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What not first! Spunky VI early F-4E in Nam with an asymmetric load out as discussed in forum. FineMolds release from 2021. will add pictures tomorrow Chris

Hello Everybody! Before the F and the G already showcased in the forum, now comes the "E"/Late. I built this Fujimi model I had it in my stock for quite a long time and I know that now far better kits of the beast have been released. However, I struggled finding at that time I started to "produce" USAF Phantoms (even the Hasegawa one was OOS), so I decided to go for only one I got (Fujimi), hoping I have good basis at hand to do a nice model. Alas! I spent so much time and efforts to improve it that, at the end of the day, I was completely disappointed by the result. Here is the list of what I did: - The fuselage is way too short at that scale, and the verdict of the 1/72eme drawings is there: it misses 4 mm. I put resin intakes (forgot the brand) to fill the empty original one and the adaptation was quite disastrous. I had to cut the fuselage aft and forward), added slices of evergreen to have the right dimension and fitting and then finally reshaped the whole stuff. This pix shows the resin intakes, the "plastic surgery" added at the rear portion of the cockpit ("pieces rajoutée" added part in English) For the rest, quite normal modifications for a F-4 kit of that era: - ailerons separated, flats modified, belly straps added, vent doors opened, airbrakes lowered, exhaust "hot area" modified, exhausts, cockpit, canopy, L/G wells and wheels aftermarket, etc... A lot of work! Translation: L/G wheel wells modified, "holes" after intake fitting filled-in, ailerons and slats removed For the marking my preference went to a Texas AFRES machine from the 924th TFG because they had a quite unique variation of the Hill Grey pattern, which I found very attractive: Not difficult to do. All decals are from extra stocks or home made and just little bit of weathering, these birds were kept in pretty nice conditions. I didn't put any armament, just a travel pod and a modified TER (from Hasegawa set but reshaped because they are wrong) and that it! Here are the pix: The real beast: My interpretation: A simple Dio: Definitively not my best Phantom, another good occasion to try the new ones! Enjoy!

So, having had my arm twisted by @Rabbit Leader (all I did was mention that I happened to have a Matchbox Phantom and then next thing I know, here I am… ), here’s the start of what will undoubtedly turn out to be a long drawn-out build (although not as long as a certain pair of Airfix Hawks have taken…). I originally purchased this kit from Beatties maybe 40 years ago – if you look closely at the box you’ll see I paid the princely sum of £4.50, reduced because the clear parts were missing.

Finemolds is to release from August 2020 new tool 1/72nd McDD (R)F-4E/EJ Phantom II kits. Source: http://www.finemolds.co.jp/202006-08NEW.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recap - ref. FP37 - McDD F-4EJ Phantom II - JASDF - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP37.html - ref. FP38 - McDD F-4EJ Phantom II - JASDF - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP38.html - ref. FP40 - McDD F-4EJ Kai Phantom II - JASDF - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP40.html - ref. FP41 - McDD F-4E Phantom II (early) - USAF - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP41.html - ref. FP42 - McDD RF-4EJ Phantom II - JASDF - released https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP42.html - ref. FP43S - McDD F-4J Phantom II - US Navy - VF-114 "Aardvark" - released https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP43S.html - ref. FP46S - McDD F-4C Phantom II - Air National Guard - released https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP46S.html - ref. FP47S - McDD F-4D Phantom II - USAF - The First MiG Ace - released https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/FP47S.html - ref.72737 - McDD F-4EJ Phantom II - Tactical competition 1982 (306th Sqn) - released https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/72737.html - ref.72738 - McDD F-4EJ Phantom II - Tactical competition 1995 (301th Sqn) - release January 2022 https://finemolds.co.jp/FP/72738.html - ref. 72838 - McDD F-4EJ Kai Phantom II - JASDF Last Flight Memorial “Blue” - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/72838.html - ref. 72843 - MccDD F-4J Phantom II - US Marines - VMFAT-101 "Marlins" - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/72843.html - ref. 72937 - MccDD F-4EJ Kai Phantom II - JASDF Phantom Forever, Thank you 1971-2021 - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/72937.html - ref. 72938 - MccDD F-4EJ Kai Phantom II - JASDF Last Flight Memorial “Yellow” - released https://www.finemolds.co.jp/FP/72938.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connected or not to the Platz project? https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235037980-172-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4ej-phantom-ii-new-tool-by-platz-release-in-2019/ V.P.

