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XV571

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  1. Hi Screeno As has been mentioned, XV567 at that time was still in the Dark Green/ Dark Sea Grey/Light Aircraft Grey Tactical Scheme 😉 There were quite a few FG.1s still painted like that in the early 1980s, I think the very last 43 Squadron jet was XV587/G; it was still in those colours to at least May 1986. According to the Aircraft Illustrated Phantom special. XV567 had changed to the AD Greys by mid-1984. The closest sheet would be Xtradecal sheet X72294: https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/X72294?result-token=MUFUy. That gives you nearly everything for XV567/I in that scheme - you can invert the 9s and by careful trimming of the 'R' could get you the 'I'. Personally I think the Gamecocks are terrible, they look squashed and are the wrong colours. For me, a better option would be to use either the ones from Modeldecal sheet 64, or items #60 & #61 on Modeldecal sheet 89 https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MD089?result-token=4KtDs and apply them on a white disc of the right diameter. Even the kit ones seem closer to the originals. One thing to watch out for, being ex-Royal Navy, even in 1982 XV567 is likely to not have received the ILS aerials (the small 'fins' sticking out under the rectangular RWR box on the vertical stabiliser) so you'll need to remove these. Maybe your photo shows if they're installed or not. This is XV568/T, another ex FAA Phantom, in 1981 still wthout them: HTH, Jonathan PS For adding photos, see here:
  2. Good work on the belly strap, are you aware that it actually extends almost all the way to the wing fold break? This is from the USAF Structural Repair Manual but is the same for the Navy version. The ends look like 'Detail M' at the bottom middle: Reinforcing strap F-4E,G Structural Repair Manual_Page_1 by Jonathan Morgan, on Flickr The difference is correct; the Spey auxiliary air doors are located forward of where they are for the J79 Phantoms. Here's pictures of first the Zoukei Mura F-4G and then the Academy F-4C compared to the Hasegawa FGR.2: ZM-F-4G-Has-FGR2-1 by Jonathan Morgan, on Flickr Aca-F-4C-Hase-FGR2-1 by Jonathan Morgan, on Flickr One tip if it's not too late, I recommend you fit the lower forward section F40 to the lower wing assembly. It makes it easier to line up the two to avoid any potential step and you can add a strip of plasticard to reinforce the joint before you install the cockpit assembly. HTH, Jonathan
  3. Yes you can use that Academy Phantom for a F-4J(UK). The (empty) AN/ALQ-126 fairings mounted on the intake shoulders are in the kit, you should use parts K21 and K22. Don't use the 'long' versions, these are for use on the F-4N. You'll also need to fit the belly reinforcing strap just forward of the MLG bays as this was added during the refurbishment programme before delivery to the RAF. You have the choice of photoetch Eduard), resin (Flying Leathernecks) or 3D (Quinta). Strictly speaking they're for the Meng F-4 but they should be easily adaptable. I also recommend the Hypersonic slotted stabilators to correct the multiple faults with the kit ones plus the nose ECS intakes (the kit ones are the wrong shape and place. These are small upgrades but, in my view, improve the overall look when it's finished. Lots of information here: here: and here: HTH, Jonathan
  4. I think Ben has pretty much nailed it for the antennae. Here's my take on what goes where in your two photos, hopefully it'll help in locating the parts along with the NMUSAF F-4 pictures: 'Stage' refers to the instructions for the 5994 boxing Revell F-4G antennae-1 by Jonathan Morgan, on Flickr From the photo of the QMT set on Scalemates, R7 looks to be the WSO rear view mirrors. QMT provide two but generally F-4Gs used only one mounted centrally on the canopy frame. I agree that R6 looks like the VOR antenna on the left lower intake. It's not easy to make out in either photo but R2 looks like the gun compartment intake door, but this was deleted on the G as there was no longer any need to vent any gases generated by the gun firing so it's somewhat redundant! For more information on what goes where I recommend you download the instructions for the 1/48 Zoukei Mura F-4G: https://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/en/download.html#dl_sws4814 this should help you in locating the positions of most of the items in my photo. The VOR antenna position is in step 34 (part E-1) on page 25. HTH, Jonathan
  5. Hi Mark, Ventura have a sheet with 8 inch Dull Red serial letters and numbers: https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VA4892?result-token=hqEbr It has multiple different letter styles so one should match, or at least be close enough to, the ones in the photo of BD949. HTH, Jonathan
  6. If you can't find the Xtradecal sheet, Flightpath also has one with 63Sqn and 234Sqn Green/Grey Hawks: https://davidjparkins.com/product/raf-hawk-t1a-decal-sheet/
