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I would like to show you two F-4EJs that I have recently finished. The first one is a F-4EJ of the Air Developmant and Test Wing in Gifu. They painted it 2017 in a digital or pixel camouflage. When I first came across the photo of this aircraft, I immediately started looking for decals. At that time, there was only this Fujimi boxing available for a lot of money. But I bought it anyway and after a closer inspection decided just to use the decals and build the model using the Hasegawa kit. Here is now the finished model: It is an F-4EJ (without the "kai"), although it features the antenna on top of the spine. But the very small backward facing sensors on top of the rudder are missing. Applying the decals was fun. Fujimi provided large connected areas like one wing = one decal, but I decided to divide them into smaller areas for better handling. I strongly recommend this procedure. As a basic color I chose Revell Seegrün Aqua colours which fits perfectly. The Hasegawa kit is nice, but I added some details like instruments and wiring to the area between the two seats. Also the triangular shaped reinforcement plates on the stabilizers have to be removed from the top and added to the bottom. Check your references, when building a Phantom.... A lot of stencils are provided for the underside, too: The second model shows a F-4EJkai (improved) that can be recognized by the two small sensors and the big antenna on the spine. Also it features a slightly bigger radome, but Hasegawa ignored this difference. Fine molds however have reproduced it in their new range of F-4EJs. The JASDF 302 Sq have painted two of their F-4 in a special scheme for the retirement of the type, one white and the other one black. Hasegawa have released them both. The decals are nicely done but of course they need some touch up especially in the area around the intakes. I will build the black one using the Fine Molds kit. Here the reinforcement plates are correct as they are in the kit. Hope you like the models. greetings from Germany, Norbert

So last birthday my nephew asked what I'd like, I gave him a model shop link and said anything you like in 1/72. And this is what he bought me, when asked why, his reply was "Because it's the coolest!" And it just kept getting better, the wife and I went to Wales for our anniversary, I knew we were passing SWAM but even I knew not to push it and ask to pop in. Alas she forgot card/pressie so I was allowed to go!!! But then I started the build, I had a number of issues so please forgive me. Number one was masking inprints on the gloss finish, warning to others, heat works, but bends things! Ok enough ramble, a few pic that dont show my errors too much (this is only by 7th build, but loving it) I know she probably never flew like this, but my son was insistent that all the missiles should go on Many thanks again for the questions answered in other threads. Ps I posted instruction on the stand idea here

In 2022 Jetmads is to release a 1/32nd McDonnell FH-1 Phantom resin kit Sources: https://www.facebook.com/JETMADS2016/posts/950570759198543 https://www.jetmads.com/product-page/1-32-fh-1-phantom Douglas X-3 Stiletto thread is here: link V.P.

F-4B Phantom Update Sets (648682 & 644127) 1:48 Eduard Brassin & Löök (For Tamiya kit) The new Tamiya F-4B kit was a welcome addition to their line of new tool aircraft. Eduard now bring us some update sets for this kit. All are cast to their usual high standards. As usual with Eduard's small Brassin and Löök sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package with their range specific branding, a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. My only gripe is the amount glue Eduard use the mount the look panels & PE to the backing. F-4B Wheels (648682) Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. Inside are four resin wheels on their own casting blocks, with moulded-in hubs plus a set of pre-cut kabuki tape masks (not pictured). The wheels are all attached to their blocks on their contact patches, with additional wisps of resin supporting the wheel further and helping to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles within the moulds. These are easily removed with a razor saw and a swipe with a sanding stick that should leave all the crisp diamond tread intact. They’re a much better detailed drop-in replacement for the kit parts from thereon in, and have no annoying mould seams to deal with. F-4B Löök Cockpit Set (644127) This combination set of pre-painted resin and Photo-Etch (PE) arrives glued to the backing card, and care must be taken when removing them to avoid bending the PE. It’s best to separate them using a sharp blade pushed between the parts and the card, then clean up the glue residue from the rear where necessary. The resin parts cast in black & Dark Grey, with the instrument dials, black bezels and their glossy overcoat printed directly on the resin, giving a highly realistic finish. It is easily removed from its block by cutting through the delicate fingers that attach the panel, and minimal clean-up should be needed here. We get panels for both cockpits as well as side panels. Full belts and firing handles are provided to use on the kit seat. Review sample courtesy of

