tc2324

Again, thank you for the comments, very much appreciated.

Thank you. I used 2mm clear acrylic rod and then stuck the whisps of cotton wool on in layers.

Airfix`s 1/24 scale offering, presented in my own way for a bit of fun. A great size reference photo which also highlights my JD intake these last few days......

Hi all, With the global situation as it is at present, it won`t be a major shock to you all to learn that all restoration work has been suspended until further notice with no access to ZE360 until the pandemic is over. The timing couldn`t have been worse as we were starting to make real progress towards removing `360` to a safe area at Manston ready for dismantle and removal from site. So what to do in the meantime? Well...., this sounds like a good a time as any to give you all an update on the artwork situation. As can be expected, COVID19 means that signatures for the Limited Editions cannot be obtained for the moment which obviously throws a bit of a spanner in the works, however we plan to get this rectified as soon as we safely can. “Tigers’ Lair” (Medium-Oil on canvas) by Rob Johnson depicts ZE360 and ZE359 over-flying Wattisham on their return from a training sortie. This `CO`s edition`, of which 15 will be produced, has measurements of 24 x 16 inches (Paper Size 27 x 20 inches). Each copy will be signed by Air Marshal Cliff Spink, Group Captain Dick Northcote and Group Captain Graham Clarke who were 74`s CO`s during the period the F-4J(UK)`s were operational with the RAF. Each of these CO`s prints will be priced at £120. (Note - This does not include P&P). We will also be looking to produce an number of other signed print`s from various 74 Tiger Squadron air and ground crews using the standard print below and we will supply exact details for these nearer the time of release. We are estimating prices for these to be around the £100 mark. You will of course be able to buy the standard unsigned versions in the size above and a smaller version at 15 x 10 inches, (Paper Size 17 x 13 inches). These will be priced at approximately £75 and £40 respectively. Moving onto the “Once, I feared no Man” print by Marie Brown in Medium-Graphite Pencil, this depicts ZE360 as she was at Manston prior to any restoration work starting. This print measures in at 12 x 8 inches and comes in two forms. The `print only` will retail at £25, while a second version with colour co-ordinated mount as shown below, will retail at £35. There are still some final details to be worked out and once the world has got back to some kind of normal, I`ll be confirming those details and posting links of where you can get your hands one of these great looking prints and help towards the Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360 project. Of course you can catch up on all ZE360 related updates and history on the 74(F) Tiger Squardon Association`s ZE360 Restoration webpage at http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ As always please feel free to view the Tiger360 webstore, (link on restoration webpage), where you can purchase if you so wish any of the following items and more. Thanks for looking.

Last weekend saw another work party heading to Manston to work on ZE360. Work of note was the removing more side panels causing mass casualties in drill bits , the starboard aileron finally giving up the ghost and being removed and last, but certainly not least, the main undercarriage tyres being replaced for new. This was achieved by using a custom built puller with the port wheel being the easiest of the two to remove. This then exposed the brake pack, pressure plate and bearings, which while discovered to be in better than expected condition, will require restoration at a later date. In the meantime they will be usable for towing 360 off the fire pit area. A number of data plates were also documented. The following photo`s show the works in progress. Starboard aileron removal and clearing the front wheels 2 3 4 Panel Removal 1 2 3 4 5 6 Port Wheel Replacement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Starboard Wheel Replacement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Data Plate Documentation (With many thanks to Nigel Hodgson for the permission to use some of his photo`s for this update)

Thank you. I`m afraid I`m only permitted to say that it will be relocated to somewhere in the East Midlands at present.

