Revell is re-issuing two of their A-10 plastic kits but only with new decal sheets

Revell GmbH & Co. KG from Germany is in the process to re-issue two of their A-10 Thunderbolt II plastic kits with new decal sheets.

Already available since a couple of days is the 1/144 scale kit 04054, now with decals for a shark-mouth A-10 from the 23rd Fighter Group.



(Photo by Revell)

Model details

Scale: 1/144
Release date: 06/2010
No. of parts: 61
Length: 109 mm
Wingspan: 120 mm
Skill Level: 3

- Finely detailed surfaces with recessed panel lines
- detailed landing gear
- 2 engines with reproduction fans
- external stores: drop tanks, bombs, Maverick guided missiles, ECM pods
- decals for one USAF version


Still announced for September 2010 is a re-issue of Revells 1/48 scale kit.

Model details

Scale: 1/48
Release date: 09/2010
No. of parts: 151
Length: 339 mm
Wingspan: 365 mm
Skill Level: 3

According to Revell, the highly detailed model kit shows a very detailed cockpit and extensive weaponry.



The decals in Revells preview pictures are of A-10 79-0120 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), and with the inscricption ANG/AFRC TEST CENTER on both engine nacelles. (Photo by Revell)



The crew inscriptions below the canopy at left are: PLT. LT COL. BOB PUGH, CC. MSGT. DAN MOYER, ACC. MSGT. M. THOMPSON. (Photo by Revell)

3-D animation


The Original

At Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from United States had the opportunity to take the following shot March 17, 2010:



A-10 79-0120 from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Wing (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, with ANG/AFRC TEST CENTER markings on the left engine nacelle. Also visible are the new BLOS antenna just behind the GPS dome and AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System. (Photo by Ned Harris) Full size


First comments

Unfortunately, both kits still are missing the LASTE (Low Altitude Safety and Targeting Enhancement) upgrades, installed after Desert Storm. Externally, LASTE A-10s can be identified by radar altimeters placed on the bottom edge of both stabilizers, as well as on each on the bottom of the horizontal stabilizers.

Also still missing is the GPS dome just behind the cockpit. Commencing in 1999, the A-10 fleet was upgraded with the installation of an Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI). The fuselage spine was fitted with the large GPS receiver which is the heart of the entire EGI system. The GPS dome receiver feeds GPS signals to the INS and weapons systems. This upgrade was completed in 2003 to the entire fleet.



The GPS dome, pictured in "The Modern Hog Guide - The A-10 Warthog Exposed", by Jake Melampy, Reid Air Publications, 2007. Full size

Why not?

Especially in case of A-10 79-0120 in 1/48 the new BLOS antenna just behind the GPS dome and AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System are missing. Question to Revell: After years of a kit's first release, why not an additional sprue with all of the upgrade parts is added (like in case of some Japanese plastic ship kits reviewed by me in the past)?

Note: Some people like me are looking for up to date A-10 scale plastic model kits, especially of the upgraded A-10C, currently deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

This post will be updated soon.