Well, Tamiya does it again. Following closely on the heels of their F4D-1 Skyray, their Skyraider is full of detail. Comparing the kit to pictures, drawings, and the old Monogram kit, it looks to be very accurate. Panel lines are delicately recessed, and the cockpit interior is very nicely done. While there will probably be a resin replacement put out, the kit interior can be used without fear of ridicule. All three dive brakes are separate, although they generally weren't open on the ground. However, I do remember from my times around ADs that if the breaker switch wasn't closed on that system, the lower brake could inadvertently be opened while on the ground, leading to a very interesting posture.

The decals are comprehensive, and give you choices of either a VA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" bird in a plain scheme, a VA-52 "Night Riders" with the blue fuselage band outlined with the commander's colors, or the VA-176 bird with the stinging bee and a MiG kill on the side. The clear parts are thin and crisply molded. Overall, this kit looks like an easy build, with no problems apparent in a quick dry fitting. Being an AD-6 (A-1H), it has all the late version mods such as the armor plating, but this was a modification that goes back to 1951-52, and all the ADs on the line from then on got the armor, so, with a bit of work, this could be made into an AD-4 easily. By bashing the Matchbox kit together with this one, you can also do an AD-5. Or, if the thought of building a Matchbox 1/48 kit sends shudders down your spine, you can wait for Tamiya do to an AD-5. In looking at the tree layout and the wing molds, it looks like Tamiya has left that option open, so let's all cross our fingers. Lots of marking possibilities exist for the 'ol Able Dog, and with this kit you'll be able to crank out a dozen or so.