The weekend of the 22nd and 23rd February saw a BPAG team head down to Manston and carry out some preparation work on ZE360 for her relocation from the Fire Pit Aircraft Graveyard to a more suitable hardstand located near the Fire school. A concrete base will provide the perfect ground to disassemble the Phantom when the time comes for her to relocated off base and 360`s new home. Three items were on the `to do` list include digging out the wheels from the soft ground in preparation for a wheel change, unlocking the outer wing sections so that the fuel venting vanes and ailerons could be removed and finally, some of the team start drilling out the screws on the panels. Here are a selection of photo`s showing the team at work on the weekend. Wing Work Undercarriage Work Panel Work It was also nice to see a panel from the front cockpit returned after 10 years and shows her old US Navy BuNo 155574 on the top. Another bonus was to make a little discovery and settle, (hopefully), an age old argument about the colour of the F-4J`s when they came out of the paintshop at North Island in the US. While removing a panel on by a aileron, we came across a part of the aircraft that obviously escaped the deep service repainting. We now have a great comparison between the standard RAF air defence grey and the US mix. Duck Egg Blue – Case Closed! I`m also please to announce that two new ZE360 artwork pieces have been commissioned to raise funds for the restoration effort and more details about these exciting prints will be released shortly. A new mug has also been launched on the webstore, (link via the restoration page below), to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and don`t forget there are other exciting designs available for purchase just in time for the Spring and Summer. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ Thanks for looking.

Just a heads up that after the January break, the restoration website has been updated with new information regarding ZE360 and her previous `life`. Of note is an air to air incident when she was better known as `5574` and serving with VF-101 `Grim Reapers` back in 1969. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ The break has also allowed some of the merchandise designs to be updated on the fundraising Webstore. You will find the link to the webstore on the Restoration front page so please feel free to take a look and see if something appeals to your inner Tiger.

First one of the year from me after an enforced 3 month break, so lets start off with a famous photographed incident. RAF Phantom FG.1 XV589 flown by Flt. Lt. P. R. Watling and Flt. Lt. S. L. James was detached from RAF Leuchars for training purposes and was on a routine flight to Alconbury. As the aircraft neared the airfield and lined up for the runway at approximately 350 feet altitude the nose section radome was seen to open. This sudden resultant drag factor caused the aircraft to roll and yaw. Despite attempts to correct the situation, the pilot and navigator had no option but to eject. They both landed safely and suffered slight injuries. ..... and for comparison, here are the actual photo`s Revell 1/48 kit and built for fun and the challenge of it. Thanks for looking.

The new year got off to a start which saw Paul Wright, (BPAG Chairman), and myself head out to Manston last Monday to discuss moving ZE360 from its current location, to one more suited to her needs when it comes to dismantling her for transport. After productive talks with the RAF Fire School, a location which had been previously proposed, was accepted. Routes between the two locations were discussed and now BPAG have to prepare a movement plan and risk assessment. After this, some physical work began. The tarpaulin had been blown off in the recent stormy weather and so that was refitted and secured. When the time comes to relocate 360 the outer wings will require to be removed. However the pins are in and it’s hydraulic wingfold. This meant getting into the system, under D101 L&R, which you’ll see from the pictures below is heavily corroded. Sadly this meant cutting out an access, a decision not lightly taken but both panels were going to be scraped anyway. Inboard LE flap actuator access panel. Cut Hatch Work was also started on the removal of the speed brake and the closure panel until lack of light brought the day to a close. Speedbrake and bay LH speedbrake after groundlock removed More soon. (Photo`s copyright BPAG)

Now that the Christmas break has passed, things are starting to move again regarding the ZE360 restoration planning, both in fundraising and actual movement of the airframe. More on all that will be posted shortly, but in the meantime to wet your whistle, here`s a few more photo`s from the 74 Sqn archives regarding the refurbishment at NARF, (Naval Air Rework Facility) . Pictures show `3783` (ZE352) and `5529` (ZE359) prior to and after their post refurbishment flights. (Note that `5529` can now be found in the American Air Museum at Duxford in it`s original VF-74 scheme). Thanks for looking and more soon.

This is a `what if` based on a real world concept that was considered but never left the drawing board. Phantom FVS concept https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-f-4-phantom-could-have-had-swing-wings-1737201833 Thank you all for the comments, much appreciated.

