AOA Decals 32-010 1/32 Decals for USN/USMC Douglas A-4E Skyhawks in Vietnam War: Combat Scooters (1)

Note: This set does NOT include aircraft kit.

This Part 1 decal sheet focuses on three A-4E Skyhawk squadrons in the Vietnam War. Typical for AOA's coverage of Vietnam USN/USMC aircraft, this sheet also provides the modeller with the choice of time periods for a specific squadron; and in the case of the A-4, also a choice of aircraft with and without the later avionics hump. An exception unfortunately is VA-106, with only their second/final Vietnam cruise included (their first was the ill-fated USS Forrestal 1967 cruise).

The Trumpeter A-4F kit includes VA-94 decals of the CAG's "BOBBIE" aircraft from the 1970 USS Bon Homme Richard cruise and incorrectly identifies the aircraft as an A-4F when it was actually an A-4E. Since the kit decals are also very inaccurate (size, shape, colours, etc), the same scheme is provided on this AOA sheet that much more closely represent the actual markings carried. The same CAG aircraft can also be represented with this sheet when it wore somewhat different markings from the previous 1969 cruise.

The VMA-223 fuselage bulldog insignia is nearly always shown in illustrations and in previous decals with significant black outlining and details, presumably due to basing the appearance on more modern VMA-223 examples and/or squadron patch detail. However, the original sprayed on Vietnam-era period bulldog marking was much more basic than this! The bulldog decal insignia provided on this sheet was based on the actual Vietnam marking, and as such, is significantly closer in appearance to the original.

The set includes 10 marking options:
- VMA-223 Bulldogs - 5 options from Chu Lai, South Vietnam, spanning between 1966-69
- VA-94 Mighty Shrikes - 4 options: 1 from USS Bon Homme Richard 1968, 1 from USS Bon Homme Richard 1969 (CAG scheme), and 2 from USS Bon Homme Richard 1970 (one CAG, one line scheme)
- VA-106 Gladiators - 1 option from USS Intrepid 1968-69

As usual with AOA releases, an extensive airframe stencil sheet is also included. Stencils are provided for one A-4; however, the stencil sheet is also available to purchase separately (see AOA32-012).

Decals also included for VA-94 and VA-106 fuel tanks (VMA-223 generally had plain white fuel tanks without any squadron markings/identifiers.)

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softener is also recommended at this stage. After applying softener, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.