At the IPMS/USA 2017 National Convention Zoukei Mura confirmed Source: https://www.cybermodeler.com/special/ipms_usa/ipmsusa2017.shtml V.P.

I would like to show you two F-4EJs that I have recently finished. The first one is a F-4EJ of the Air Developmant and Test Wing in Gifu. They painted it 2017 in a digital or pixel camouflage. When I first came across the photo of this aircraft, I immediately started looking for decals. At that time, there was only this Fujimi boxing available for a lot of money. But I bought it anyway and after a closer inspection decided just to use the decals and build the model using the Hasegawa kit. Here is now the finished model: It is an F-4EJ (without the "kai"), although it features the antenna on top of the spine. But the very small backward facing sensors on top of the rudder are missing. Applying the decals was fun. Fujimi provided large connected areas like one wing = one decal, but I decided to divide them into smaller areas for better handling. I strongly recommend this procedure. As a basic color I chose Revell Seegrün Aqua colours which fits perfectly. The Hasegawa kit is nice, but I added some details like instruments and wiring to the area between the two seats. Also the triangular shaped reinforcement plates on the stabilizers have to be removed from the top and added to the bottom. Check your references, when building a Phantom.... A lot of stencils are provided for the underside, too: The second model shows a F-4EJkai (improved) that can be recognized by the two small sensors and the big antenna on the spine. Also it features a slightly bigger radome, but Hasegawa ignored this difference. Fine molds however have reproduced it in their new range of F-4EJs. The JASDF 302 Sq have painted two of their F-4 in a special scheme for the retirement of the type, one white and the other one black. Hasegawa have released them both. The decals are nicely done but of course they need some touch up especially in the area around the intakes. I will build the black one using the Fine Molds kit. Here the reinforcement plates are correct as they are in the kit. Hope you like the models. greetings from Germany, Norbert

So last birthday my nephew asked what I'd like, I gave him a model shop link and said anything you like in 1/72. And this is what he bought me, when asked why, his reply was "Because it's the coolest!" And it just kept getting better, the wife and I went to Wales for our anniversary, I knew we were passing SWAM but even I knew not to push it and ask to pop in. Alas she forgot card/pressie so I was allowed to go!!! But then I started the build, I had a number of issues so please forgive me. Number one was masking inprints on the gloss finish, warning to others, heat works, but bends things! Ok enough ramble, a few pic that dont show my errors too much (this is only by 7th build, but loving it) I know she probably never flew like this, but my son was insistent that all the missiles should go on Many thanks again for the questions answered in other threads. Ps I posted instruction on the stand idea here

In 2022 Jetmads is to release a 1/32nd McDonnell FH-1 Phantom resin kit Sources: https://www.facebook.com/JETMADS2016/posts/950570759198543 https://www.jetmads.com/product-page/1-32-fh-1-phantom Douglas X-3 Stiletto thread is here: link V.P.

F-4B Phantom Update Sets (648682 & 644127) 1:48 Eduard Brassin & Löök (For Tamiya kit) The new Tamiya F-4B kit was a welcome addition to their line of new tool aircraft. Eduard now bring us some update sets for this kit. All are cast to their usual high standards. As usual with Eduard's small Brassin and Löök sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package with their range specific branding, a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. My only gripe is the amount glue Eduard use the mount the look panels & PE to the backing. F-4B Wheels (648682) Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. Inside are four resin wheels on their own casting blocks, with moulded-in hubs plus a set of pre-cut kabuki tape masks (not pictured). The wheels are all attached to their blocks on their contact patches, with additional wisps of resin supporting the wheel further and helping to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles within the moulds. These are easily removed with a razor saw and a swipe with a sanding stick that should leave all the crisp diamond tread intact. They’re a much better detailed drop-in replacement for the kit parts from thereon in, and have no annoying mould seams to deal with. F-4B Löök Cockpit Set (644127) This combination set of pre-painted resin and Photo-Etch (PE) arrives glued to the backing card, and care must be taken when removing them to avoid bending the PE. It’s best to separate them using a sharp blade pushed between the parts and the card, then clean up the glue residue from the rear where necessary. The resin parts cast in black & Dark Grey, with the instrument dials, black bezels and their glossy overcoat printed directly on the resin, giving a highly realistic finish. It is easily removed from its block by cutting through the delicate fingers that attach the panel, and minimal clean-up should be needed here. We get panels for both cockpits as well as side panels. Full belts and firing handles are provided to use on the kit seat. Review sample courtesy of

