1:72 A-7E Corsair II Diecast Model USN VA-86 Sidewinders, AJ400, USS Nimitz, 1978

A-7E Corsair II, VA-86 Sidewinders AJ400, 1978, 1:72, Century Wings

A finished metal collector's item, assembled and painted, from the Wings of Heroes range, the Century Wings part number 589308, a limited edition of 2000 pieces. The model is unpacked and stood in a display case - no modeling work awaits it. The distinction here is the fuselage code AJ400: the same VA-86 Sidewinders squadron was also issued by the manufacturer as AJ401, and that is a DIFFERENT machine of the same unit, not a different color scheme. So check the number on the box before buying.

The real subject

The A-7E Corsair II was a single-seat carrier-borne light attack aircraft of the US Navy. It grew out of the carrier fighter F-8 Crusader, but it is shorter and stubbier and in place of supersonic speed offered load, range and accuracy - for attacking ground targets that was the better bargain. The E version received a more powerful turbofan and an elaborate navigation and targeting system, which made the Corsair an unusually accurate bombing machine for its day. At that time the VA-86 Sidewinders squadron belonged to the eighth carrier air wing, from which the letter code AJ on the tail comes.

What to look for in a finished model

On a metal model in 1:72 what decides is the cleanliness of the printing of the fuselage codes and squadron insignia, the seating of the landing gear and the stores and the smoothness of the joint between the wing and the fuselage. The model is intended for display, it is not a toy. A limited edition of 2000 pieces means that buying another later may not be possible.

Who the model is for

• collectors of Cold War carrier-borne aviation equipment
• anyone interested in a model of a particular machine and unit
• builders of collections in a uniform 1:72 scale

This is a finished model, not a kit. Check the workmanship, the assembly, the painting and the extent of the package on the box.