John B

There is something inherently beautiful about the color schemes on some prototypes. Your Rafale A definitely falls into that category. If I may suggest, either a Rafale M or a Rafale B? Both of those production versions should contrast nicely with the prototype. Beautiful build of an older kit!

Hi folks - So along the same lines, when we "see" someone with a "big head", is it the shape of the head or it just because the proportionately he is 7.4 heads tall compared to his body? (I have a "pointy" head with a short haircut, so my hats trend towards the smaller end of the adjustable size scale.) How do helmets/ flight gear/ clothing affect our perception of "size"? How close to 1/48 can something be in scale that we don't notice the difference? If I used a 1/55th sci-fi helmet on a 1/48 figure, would it be immediately noticeable?

"C'est facile!" Maybe even for me.

Okay, I'll admit it. I read the Heading of your RFI post and (because I'm old) assumed that it was referring to the 1/48 Revell F-14D (which is also old). As I scrolled through your images, I thought "Wow. He re-scribed the panel lines, but for some reason his images look 'different from what I expected to see'". Then like the proverbial frying pan hitting my head, I saw this image - I can honestly state I was dumbfounded when I realized it was 1/144th scale! That is very nice work, regardless of scale AND I allot it extra points for the skill working with precision

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.