F-4B Phantom Stencils (D48094) 1:48 Eduard (For Tamiya Kit) We all love an F-4 Phantom, and some of them, especially the early ones were festooned with stencils. This is a full of stencil across two sheets from Eduard. While Tamiya do give you some stencils on the kit sheet the are quite thick compared with Eduard's ones. In addition some on the Tamiya sheet are grouped together with areas of carrier film between them increasing the ability for the them to silver. The decals are printed by Eduard and have good register, sharpness and colour density, with a glossy carrier film printed close to the edges of the printed areas. Conclusion A nice comprehensive set of decals to bring something additional to your kit, whether the new Tamiya kit, or any of the others available. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

US Navy F-4B Phantom Decals (D48093) 1:48 Eduard (For Tamiya Kit) We all love a Phantom and the new F-4B from Tamiya is a cracking kit. The kit though only has three schemes, and the decals from Tamiya are on the thick side. This new set from Eduard gives us 5 new schemes fro the kit along with the correct walkways for them, national insignia and Jet Intake warning triangles. It should be noted that only 2 of the schemes will fit the new kit from the box as they are for the late F-4B. If you want to model one of the other schemes you will need early fin cap. If you need the early cap then these are available from Hypersonic model or CMK. The 5 options in this set are; 151478 - VF84 "Jolly Rogers" AG211, USS Independence, South East Asia 1965 153020 - VF92 "Silver Kings", NG204, USS Enterprise, South East Asia 1968 148417 - VF-121 "Peacemakers", NJ121, NAS Miramar, 1964 149461 - VF-32 "Swordsman", AB212, USS John F Kennedy, Med Cruise 1972 153018, VF-114 "Aardvarks", NH205, USS Kittyhawk, South East Asia 1968 The three sheets are printed by Eduard and have good register, sharpness and colour density, with a glossy carrier film printed close to the edges of the printed areas. Conclusion This is a great set from Eduard which give you different marking options from the Kit, with the added benefit that they are thin and should go down with no issues. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

From what I've read, Iranian pilots really liked the Phantom. It's speed, weapons and durability were put to good use against Iraq especially, conducting bombing, fighter sweep and reconnaissance duties, However when equipped with the Maverick air to ground missile, the Phantom found a new and deadly role; tank killing. Nearly 50 machines are still in service with the IRIAF today. The 1/72 Hasegawa Phantoms are pretty decent kits, although do watch out for the fit of the forward fuselage to the body and the fit of the air intakes, it can be tricky to get right and the better you get the fit the less sanding you will have to do. The instructions give you three machines, but I was not happy with the colour call outs, so I went with matching colours to the box top that I believe look better. I did use their suggested Gunze 44 flesh for the sand colour, but picked RLM 71 over their suggested Gunze 303 for green which I think was too light and I went with Revell SM381 brown. Gunze 311 grey was used for the under surface and RLM 70 for the drop tanks as the green here looks darker than the air frame colour. You will have to source weapons as only three drop tanks are included, but Hasegawa has put the inner pylons along with sidewinder launch rails in the kit. The Mavericks and launch rails come from the Hasegawa weapons set.