F-4B Phantom Stencils (D48094) 1:48 Eduard (For Tamiya Kit) We all love an F-4 Phantom, and some of them, especially the early ones were festooned with stencils. This is a full of stencil across two sheets from Eduard. While Tamiya do give you some stencils on the kit sheet the are quite thick compared with Eduard's ones. In addition some on the Tamiya sheet are grouped together with areas of carrier film between them increasing the ability for the them to silver. The decals are printed by Eduard and have good register, sharpness and colour density, with a glossy carrier film printed close to the edges of the printed areas. Conclusion A nice comprehensive set of decals to bring something additional to your kit, whether the new Tamiya kit, or any of the others available. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy F-4B Phantom Decals (D48093) 1:48 Eduard (For Tamiya Kit) We all love a Phantom and the new F-4B from Tamiya is a cracking kit. The kit though only has three schemes, and the decals from Tamiya are on the thick side. This new set from Eduard gives us 5 new schemes fro the kit along with the correct walkways for them, national insignia and Jet Intake warning triangles. It should be noted that only 2 of the schemes will fit the new kit from the box as they are for the late F-4B. If you want to model one of the other schemes you will need early fin cap. If you need the early cap then these are available from Hypersonic model or CMK. The 5 options in this set are; 151478 - VF84 "Jolly Rogers" AG211, USS Independence, South East Asia 1965 153020 - VF92 "Silver Kings", NG204, USS Enterprise, South East Asia 1968 148417 - VF-121 "Peacemakers", NJ121, NAS Miramar, 1964 149461 - VF-32 "Swordsman", AB212, USS John F Kennedy, Med Cruise 1972 153018, VF-114 "Aardvarks", NH205, USS Kittyhawk, South East Asia 1968 The three sheets are printed by Eduard and have good register, sharpness and colour density, with a glossy carrier film printed close to the edges of the printed areas. Conclusion This is a great set from Eduard which give you different marking options from the Kit, with the added benefit that they are thin and should go down with no issues. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

From what I've read, Iranian pilots really liked the Phantom. It's speed, weapons and durability were put to good use against Iraq especially, conducting bombing, fighter sweep and reconnaissance duties, However when equipped with the Maverick air to ground missile, the Phantom found a new and deadly role; tank killing. Nearly 50 machines are still in service with the IRIAF today. The 1/72 Hasegawa Phantoms are pretty decent kits, although do watch out for the fit of the forward fuselage to the body and the fit of the air intakes, it can be tricky to get right and the better you get the fit the less sanding you will have to do. The instructions give you three machines, but I was not happy with the colour call outs, so I went with matching colours to the box top that I believe look better. I did use their suggested Gunze 44 flesh for the sand colour, but picked RLM 71 over their suggested Gunze 303 for green which I think was too light and I went with Revell SM381 brown. Gunze 311 grey was used for the under surface and RLM 70 for the drop tanks as the green here looks darker than the air frame colour. You will have to source weapons as only three drop tanks are included, but Hasegawa has put the inner pylons along with sidewinder launch rails in the kit. The Mavericks and launch rails come from the Hasegawa weapons set.

F-4B Phantom Correction/Update sets (For Tamiya) 1:48 CMK by Special Hobby The new Tamiya F-4B kit was a welcome addition to their line of new tool aircraft. CMK now bring us some update sets for this kit. All are cast to their usual high standards. Early Fin Tip (4431) This set brings us the early style F-4B fin tip not offered in the Tamiya kit. The set also provides a separate pose able rudder, again not available in the kit; PE hinges are included for the rudder.. Boarding ladder (4430) This set provides the drop down boarding ladder for the aircraft. A small recess will need to be cut in the kit to accept this. As it is cast flat a great deal of care will be needed to remove this part. In Flight Re-fuelling Probe (4429) If you want to open up some panels on your F-4B at the front this set offers the modeller the chance to put in the extendable in flight refueling probe. Obviously a hole will need to be cut in the kit to accept this. Review samples courtesy of

F-4E Masks(for Fine Molds Kit) 1:72 Eduard There is no doubt the new F-4E from Fine Molds is a great looking kit. Eduard are here with masks for the new kit Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the out side of the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of hub/tyre masks for the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort.