Been out of the plastic modelling game for the last few months due to an new extension being built, the family having to live upstairs with minimal room, so why not post some blasts from this years past in the meantime. (Normal service will resume shortly) In no particular order.....,

A few selected images from the 74 Squadron Association archives of the British J`s going through NARF, (Naval Air Rework Facility), at NORIS, (North Island). These were the last F-4J`s to go through NARF, (the US Navy and Marines were now equipped with the F-4S), and it is noted that the civilian workforce took great pride in refurbishing and upgrading the J`s because they were the last. Note the Union Jacks on the fins and F-14 Tomcat`s in the background in some of the shots.

https://flic.kr/p/2hV2Ddr Just a quick update and reminder regarding the Associations restoration page and webstore and letting you know that kids t-shirts, hoodies and a few other stocking fillers have been added. So please take a look and HELP contribute to the fund raising effort. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ Thanks for looking and have a great Christmas and Happy New Year.

I hope your right Keith. Luckily the J`s were stripped down and given a new coat of weatherproofing before being given to the RAF so with a bit of luck some of that may of helped protect it. We will find out soon.

Hi all, Just to let you know some exciting news in that the 74(F) `Tiger` Squadron Association have launched a webstore selling 74 `Tiger` Squadron related merchandise. All profits from the sales of any merchandise sold will go directly to the `Tiger360` fund in support of the restoration of our unique F-4J(UK) Phantom, ZE360. New products and designs will be released next year and I can also confirm that some exciting artwork is being produced with a release date sometime within the first 6 months of next year. (More on that in due course). Click the following link to the ZE360 Restoration page below and scroll down to the webstore link to see whats on offer at present; http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ And don`t forget to catch up on all ZE360 news on the Association website and thanks for looking. (An advanced special thanks if you choose to buy something and therefore support the restoration effort).

More information and updates added recently regarding ZE360. 👍 http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/

New information and photo`s have been added to the 74(F) Squadron Association restoration page for your ZE360 viewing pleasure including data recently received from the National Air and Space Museum. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/ If you haven`t already, please don`t forget to consider making a donation, details on the page. Thanks in advance.

The restoration page on the 74(F) Association website has been updated today with more blog news and more ZE360 flights logs added. Take a look and don`t forget to donate if you so wish. http://74sqdn.tk/ze360-restoration-page/

Good old fashioned super glue, beware, it gets messy. Once a `base` coat of wool is firmly attached you can then add `puffs` of wool and build it up. A final spray of hair spray to firm it up and then a very very light grey spray to dull down the white a bit.

So before I proceed with the update from Tuesday`s work party, I think the following photo highlights the hard work perfectly ...... So on the 17th September 2019, a team of volunteers from the British Phantom Aviation Group and the 74 Squadron Association began the preservation work on ZE360 at Manston, Kent. This was the first opportunity to actually get hands on the aircraft and would hopefully offer some early indications of the true state of the bodywork and structure. Before any of this could begin, however, the whole aircraft was cleaned, scrubbed and rinsed to remove as much fire foam residue, moss, dirt and salt deposits as possible. This revealed much of the original paintwork, some of which was still in good condition, but also uncovered some further corrosion of small areas of the paneling and fasteners, all of which was noted and logged for future attention. Inspections were also carried out of the underside, wing fold areas and undercarriage. Partial disassembly of the tail cone allowed access to stabilator pivot mechanism, which appears to be in good order. Upper panels unfortunately proved not to be removable at this time which prevented wider inspection. Finally an application of PX-32 preservative to all non-stainless outer surfaces (including underside where accessible) was applied to protect against further damage from weather. Conclusions from the day’s work were that- as far as has been seen- corrosion of the airframe and parts has not been found to be any worse than expected. Some areas are visibly bad and will require extra attention and the worst affected will involve re-fabricating. However, nothing we have seen so far is terminal or should jeopardize moving the aircraft. Detailed inspections have also helped in clarifying potential course of actions for final disassembly. Many thanks to the volunteers who joined me on the day – Nigel Hodgson, Adrian Vines, Clive Hammond and Paul Wright for giving up their free time to further the preservation effort. Thanks also go to DFTDC at Manston for tolerating a crew of civilians on their premises.

Thanks all. 😃 2mm clear acrylic rod was drilled into the back of the missile and there cotton wool applied to create the smoke.

An F-14A from Fleet Squadron VF-111 `Sundowners` fires an live AIM-54 Phoenix during a practice sortie somewhere in the Pacific. Academy kit, 1/72 scale and Ocean base from Coastal Kits. Thanks for looking.