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 1:72 Airfix A true cold war icon, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was conceived as an all-weather, long-range fighter bomber for the US Navy. It flew for the first time in 1958 and, over fifty years later, it is still in service with modern air forces such as that of Greece. More than five thousand Phantoms have been built, making it one of the most successful post-war fighter aircraft. The F-4K, known in Royal Navy/RAF service as the FG.1, was developed from the F-4J, itself a development of the original F-4B used by the US Marines Corps and US Navy. The FG.1 was heavily Anglicised, with Rolls Royce Spey engines, a redesigned rear fuselage to accommodate the larger engines, and British avionics. The Phantom served successfully with The Royal Navy and RAF from the late 1960s, finally passed out of service in 1992. As you might expect of an aircraft that was so widely used over such a long period of time, a huge range of Phantom kits are available in all of the major scales. British Phantoms in this scale are somewhat thinner on the ground, however, with the ancient offering from Hasegawa/FROG, the slightly less ancient but still not very good kit from Matchbox, and the quite old but actually rather good Fujimi kit. Thanks to Airfix, there is finally a new kid on the block. Inside the red top-opening box are seven frames of grey plastic and a single clear frame. The mouldings are clean and crisp with plenty of detail, but the panel lines are something of a throwback to Airfix's earlier efforts, being both broader and deeper than those of the Fujimi kit, which is some thirty years older. Assembly begins with the cockpit. Each of the Martin Baker ejector seats are nicely detailed, with the seat chassis and headbox moulded separately to the cushion and harness. The tub, instrument panels and side consoles are nicely detailed, although decals, rather than moulded details, are used to represent the controls. Before the cockpit can be sandwiched between the fuselage halves, there are small fillets that have to be added at the rear of the fuselage. There are different parts to use depending on whether you want to finish your model in wheels up or down configuration. The engine air intakes also have to be assembled at this stage and fitted inside the fuselage halves. Once complete, the fuselage halves can be joined together and the part for the fuselage spine fitted in place. The engine turbine faces and the internal parts of the jet exhausts can be fitted from the underside of the fuselage before the central portion of the fuselage, which is moulded with the inner wing halves. The internal structures of the undercarriage bays are added prior to fitting this part in place. With the fuselage and inner wing largely complete, construction turns to the rest of the flying surfaces. The upper parts of the inner wing just fit to the lower wing and but up against the fuselage. The tail planes can then be added and the separately moulded rudder fitted into place. The flaps/ailerons and slats are all moulded separately to the wing, which poses some intriguing possibilities for finishing your model. Turning the now largely complete model over, the undercarriage is quite nicely detailed. despite the fairly large number of superfluous parts, you have to cut away the torque scissor link on one side of the nose gear leg in order to depict the leg in non-extended position. A range of ordnance is provided, including four Skyflash missiles, four dummy Skyflash missiles (I've never seen dummy missiles included with a kit), four Sidewinders, drop tanks and the centre line gun pod. The in-flight refuelling probe can be finished in open or closed position and a choice of canopies are included so you can finished yours open or closed. In one last flourish, you can finish your model with the radome folded to one side. The radar unit can then be added, with the radar scanner itself exposed or tucked into the folded part of the radome. You will have to carefully cut the radome away to build the model in this configuration, but the results should be well worth it. Two options are provided on the decal sheet: XV582 'Black Mike' of No. 111 Squadron, Royal Air Force, September 1989; and XV573 of No. 43 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, 1974. The first aircraft is, of course, finished in overall black, while the second is finished in Dark Sea Grey and Dark Green over Light Aircraft Grey. The decals themselves look thin and glossy and a staggering quantity of stencils are included. Conclusion Airfix's Phantom caused no small amount of excitement when it was first announced, but when the kit finally arrived the reception was somewhat muted. Although accurate in scale and outline, the panel lines are suprisingly deep and some small details such as the engine air intake bleed air vents being depicted by decals rather than moulded detail. Nonetheless, it's still good to have another UK Phantom to choose from, and I'm sure it will build up into a pleasing replica of the real thing. Review sample courtesy of

F-4B Phantom Correction/Update sets (For Tamiya) 1:48 CMK by Special Hobby The new Tamiya F-4B kit was a welcome addition to their line of new tool aircraft. CMK now bring us some update sets for this kit. All are cast to their usual high standards. Early Fin Tip (4431) This set brings us the early style F-4B fin tip not offered in the Tamiya kit. The set also provides a separate pose able rudder, again not available in the kit; PE hinges are included for the rudder.. Boarding ladder (4430) This set provides the drop down boarding ladder for the aircraft. A small recess will need to be cut in the kit to accept this. As it is cast flat a great deal of care will be needed to remove this part. In Flight Re-fuelling Probe (4429) If you want to open up some panels on your F-4B at the front this set offers the modeller the chance to put in the extendable in flight refueling probe. Obviously a hole will need to be cut in the kit to accept this. Review samples courtesy of

F-4E Masks(for Fine Molds Kit) 1:72 Eduard There is no doubt the new F-4E from Fine Molds is a great looking kit. Eduard are here with masks for the new kit Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the out side of the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of hub/tyre masks for the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort.

