Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1408
Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Diecast Model
USN VA-164 Ghostriders, NP401 "Lady Jessie", USS Hancock | Limited Edition
1200
Pieces Worldwide |
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| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas A-4F Skyhawk | | 6.75" | | 4.75" |
During the 1950's the future A-4 pilot Dick Perry was a university student who worked part-time in Reno Nevada casino. While working there he became friends with another worker and his wife who treated Dick like a son. Dick graduated from university and joined the USN completing pilot training and reporting to the VA-164 "Ghost Riders" in January 1966. The motherly woman kept in close contact with Dick and sent care packages with enough pastries for the rest of VA-164 as well. Dick managed to have a squadron party in Reno and it was held in the hotel and casino that the man and woman who had befriended Dick now owned. The couple soon became well known for their hospitality. A very close attachment grew between the woman and the men of VA-164. She became more a part of the "Ghost Riders" when Dick named his A-4 after her. On August 31, 1967 tragedy struck when LCDR Dick Perry's Skyhawk was hit by a SAM off the coast of North Vietnam. Although Dick ejected and landed in the ocean, when the rescue helicopter arrived on scene they reported that the pilot was dead. With that the helicopter came under fire and was forced to leave without recovering Dick's body. Even with the loss of Dick Perry the woman kept in contact with her adopted Naval Aviator sons. Heart broken over the loss of Dick she still managed to host a party in May 1968 for VA-163 and VA-164 to show her affection and devotion for them. She took the time to write over 500 letters to the servicemen throughout the Vietnam War. The men so admired this woman that they decided to honor her by putting her name on the aircraft of every VA-164 CO. Her name would become part of VA-164 history and she and her kindness were talked about long after the Ghost Riders were disestablished in 1975. For 20 years it was assumed that LCDR Dick Perry's body was lost at sea but in 1987 his remains were returned to the US. In 1987 both Dick Perry and the "Lady" returned home. Mrs. Beck age 83, died in Reno, Nevada, in July 1987. To most people she was known as the "gambling grandmother" but to the men of the "Ghost Riders" she will always be known as "Lady Jessie".
Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-4 Skyhawk is a sturdy model constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic used. This model has an opening canopy with pad-printed dials and gauges, control stick and pilot seat. Each release features a pair of 20mm cannons, a delicate refueling probe and a variety of wing-mounted weapons ordnance and fuel tanks. The series includes the early B and E variants as well as the F and M variants, which have a hump on the top of the fuselage to house upgraded avionics (also seen on retrofitted E variants).
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
