Code: HM-HA1408 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $33.99
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Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1408 A-4F Skyhawk Diecast Model USN VA-164 Ghostriders, "Lady Jessie", USS Hancock 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Douglas A-4F Skyhawk     6.75"     4.75" Designed to replace the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider the Skyhawk first flew in 1954. Its small size was a radical departure from the normal “Big” thinking of the time. The USN first took delivery in late 1956 with the USMC receiving theirs 3 months later. Over the years many nicknames were used, “Tinker Toy”, “Heinemann’s Hotrod” (the designer was Ed Heinemann), with the E and F models labeled the “Camel” because of the electronics hump along the dorsal. Probably the most well known nickname used for the 2,960 A-4’s that were produced is “Scooter”. 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”. Limited Edition of 1200 pieces worldwide. Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" presents highly-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. Optional 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. [See more Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series products] Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Designed by Ed Heinemann as a private venture to pitch to the US Navy, the A4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22nd, 1954.[See more Douglas A-4F Skyhawk products]