Plus the Magic Scale Modelling Light & sound kit. AOA decals, Quickboost pilot & RIO, painted Mig Ammo light gull grey. Link to video at the bottom showing the light & sound of engine start etc. (I know the open canopy position isn’t right but I’m delicately balancing best I can before I commit to glueing - the only minus point for Tamiya in this kit!) thanks for looking. jump to 2:55 if you want to skip my rambling

Hey everyone In conjunction with my Gladiator build and hot on the heals of my 1/48 Eduard Spitfire (with a bit of resin thrown in) I will make a start on this... I have wanted to build a Phantom since I came back to modelling 10 years ago. Its aggressive lines are awesome and painted as an RAF bird I think they look particularly cool. I have a little AM in the way of quick boost Martin Baker Mk.7's and some resin rear view mirrors for the canopy's. I'll make a start on her a little later on today. Cheers Iain

Joining you with this Hasegawa F-4E kit, costing me £15 at IPMS Gloucester show in 2018. Instructions, already a step up on the previous 1/72 Phantoms that I've built. Engraved detail parts, another step up. And Israeli decals. Many thanks to @iainpeden for those. @VG 33 built an excellent Revell model of this aircraft for the 2019 Phantom GB

F-4B Phantom Upgrade Sets (for Tamiya) 1:48 Eduard There is no doubt the new F-4B from Tamiya is a great looking kit. Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner. Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), Brassin resin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat re-sealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. SPACE Cockpit Set (3DL48040) The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet. They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print. In addition, a sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals. The 3D decal sheet contains the main instrument panels with a number of additional shaped panels to be fitted around the cockpit, plus placards and dials aplenty. The PE sheet has the extensive belts for the Martin Baker Seats along with canopy sills, and mirrors Cockpit Update Set (491212) If you prefer the more standard PE to the new 3D space sets then this set brings us the cockpit details for the F-4B. There is one main colour nickel set for the main cockpit details, and a smaller brass fret for rudder pedals, cockpit sills, canopy mirrors; and strangely for what appears to be a cockpit set 4 exhaust ends for the AIM-4, and AIM-9 missiles. Seatbelts STEEL (FE1213) These belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting. Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE. As in the 3D cockpit set above, the small fret contains the extensive seat belts and firing handles for the Martin Baker Seats. Tface Masks (EX803) Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy both inside and out, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of hub/tyre masks for the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort.

Hi guys if this is the wrong place I'll take it down but I happened to find an actual F-4 Phantom today I was driving and asked my girlfriend if the Ulster Aviation Society was nearby and it was so we stopped by and as it happened a tour was about to start and we were allowed to join. This was a gate guardian in Scotland but it was brought to Northern Ireland by ferry a few years ago and painted in her original Navy colours. It's being restored to almost flying condition by retired Phantom engineers the landing gear works, refuelling probe, flaps, the whole aircraft will work once finished with the exception of flying they would get it flying but it's simply too much of an expense they can't afford as its all run by donations. They have a Buccaneer, Canberra Bomber, Puma, Wessex, Vampire, Tucano, and loads more it's not a big exhibition but it's still good so it's well worth a visit if you are ever in Northern Ireland. Anyway thought I'd share that and enjoy the photos I'll try and see if I'm allowed closer next time to get better photos if any one is interested. One thing I didn't know was the RAF/ RN Phantoms were overhauled and or upgraded in Lisburn I was talking to an engineer today who is the head of the engineers restoring the Phantom. And there's the Buccaneer as well I never thought about posting them here until just now so I don't have the best photos but I hope you enjoy them. With regards to the Buccaneer I forgot just how big it was I'm not tall 5'8" but not too short lol but I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach the underside of the wing, I just can't imagine something this big landing on a ship. Also the tour guide mentioned a Buccaneer crash landed on the Newtonards Rd in Belfast in 1972 after a faulty sensor told the ground crew fuelling it that the tanks were full but they weren't and the aircraft which was flying from what is now the George Best airport ran out of fuel on the landing approach and the pilot and Navigator didn't eject they put it down onto a road instead of letting it crash and it wrecked about 50 cars and stopped in an empty car park don't know if there were ground casualties I forgot to ask but one of the crew hurt his back so badly he never flew again. Another piece of information was that the Buccaneer in the photo flew the shortest flight ever for a Buccaneer lasting 80 seconds so short the landing gear wasn't retracted as there wasn't time can't recall where it flew from and to but it was here in Northern Ireland somewhere when it was being donated to the collection, the collection has moved a few times. Again former engineers of the Buccaneer are restoring this, a lot more frontline aircraft were made here and maintained than I ever knew. Anyway I hope you enjoy the photos and information.