  7. Yes, they did 😀 According to Modeldecal sheet 76 and my 1988 Military Aircraft Markings the F-4J(UK)s were coded as follows: T ZE350 I ZE351 G ZE352 E ZE353 R ZE354 S ZE355 Q ZE356 N ZE357 H ZE358 (lost August 1987) J ZE359 O ZE360 P ZE361 V ZE362 W ZE363 Z ZE364 This was carried over into the FGR.2s as can be seen in Dave's post. There was indeed a Q (XT895) and an N (XT897) as well. I think they kept the same codes as the F-4Js (except for H) but used Y instead in respect for the lost crew of ZE358. 56 Squadron did a similar thing towards the end of Phantom operations with their red tail jets when they were the last FGR.2 operators along with 74Sqn. They coded theirs with P H O E N I X: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133794880@N04/51841010214
  8. I assume that by 'painted jets' Will is referring to the Heritage F-15s in 75th Anniversary D-Day markings. Two of these were F-15Es and one was a F-15C; they are on Furball sheet 48-071: https://www.furballaero-design.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=48-071. By mentioning Wolfpak I believe he's looking for a 1/72 sheet. Looking on the Fantasy Printshop site I couldn't see one of the Heritage subjects on a Wolfpak sheet but there are a pair of 48TFW F-15C MiG killers from 1999 on their 'Workin' Nights' sheet 72-034. This appears to be still available: https://www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk/product/wolfpak-72-034-workin-nights/ If you're after 1/48, Furball also did 48-072 for USAFE F-15A/C/D Eagles: https://www.furballaero-design.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=48-072 That has options for four 493FS F-15Cs in 2019. Hannants has both Furball sheets in stock at the moment, which would save a bit on postage 😄. For 1/32, PK Productions have 32-001 https://www.pkproductions.de/shop/decals/32-001-big-usaf-mod-eagles-1-32/. These are the most recent with two jets from 2021 (and one from 2018) Apart from the previously mentioned Caracal and Astra/Daco sheets the only other Lakenheath F-15C/D sheet I'm aware of is the long OOP Afterburner sheet 48-005: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afterburner-decals-48-005-lakenheath-eagles-1999-2006--246967 - that's probably rarer than either of the above two sheets! HTH, Jonathan
  9. Hi Gary, Since you specifically mentioned XR749 here is the aircraft's history as listed in the Aircraft Illustrated Special on the Lightning by Roger Lindsay: "XR749 c/n 95214. first flight 30.4.65. Retained BAC and partially modified by F6, then de-modded to F3. 4.10.67 60 MU (Maintenance Unit). By 30.10.67 'Q' 56 Sqn. 26.10.71 60 MU. 30.10.72 Binbrook. 21.11.72 'Q' 5 Sqn. 6.76 store. 2.77 'Q' 5 Sqn. 5.78 store. 10.78 'Q' 5 Sqn. 30.1.80 store. 2.8.82 St Athan, returning 16.8.82 in light grey scheme, then LAF (Lightning Augmentation Flight) and store. By 14.12.82 'BM' 11 Sqn. 3.83 store. 5.83 'BM' 11 Sqn. 11.84 'BO' 11 Sqn. 1.85 'DC' LTF. 2.85 'DA' LTF. 1.10.85 Blue fin and spine in 10th anniversary of LTF (Lightning Training Flight) scheme. [retaining the DA code] 3.86 store. 19.5.86 marked in 'Q' 56 Sqn commemorative scheme. By 14.11.86 markings removed, but still coded 'Q' with 'D' type roundels used by all three Binbrook units sporadically until 17.2.87 when took off en route for Lossiemouth, only to make emergency landing at Leuchars where allocated 8934M for battle damage repair duties." As you can see each squadron opted to continue using the initial 'Q' code letter until 1982 when a two letter system was introduced for UK based units to additionally identify which the aircraft was allocated to. This was in squadron numerical order on each base. At Binbrook the codes would therefore be: Ax = 5Sqn; Bx = 11Sqn; Cx (not allocated but there was rumour of a third squadron being formed, which might have been 74Sqn but that ultimately went to the F-4J(UK) unit); Dx = LTF. Another example was at Leuchars where: Ax = 43Sqn, Bx = 111Sqn and after the Operational Conversion Unit moved from Coningsby - Cx = 228OCU The code letter can also identify which aircraft is the commander's jet or a specific role. While you would expect the 'boss' to use 'A' some units deviated from this. An example is II(AC) Sqn who used 'S'. This is because they would line up their aircraft to spell 'SHINY TWO AC'. Sometimes they woud add letters or numbers; such as II , E and R. Additionally they would usually allocate 'T' to the squadron's trainer or dual control aircraft. HTH, Jonathan
  10. Here's an IPMS-USA review: https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/raf-fighter-pilot-modern with some photos of the parts and a built up figure. As they are a multipart casting you'll be able to alter the poses, at least a little. As a minimum you could have the heads looking in slightly different directions. Depending on how confident you feel you coud pose the arms differently or rotate the hands. Drill small holes in the joints between the arms and body and use a suitable length of wire to support the limb. Any gaps can be filled with Milliput or similar and shaped to look like the flight suit. Use some blu-tak to experiment with poses before committing to a final version. They only need to be subtly changed, after all they're doing similar tasks in a confined space strapped to a seat that allows relatively limited mobility.
