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History
The Grumman A-6 Intruder originated from a call for a new bomber in 1956. The
requirements called "type Specification 149 " lead two years later to the Grumman
design G-128. The attack aircraft project ran from then on under the designation A2F-1 and
in 1959 the construction of eight prototypes was undertaken.
The U. S. Navy and US Marine Corps in the subsequent years accounted for 488
A-6 Intruders, which earned it's reputation particularly in Viet Nam. Due to its highly developed avionics and its high aiming accuracy it
was soon called the "mini B-52". The A-6 also performed the role of pathfinder in mixed forces with A-4 Skyhawk and the
like and in this role the A-6 determined the bomb release point for the strike
force.
After the Intruder had completed 6 years with the Navy, the idea of using the
A-6 as a tanker was investigated so the old EKA-3B Skywarrior could be replaced. The first
experimental KA-6D was converted into a tanker and flew on 23 May 1966. After successful test flights,
the order was given to manufacture 51 machines, however a short time later the
order was cancelled. Thus in 1970 / 71 only old A-6's were reequipped to
KA-6D's. All bomb and weapon delivery avionics in removed. The
"Birdcage" was removed and replaced with a hose drum device. The KA-6D can theoretically
fly further combat missions in daylight. 1971 saw the introduction of the machine to the combat zone
with the VA-176, a typical Intruder relay had four KA-6D tankers. Intermediate losses and wear increased the number of reequipped KA-6D to
a total of 78. The machines were replaced in the end of the Intruder in the Navy by the S-3 Viking.
The model
First impression:
Since I had actually purchased the kit through Ebay I was nevertheless
pleasantly surprised with the contents of the box. Impressive detail included, a cockpit to
dream for, extended Airbrakes on the fuselage, and folded wings. WOW!
The 5 auxiliary tanks as well as the hose drum container were included on a
separate sprue.
Building:
The assembly went relatively fast and without problems. Much time should be
devoted to the cockpit due to the large opening of the canopy, (all the same whether the
canopy is closed or opened). Since Italeri made the instruments panel with
raised detail, a good lacquer finish with a final drybrushing did the trick. The ejection seats
were also given a final drybrushing to show off the detail.
The only problems resulted in the case of the wing root. Here some minor grinding
was necessary. The beginning of the wings at the fuselage, particularly in the back at the engine, are something tricky,
dry fit this area at least 3 times before you attempt to use glue. I must confess, I
"bungled" this area and had to Putty to correct my mistake.
The main landing gear received a brake hose from sewing thread, since this area
of the model can be easily seen when the model is completed.
As I built the model I learned more info about the KA-6D, I discovered it still
could be used as a regular bomber. I found - a Intruder with 12 Mk.82 bombs and a "oil can", very recognizable as
tankers, which lead to interesting thoughts about what to attach to the
underside for weapons loads etc. This idea made me laugh when I was on an airplane forum, when a former Intruder pilot
told me by email that this was quite possible and also often occurred. I
was then certain and made a resolution that; My KA-6D would become an "egg-throwing kerosene milk sow "!
I found the MER (multiple Ejector rack) as well as the Mk.82 bombs in the parts
box.
At this point, one should consider building this model in sections. Due to the
folded wings, opened up Airbrakes and the folded up ladder....the great
possibility to damage the model with handling! I therefore assembled only the
fuselage and painted the "individual parts" separately.
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Lacquer finish:
Most Intruders flew with a paint scheme from two colours, as would mine. The lacquer finish
went on with no problems. Like always, I used Humbrol paints. First I painted the top side, and after this was
masked with taped the lower surface. After also all small parts were painted, I covered the model with a layer gloss lacquer.
Decals:
The Decals are printed very clean and gives you the option of building two
different machines.
Decal option #1 was a KA-6D of the VA 196 " Main Battery " of 1991
and decal option #2 was a KA-6D of the VA 95 " Green Lizards " of 1993.
I chose the first machine. This relay was the first Navy relay, that was reequipped at the west coast on the Intruder, and flew it also longest.
The Decals worked excellently, and some softeners were needed. After a repeated layer
of lacquer I aged the Model with water-colors from my old school paint box. Subsequently, a sealing layer mattlack followed.
I assembled the remaining sections only now.
General impression:
An insanity model! I find, the Intruder amazing that it's actually as large (more largely than a Tornado):
folding the wings - saves workstation on the aircraft carrier - and also in the domestic showcase.
Andreas
To see more of Andreas' excellent models....go to http://modellbau.bw-flyer.de
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