Plus the Magic Scale Modelling Light & sound kit. AOA decals, Quickboost pilot & RIO, painted Mig Ammo light gull grey. Link to video at the bottom showing the light & sound of engine start etc. (I know the open canopy position isn’t right but I’m delicately balancing best I can before I commit to glueing - the only minus point for Tamiya in this kit!) thanks for looking. jump to 2:55 if you want to skip my rambling

F-4B Phantom Upgrade Sets (for Tamiya) 1:48 Eduard There is no doubt the new F-4B from Tamiya is a great looking kit. Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner. Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), Brassin resin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat re-sealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. SPACE Cockpit Set (3DL48040) The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet. They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print. In addition, a sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals. The 3D decal sheet contains the main instrument panels with a number of additional shaped panels to be fitted around the cockpit, plus placards and dials aplenty. The PE sheet has the extensive belts for the Martin Baker Seats along with canopy sills, and mirrors Cockpit Update Set (491212) If you prefer the more standard PE to the new 3D space sets then this set brings us the cockpit details for the F-4B. There is one main colour nickel set for the main cockpit details, and a smaller brass fret for rudder pedals, cockpit sills, canopy mirrors; and strangely for what appears to be a cockpit set 4 exhaust ends for the AIM-4, and AIM-9 missiles. Seatbelts STEEL (FE1213) These belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting. Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE. As in the 3D cockpit set above, the small fret contains the extensive seat belts and firing handles for the Martin Baker Seats. Tface Masks (EX803) Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy both inside and out, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of hub/tyre masks for the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort.

Joining you with this Hasegawa F-4E kit, costing me £15 at IPMS Gloucester show in 2018. Instructions, already a step up on the previous 1/72 Phantoms that I've built. Engraved detail parts, another step up. And Israeli decals. Many thanks to @iainpeden for those. @VG 33 built an excellent Revell model of this aircraft for the 2019 Phantom GB

Hi guys if this is the wrong place I'll take it down but I happened to find an actual F-4 Phantom today I was driving and asked my girlfriend if the Ulster Aviation Society was nearby and it was so we stopped by and as it happened a tour was about to start and we were allowed to join. This was a gate guardian in Scotland but it was brought to Northern Ireland by ferry a few years ago and painted in her original Navy colours. It's being restored to almost flying condition by retired Phantom engineers the landing gear works, refuelling probe, flaps, the whole aircraft will work once finished with the exception of flying they would get it flying but it's simply too much of an expense they can't afford as its all run by donations. They have a Buccaneer, Canberra Bomber, Puma, Wessex, Vampire, Tucano, and loads more it's not a big exhibition but it's still good so it's well worth a visit if you are ever in Northern Ireland. Anyway thought I'd share that and enjoy the photos I'll try and see if I'm allowed closer next time to get better photos if any one is interested. One thing I didn't know was the RAF/ RN Phantoms were overhauled and or upgraded in Lisburn I was talking to an engineer today who is the head of the engineers restoring the Phantom. And there's the Buccaneer as well I never thought about posting them here until just now so I don't have the best photos but I hope you enjoy them. With regards to the Buccaneer I forgot just how big it was I'm not tall 5'8" but not too short lol but I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach the underside of the wing, I just can't imagine something this big landing on a ship. Also the tour guide mentioned a Buccaneer crash landed on the Newtonards Rd in Belfast in 1972 after a faulty sensor told the ground crew fuelling it that the tanks were full but they weren't and the aircraft which was flying from what is now the George Best airport ran out of fuel on the landing approach and the pilot and Navigator didn't eject they put it down onto a road instead of letting it crash and it wrecked about 50 cars and stopped in an empty car park don't know if there were ground casualties I forgot to ask but one of the crew hurt his back so badly he never flew again. Another piece of information was that the Buccaneer in the photo flew the shortest flight ever for a Buccaneer lasting 80 seconds so short the landing gear wasn't retracted as there wasn't time can't recall where it flew from and to but it was here in Northern Ireland somewhere when it was being donated to the collection, the collection has moved a few times. Again former engineers of the Buccaneer are restoring this, a lot more frontline aircraft were made here and maintained than I ever knew. Anyway I hope you enjoy the photos and information.