  11. To be honest, I haven't personally used the PJ figures but I do have a pair of their 1/72 German F-4 pilots for a future project and they look good. PJ Productions have a good reputation and the photos of the RAF figure look to be correct for a late 90s-mid 2000s jet. I'm sure they'll be a good match for your Tornado. Arguably the best figures available are from Reedoak https://store7093396.ecwid.com/# but unfortunately they haven't yet done any post war RAF fast jet crew.
  12. Hi Pavel, I hadn't heard of Travers decals before but looking at the photo on Scalemates the subjects seem to be inspired by Aeromaster/Eagle Strike and Microscale sheets as 'Tumbleweed' is also on Microscale sheet 72-324. None of the three sheets seem to be accurate as the colours all look wrong - especially those of the hat and shirt which are the same yellow-brown whereas the photos show them to be different. The mountains in the Cutting Edge version are also green instead of the correct blue. Here's the Microscale version: However all is not lost, Caracal Models have done 65-0905 on their new RF-4C sheet CD72-151: https://caracalmodels.com/cd72151.html That'll be the one to go for as it's clearly based on the photo in Andre's post so is much more accurate than the others. Also, you won't have to search for a sheet that is long out of production as well as the additional risk of the decals breaking up or being out of register. HTH, Jonathan
  13. Hello Pavel and to Britmodeller! The German Air Force RF-4Es were all 'angled nose' aircraft so the 1/72 Revell RF-4E is a good starting point and can be easily converted to a RF-4C. As is mentioned in earlier posts you will need to find some early 'short can' exhausts and the 'Navy style' straight edged inboard pylons as a starting point. To post pictures you need an image hosting site. That will allow you to upload the scans here. For more information and a 'how to' guide see the FAQ sub-forum at the top of the main forum page and specifically this one : HTH, Jonathan
  14. Following on from Jens' reply, Caracal Models are releasing a 1/72 RF-4C sheet very soon. There will be two Alconbury Phantoms on there from the 1970s, one of which is this one: This was taken in 1977 but I have a photo saved which is dated 1975 of 65-0927 with the 'AR' code and the red fin stripe that you could use from the earlier jet. The other good news is that it doesn't have the myriad of white stencils that you remember! If you want to do this jet you'll be able to get it from Hannants https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/CD72151?result-token=qcfnR I recommend you put a sheet on backorder as they can sell out quickly. Hasegawa are also re-releasing their RF-4E in German Air Force markings; this is an easy conversion to the RF-4C, you can use the 'short can' exhausts 'Q7' that are marked not for use instead of the stated long 'Q27' ones. You'll need to find some straight edged inner pylons (Reskit have just released a fabulous set (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/RS72-0447?result-token=CluXR) or, if you prefer, just leave them off - RF-4s were often seen without them installed. HTH, Jonathan
  15. These pods can also be seen installed on the bottom of a TER fitted to the inner pylon of F-4Cs early on in the Vietnam War, sometimes with a pair of bombs on the upper points. The camera pods were the result of a project to develop strike film cameras in order to improve analysis of combat operations by a USAF team called Aerospace Audio-Visual Services (AAVS) which was part of Military Airlift Command. The pods were also used for training purposes and even in analysing the early space flights. The Smithsonian Channel 'Air Warriors' episode on the Phantom has a segment on a Gemini mission where a pair of F-4Cs filmed the rocket's ascent! Here's the YouTube video of the epiisode which has some superb footage of the mission with some good shots of the pods: They made them by modifying a LAU-10 rocket pod. The ends were cut off, an internal track to carry the film cameras installed and fairings made for each end with windows for the cameras. You can see how they were converted in this article from a 1966 Air University Review magazine (jump to page 67 for pictures). The ones on the F-100s seem to have a more angular front section than the ones above so I guess they had local variations depending on where they were fabricated: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/1966_Vol17_No1-6/1966_Vol17_No5.pdf I keep hoping that an aftermarket manufacturer release one but at some point I'll try making one the same way as the AAVS team did. HTH, Jonathan
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