Academy is to release a 1/32nd McDD F-4E Phantom II kit - ref. 13132 Sprues/plastic from Revell. Source: https://www.academy.co.kr/6q/board_news_main.asp?pMenuId=BOARD00002&pCode=12213&pCategory=NEWS2 V.P.

Tamiya is to release a new tool 1/48th McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II kit - ref. 61121 Sources: https://www.tamiya.com/japan/featuredreleases_early2021.html#Static https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/61121/index.htm Price is not cool https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/TA61121 V.P.

I have really got into the scale modelling doldrums this year and am in danger of ending 2019 having just finished one kit in the year. That isn't good! I have decided that I want to build something fairly straightforward and thin the stash out so I have chosen this kit: IMGP3285 by Michael Baldock, on Flickr It is the Italeri 1/48th F-4S Phantom which was released sometime in the very early 90's. It is a very basic kit with raised panel lines, quite rigid plastic, and probably a fifth of the parts of a modern Zoukei-Mura offering. I bought it on eBay 12 years ago for a fiver so that might be a tenth of the Z-M offering The obligatory view of what is in the box: IMGP3286 by Michael Baldock, on Flickr The Italeri boxed Phantom line has been interesting over the years because they have used the old ESCI moulds and also appear to have had a tie-in with Testors in the USA. This F-4S kit uses the same core parts as their F-4E, F-4G and maybe RF-4C Testors based offerings of the 1980's whereas their ESCI based Phantoms appeared from the early noughties. Personally I think that the ESCI based Phantoms are by far the better kits. Back to the kit, what can I build? IMGP3297 by Michael Baldock, on Flickr It isn't a sophisticated set of decals but I do like the choices, USN VF-151 and USMC VMFA-321 birds in the final TPS paint scheme used before these old gals went to the boneyard. I do have several items to add to the build: IMGP3287 by Michael Baldock, on Flickr I will be using AK Interactive acrylic paints for airbrush, a SuperScale decal set dated 2006 focused on VF-103, and maybe some unused parts from an Academy F-4B kit. Testors or Italeri? All will be revealed Michael

A late finish from the Vietnam GB and my favourite aircraft . The kit is the superlative Zoukei Mura F-4C. This airframe 64-0829 is probably best known as Robin Olds's Scat XXVII in the SEA scheme and he achieved two MiG 17 kills with it on 20 May 1967. However this is the jet seen in its twilight operational scheme with the Texas ANG before it was repainted in its better known SEA colours again as an exhibit at the National Museum of the US Air Force. Link Aftermarket used: Caracal Decals CD48038 Air National Guard F-4C/D Phantom Part 3 - Really good sheet with some interesting schemes of early Phantoms in their later years of ANG service. The decal quality, thinness and colour density are excellent. Looking forward to using their decals again, the fit especially on the fin flash was fantastic. @CaracalModels ZM F-4C/D Etched Brass - Made by Eduard for ZM's own label. Aires Martin Baker Mk.7 Seats. Eduard Fabric Ejection Seat Belts. HGW RBF Tags. Quinta Ejection Handles (from their phantom sets). Master Pitot tubes Paints are Gunze with levelling thinners, over a black Gaia Notes primer coat. Post lightening and shading done with adding greys and yellows. Alclad 2 for the metallic shades with lots of masking Matt finish is SMS Matt Varnish Original Build Thread: After this enjoyable build, I'm looking forward to see what Tamiya can do with the Phantom in 1:48 scale

Here is my entry for the GB. The ZM F-4C: I intend to build it as Robin Old's mount, 64-0829. However, not in its most common guise from the War, rather how it was finished before retiring to the USAF Museum: Using the Caracal Decal sheet: From looking at the kit, I'm going to swap the seats out for a resin set and use the ZM etch, manufactured by Eduard for the cockpit.