Eduard Bicentennial Phantoms. 1:48 Limited Edition

[Shar2]

Bicentennial Phantoms

Eduard 1:48

This is Eduards second big release of the Academy 1:48 Phantom after their "Good Morning Da Nang" boxing, reviewed HERE and comes in a suitably large box, which is packed with styrene, along with the additional delights of resin, etched brass, fabric seatbelts and paint masks.

All the aircraft depicted on the decals are F-4Ns which were refurbished from F-4Bs. The Navy, as part of project Bee Line, begun in 1972, rebuilt 228 F-4Bs to the new standard, strengthening and re-stressing the airframe, replacing some of the electronics, adding new mission equipment and fixing the engine smoke issues of earlier models. Aircraft selected for conversion were sent to NAS North Island, California, where they were stripped and inspected. They were then completely rebuilt using new parts. The changes included a structural strengthening to extend the fatigue life, plus a complete rewiring. The electrical generating system was upgraded with 30-kVA constant speed alternators. The F-4N retained the thin wings and tires, the main radar, and the under nose infrared search and track detector of the F-4B.
The F-4N was also fitted with an F-4J-style slotted stabilator, (included in the kit), which helped solve "Mach tuck" problems when decelerating from supersonic speeds and which reduced approach speeds during landings. All F-4Ns had their inboard leading-edge flaps locked shut.

The F-4N was physically distinguishable from the F-4B by the long antenna fairings fitted along the upper engine intakes, which housed the Saunders AN/ALQ-126 Defensive Electronic Counter Measures system.

It would be difficult to emulate what Mike has said about the build in his review since the kits are essentially the same, with the only differences being the decals. Because these aircraft were generally displayed clean, the various weapons provided aren’t really needed and can be consigned to the spares box, along with a host of other parts. Although you can still use the weapons should you desire it, as these aircraft were still in use with front line squadrons.

Decals
The two decal sheets have been produced, once again, by Furball Aero Design and they are well up to the standard now expected from these premium kits. The register and opacity are good and the carrier film almost nonexistent. The Bicentennial colours are beautifully drawn and printed with the colours bright and vivid. The sheer number of stencils on the second sheet is mind boggling, but equally well printed. It looks like it will take as long to add the stencils as it would build and paint the model, patience is the order of the day for this task.
The aircraft markings provided are :-

• F-4N 151433, VF-161 “Chargers”, USS Midway, 1976
• F-4N 150452, VF-151 “Vigilantes”, USS Midway, 1976
• F-4N 152293, VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. 1976
• F-4N 150442, VF-302 “Stallions”, NAS Miramar, 1976
• F-4N 150476, VF-51 “Screaming Eagles”, USS Coral Sea, 1976

Conclusion
Although the Academy kit has been very well received, it’s not without its faults and the modeller may wish to replace the horizontal tail planes with one of the excellent aftermarket sets that are available, as the details are a little soft. That said it will still build into a great looking Phantom and with the decals provided in this boxing, a very colourful one too. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of