This plastic 1/32 scale model Douglas A1 Skyraider was built by 30-year Navy veteran Bob Olivari, starting out as a plastic model kit. After building the kit, Mr. Olivari added extra details, decal decorations, and historically correct paint. The Skyraider was capable of carrying an ordinance payload that exceeded the capability of the B-17 bomber of WWII. Mr. Olivari built three models of the Skyraider, each in a different scale.
Known as the “Flying Dump Truck,” the Skyraider joined the US Navy in 1947. Production ended in 1957, but the planes were in service for a considerable span of time. A total of 3,180 Skyraiders were produced. They served with valor as ground attack aircraft in Korea and Vietnam. The US Navy, Marines, and Air Force operated “The Spad” in Vietnam. The Air Force version was used in a search and rescue profile where they were referred to as “Sandies.”
More of Bob’s work can be seen in San Diego’s Petco Park, where a 15-foot long model of the aircraft carrier USS Midway is on display. The carrier was built in three parts so it could be moved into the building. Then Mr. Olivari built all the aircraft models seen on the deck of the carrier to the same level of detail as those on display at the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum.