John B

Hi Stix - You're absolutely right that putting things in B&W make it "look right". I know someone who motorized Tamiya F4U Corsairs as part of action diorama. He created an excellent vignette as well, but putting the images in B&W seemed to add another dimension. Perhaps because that's because that we're conditioned to seeing images from that period in B&W? Here is the link to his thread -> USS Franklin vignette

I would like to echo everyone else's praise. I have a set in-hand and they make me itch to start a Rafale right away. IF Arnaud ever produces a Rafale M extended boarding ladder, I'll definitely queue up for one.

Wow! Those B&W images coupled with the spinning prop are truly convincing and inspiring. It is all built on a foundation of a solid model with good vignette details.

Wow. I could've used this information years ago.

I never even knew that this kit was produced and I wouldn't have immediately picked up from the images that it was 1/72nd scale. Your model indeed looks excellent. Those helos and that squadron in particular were a common sight in my life decades ago. Thank you for bringing those memories back to the surface.

@ SaminCam I'm seeing the same 'spacer.png' text when using Chrome. In Internet Explorer I see blank spaces. In Microsoft Edge, I CAN see the images. @ ZHOU Kun - Thank you posting your images comparing the Tamiya and AMK cockpits.

Wow! Nice tribute build! You're scratchbuilding techniques are on par with many "masters" used by aftermarket companies.

Wow! Those molds were designed 4 decades ago. In your hands, the finish looks very good. {My completely unbiased opinion. In full transparency, I've built at least 3 1/48 Monogram F-4Js that were based on those molds AND I'm a big Phantom Phan.}

I'm basically echoing everyone's compliments on this project - Lovely finish! The perfect balance of realistic weathering without going overboard. Your perseverance to finish a model with assembly issues comparable to a Hasegawa F-14 is extremely commendable. To that let me add a "Thank you for posting your in-progress pictures!" It's informative to read about build/fit issues on a kit, but seeing/reading the solutions to those problems are invaluable!

Thanks everyone and fair points taken. I see different options - 1) Model with crew figures in cockpit with canopies closed. 2) Model with crew figures in cockpit with canopies open. 3) Model with crew outside cockpit. With the first 2 options, the figures would only be easily observed from the chest up. In that case, the proper helmet, anything on shoulders, anything on upper arms and the oxygen mask would be the items of interest to me. With the third option, the full kit would be the visible. Using the path of "least modelling effort"

You posted it first, but I had the same thought. I imagine quite a few married guys had the same thought! @iainpeden What's wrong with a man having that many Phantoms? Have you seen how many pairs of women's shoes are donated to charity? You, Sir, are living the dream of a lot of folks.

Wow. I remember the original boxing of that kit on the store shelves 3 (4???) decades ago. I've built at least 3 versions of models from that kit and struggled with the fit on the forward fuselage every time. You persevered and applied a very convincing finish faithful to iconic movie image. Well done, Sir!

Does anyone know of a 1/48 figure set appropriate for the Phantom FG 1 when operated by the Royal Navy? The crew figures in the Hasegawa/ Revell of Germany Phantom FGR 2 appear to be the "standard" crew figures that Hasegawa used in all of their other Phantom releases.

Simply gob-smackingly fan-flippin-tastic!

Wow those stand bases are amazing. Are the custom-made ones 3-D printed or carved from wood? The F6F stand is a clever mini-diorama. Is the smoke/flame trail emanating from the J2M also 3-D printed?