin of the entire project turned out to be the limited functionality of the aircraft. In the era of unification of military equipment, F4D was able to fulfill only the role of the interceptor, which did not meet the requirements of the Navy. Airplanes were withdrawn from service in 1964.

The Tamiya kit allows you to build the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray with a pilot figurine. The box contains 4 frames with model elements, frame with transparent parts and decals (allow reconstruction of the machine from the 3rd Fighter Squadron or 114 and 115 Fighter Squadron of the United States Marine Corps).

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints suggested by the manufacturer for the best effect:

Plane:

• Tamiya spray AS-16, AS-20 (hull)
• Tamiya X-4 (vertical stabilizer and ridge)
• Tamiya XF-63 (cockpit elements)
• Tamiya XF-1 (wheels)
• Tamiya XF-2 (shade of the chassis)
• Tamiya X-18 (nose, cockpit elements, engine nozzle elements)
• Tamiya XF-56 (engine nozzle)
• Tamiya X-10 (cannon, engine nozzle cover)
• Tamiya XF-61 (trays)
• Tamiya X-2 (Rockets)

Pilot:

• Tamiya XF-62 (jacket)
• Tamiya XF-51 (trousers)
• Tamiya XF-24 (belts)
• Tamiya X-2 (helmet)
• Tamiya X-1 (windshield)
• Tamiya XF-18 (oxygen mask)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Transparent plastic elements.
• Pilot figure.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.