A late finish from the Vietnam GB and my favourite aircraft . The kit is the superlative Zoukei Mura F-4C. This airframe 64-0829 is probably best known as Robin Olds's Scat XXVII in the SEA scheme and he achieved two MiG 17 kills with it on 20 May 1967. However this is the jet seen in its twilight operational scheme with the Texas ANG before it was repainted in its better known SEA colours again as an exhibit at the National Museum of the US Air Force. Link Aftermarket used: Caracal Decals CD48038 Air National Guard F-4C/D Phantom Part 3 - Really good sheet with some interesting schemes of early Phantoms in their later years of ANG service. The decal quality, thinness and colour density are excellent. Looking forward to using their decals again, the fit especially on the fin flash was fantastic. @CaracalModels ZM F-4C/D Etched Brass - Made by Eduard for ZM's own label. Aires Martin Baker Mk.7 Seats. Eduard Fabric Ejection Seat Belts. HGW RBF Tags. Quinta Ejection Handles (from their phantom sets). Master Pitot tubes Paints are Gunze with levelling thinners, over a black Gaia Notes primer coat. Post lightening and shading done with adding greys and yellows. Alclad 2 for the metallic shades with lots of masking Matt finish is SMS Matt Varnish Original Build Thread: After this enjoyable build, I'm looking forward to see what Tamiya can do with the Phantom in 1:48 scale

F-4 Phantom Outer Pylons Air Force (HMR48034) 1:48 Hypersonic Models The F-4 is usually seen with fuel tanks on the outboard station, with the the pylons are integral to the tanks. However there are separate pylons available to carry other stores on these stations. This is a set of Air Force type outer wing pylons designed to fit the Zoukei Mura Phantoms, though should fit any kit. The set comes with separate sway brace pins so the modeller can adapt them completely free to the specific store and correct outboard angle (in case of MER or TER installed). Conclusion One thing common to a lot of F-4 kits is that they expect the modeller to use the outer tanks, however some phantoms flew without these and MERs / TERs could be loaded as long as the weight limits were kept. This set remedies this omission. While designed for the ZM kit there is no reason they can not be used on other kits. Jeffrey's attention to detail is legendary, and it shows in every set he makes. Highly recommended. It is a also worth noting that Jeffrey has gone through the time consuming process to register for UK VAT so there are no issues for UK modellers ordering direct. Review sample courtesy of

F-4 Phantom Centre Line Pylon (HMR48035) 1:48 Hypersonic Models The F-4 is usually seen with .a fuel tank on the centreline fuel tank or other store. Four large stabiliser bolts fit the pylon to the airframe (Spare are provided for these as you are bound to loose at least one to the carpet monster). As well as the pylon the set comes with separate sway brace pins so the modeller can fit them. Conclusion One thing common to a lot of F-4 kits is that they expect the modeller to use stores, however many phantoms flew without them. This set remedies this omission. While designed for the ZM kit there is no reason they can not be used on other kits. Jeffrey's attention to detail is legendary, and it shows in every set he makes. Highly recommended. It is a also worth noting that Jeffrey has gone through the time consuming process to register for UK VAT so there are no issues for UK modellers ordering direct. Review sample courtesy of

May I present my latest attempt at an RAF Phantom... Fujimi 1/72, McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2, XV419 / G of 29 Sqn, RAF Coningsby from1981. As always, I've tried to get it true to life and from the reference photo's it was still carrying the DSG coloured wing tanks and some of the warning signs were not yet in the low vis scheme. Painted with Xtracolor Enamels and the Humbrol Matt Cote as per usual, after market decals from Xtradecals. I have the Plane Crazy/Gemini Aces diecast model and it was always the plan once I got back into modelling to re-create the die casts and then move them on. The Die-cast and a photo of original aircraft for reference.

