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Hobby Master

Hobby Master HA1408 1:72 A-4F, VA-164 "Ghost Riders" "Lady Jessie", USS Hancock

$129.99
$129.99
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Hobby Master HA1408 1:72 A-4F, VA-164 "Ghost Riders" "Lady Jessie", USS Hancock
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 beknown as “Lady Jessie”.

Shipping, Returns + Local Pickup

SHIPPING-AND-HANDLING-POLICIES

At MTS, we strive to deliver you the lowest possible shipping cost while taking extra time to package your order to ensure a safe delivery. Each item is inspected carefully before shipping and delicately packaged to avoid any damage during the shipping process. 

The shipping cost for your order is based on the item's size, weight, shipping method and delivery address. Your shipping cost will be calculated based on the current shipping rates. 

MTS is committed to shipping out all orders within 2 business days. Delivery time will vary based on your location.

All Pre-Orders will be shipped out within 2 business days of MTS receiving the item. The shipping cost will be calculated based on the current rates at the time of shipment. 

International Orders Notice:

Please note: Shipping costs do not include any applicable foreign taxes, tariffs, or customs charges. These fees will be calculated and charged directly to the customer by the country's tax authority upon delivery.

 

RETURN-POLICIES


Please exercise caution when removing your items from the packaging. Diecast models are very delicate. Propellers, antennas, and canopies will break easily if not handled with care. MTS inspects all items for damage prior to shipment. If you receive a damaged item, please contact MTS within 7 days of the shipping date at 937-320-1428 or email info@mtsaviationmodels.com, we will determine if a claim needs to be filed with the shipping company.

If you would like to return or exchange an undamaged item, please contact MTS within 14 days of the shipping date at 937-320-1428 or email info@mtsaviationmodels.com to start the return process. Once your item is returned to us, it will be inspected to ensure it is returned to us in a salable condition in the complete original packaging. You will receive a full refund for the item purchased but the original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Local Pickup is available Monday thru Saturday 11am-4:30pm. All orders placed by 1pm will be available for same day pickup. An email will be sent to you when your order is ready for pickup. If you prefer to meet us curbside, please call MTS at 937-320-1428 upon your arrival to the shop.