Hi all

This will be a review of the kit and the weapons set add on. Zoukei Mura do two kits of the skyraider the naval version and the Army version, be aware that there is a weapons kit for each version but 1st some history.

In 1944 the US Navy wanted to replace its ageing aircraft, the aircraft wanted had to be simple to maintain,have an internal fuel tank and all ordinance to be carried under the wings. After a total redesign the dauntless 2 was picked and then renamed the skyraider. It first saw service in Korea and then Vietnam and beyond having a 30 year service mainly because every time they tried to replace it the replacement aircraft just couldnt do the job like the Able Dog could do it. Able to carry its own weight in ordinance and thats the equivalent of a fully laden B-17. The skyraider even shot down two Mig-17 jets.

The 'J' Army version is essentially the same as the Navy version but with a couple of changes namely the Army fitted a new seat with an ejector seat, larger tail wheel and had more antennas fitted.

Now onto the kit, The box has a nice picture of a fully laden Skyraider and once removed the inner box is strong cardboard. Inside lots of grey styrene sprues with high detail on the parts. Some of the high lights are the pistons molded into the engines the choice of the under carriage legs being laden or unladen. No ordinace is provided with the kit just the drop tanks. With the Army version kit you get the two sets of decals so you could build the navy version if you wanted. ZM also provide paint masks and metal rods for the working folding wings. The Instructions are set out like a maintenance manual and are very clear and detailed.

There are some extras for this kit as you see from the picture Weighted wheels, etch and paint sets. When the kit first came out there was a limited edition pilot produced but these are impossible to find now.

The ordinance set has all the rockets and bombs carried by this version and also has loading diagrams for a fully laden aircraft.

Another great kit from ZM and should be a joy to build.

Andy

Thanks for looking in and your comments the air brakes also work on this kit