Hi Friends! Good kit Specia Hobby I broke the front of the canopy, I had to do this part again Painted Gunze Enjoy watching!

SUU-23 Gun Pod (648612) 1:48 Eduard Brassin The SUU-23 was a further development of the SUU-16 gun pod, and has a GAU-4/A Vulcan gatling gun at its heart. It was a development in the 1960s to give the F-4 Phantom back its gun, having been left out of the design thanks to the power of the “missile mafia”, who convinced everyone that guns and dogfights were a thing of the past. Inside the aerodynamic fairing is the self-powered gun and an ammo tank to feed the gun up to 1,200 rounds, which sounds a lot, but given the rate of fire doesn’t last long. It wasn’t all that accurate due to the aerodynamic buffeting and vibration caused by use, but it was still a lot better than nothing. This set contains resin and Photo-Etch (PE) parts for two pods, which are made up from two body parts, with a choice of blunt of taper rear, with a fairing at the front that protects the skin of the aircraft against damage from any stray rounds, cartridge fragments and combustion residue. The gun barrels have a PE end-cap with 6 perforations depicting the muzzles. There is a choice of three types of pylon, with a helpful list of kits that each pylon is intended for, either Academy, Hasegawa or Zoukei-Mura kits, and the moulded-in anti-sway braces need 1mm lengths of 0.6mm wire or rod for their tensioners. Painting instructions are given using Gunze codes, with Olive Drab being the main colour. The decals are included for the stencils, of which there are many, so ensure there’s a nice glossy surface to apply them onto. Conclusion Detail is excellent, and you have enough for two projects as they usually fit on the centreline of whatever's carrying it. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

It should not be difficult to convert Academy's 1/72 F-4J into a C or D. Just needs Air Force inner pylons, an updated cockpit (if you are into that), a Rhino sensor for the C, and some other small sundries. All that could fit in a 10$ resin set. opinions?

Hi guys I now have the replacement canopy sets for the Tamiya kits available This set ended up being a little more tricky than first thought, but I am pleased with the results in the end, you now have three clear resin cast parts, two separate support frames and the canopy supporting cylinders in two alternative lengths for both the front and rear canopies, all supplied as 3D printed parts. Note use the frame part between front and rear canopy from the kit. https://aerocraftmodels.bigcartel.com/product/mcdonnell-douglas-phantom-replacement-canopy-set-for-tamiya-kits

Revells 1/48 Phantom, disguised as 892 squadron from Ark Royal. Had this one sitting in the corner for a while now, not even sure why I abandoned it. Finished off this weekend, sprayed on the black panels along the spin (although they may be a bit small) and attached some sidewinders. Xtradecal decals used for 892 markings. Sits nicely next to the buccaneer.

Tamiya is to release a new tool 1/48th McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II kit - ref. 61121 Sources: https://www.tamiya.com/japan/featuredreleases_early2021.html#Static https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/61121/index.htm Price is not cool https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/TA61121 V.P.

Hi modellers, My next project, a F-4E Phantom II Kurnass 2000 from the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Hasegawa No. 09566 1/48 Aftermarket: XMM Air intakes Eduard No. 648009 Seats Master No. AM-48-050 Pitot tubes Eduard No. 49 231 Exterior PE Eduard No. 648023 F-4 Exhaust Nozzles Late New Ware masks No. NWAM0347 Icarus Decals F-4E Stencil Data - Black True Details F-4 Phantom II Wheels Res/Kit No. RS48-0146 AGM-142 Have Nap missile Eduard No. 49546 Remove Before Flight - Israel Paint: Gunze Aqueous H310, H311, H312, H313 and H314 Stay tuned... Cheers, Jos Some progress pics!

Academy is to release a 1/32nd McDD F-4E Phantom II kit - ref. 13132 Sprues/plastic from Revell. Source: https://www.academy.co.kr/6q/board_news_main.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00002&pCode=12213&pCategory=NEWS2 V.P.