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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.

F-4 Phantom Outer Pylons Air Force (HMR48034) 1:48 Hypersonic Models The F-4 is usually seen with fuel tanks on the outboard station, with the the pylons are integral to the tanks. However there are separate pylons available to carry other stores on these stations. This is a set of Air Force type outer wing pylons designed to fit the Zoukei Mura Phantoms, though should fit any kit. The set comes with separate sway brace pins so the modeller can adapt them completely free to the specific store and correct outboard angle (in case of MER or TER installed). Conclusion One thing common to a lot of F-4 kits is that they expect the modeller to use the outer tanks, however some phantoms flew without these and MERs / TERs could be loaded as long as the weight limits were kept. This set remedies this omission. While designed for the ZM kit there is no reason they can not be used on other kits. Jeffrey's attention to detail is legendary, and it shows in every set he makes. Highly recommended. It is a also worth noting that Jeffrey has gone through the time consuming process to register for UK VAT so there are no issues for UK modellers ordering direct. Review sample courtesy of

F-4 Phantom Centre Line Pylon (HMR48035) 1:48 Hypersonic Models The F-4 is usually seen with .a fuel tank on the centreline fuel tank or other store. Four large stabiliser bolts fit the pylon to the airframe (Spare are provided for these as you are bound to loose at least one to the carpet monster). As well as the pylon the set comes with separate sway brace pins so the modeller can fit them. Conclusion One thing common to a lot of F-4 kits is that they expect the modeller to use stores, however many phantoms flew without them. This set remedies this omission. While designed for the ZM kit there is no reason they can not be used on other kits. Jeffrey's attention to detail is legendary, and it shows in every set he makes. Highly recommended. It is a also worth noting that Jeffrey has gone through the time consuming process to register for UK VAT so there are no issues for UK modellers ordering direct. Review sample courtesy of

May I present my latest attempt at an RAF Phantom... Fujimi 1/72, McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2, XV419 / G of 29 Sqn, RAF Coningsby from1981. As always, I've tried to get it true to life and from the reference photo's it was still carrying the DSG coloured wing tanks and some of the warning signs were not yet in the low vis scheme. Painted with Xtracolor Enamels and the Humbrol Matt Cote as per usual, after market decals from Xtradecals. I have the Plane Crazy/Gemini Aces diecast model and it was always the plan once I got back into modelling to re-create the die casts and then move them on. The Die-cast and a photo of original aircraft for reference.

Hi Friends! Good kit Specia Hobby I broke the front of the canopy, I had to do this part again Painted Gunze Enjoy watching!

Hi, I'm in the process of building a number of East Anglian based Phantoms and am in the painting stages on some of them. One of the machines I'm doing is a 48th TFW F-4D 65-0721 from the Xtradecal sheet. This is one of several aircraft which, for some reason, were finished in the two standard greens plus a rather sickly-looking colour which varies between a pea green or greenish tan in the photos I've seen. In the few places where I've seen it mentioned, it has been stated that the colour is FS 34201, which I have in the paint stash. Before I go ahead, is it known for sure that 34201 is indeed the correct (but wrong!) colour? I can't find anything that really confirms it. Incidentally, two of the 48th TFW options on the Xtradecal sheet show the so-called 3-tone green scheme. I've seen a number of photos of '721 which clearly show that it is in this scheme, but the only photo I can find of the other option (65-0659) whilst serving with the 48th is most certainly in the standard SEA scheme. I have seen photos which show that there were some other machines finished in the 3-tone green scheme, both in the 48th and also 81st TFWs. There's one pic of an ex-48th machine (just before it was sent to Torrejon in Spain) which has had the incorrect green repainted on the tail fin only in the correct 30219, and makes for an interesting subject! Finally, I'm sure I read a while back that the reason for the 3-tone green finish was that the paint was mis-labelled, but I haven't been able to find any further reference to it. I know it doesn't really matter, but I just don't like not knowing! Cheers, Mark. p.s. whilst on the subject of greens, I seem to remember that the old Humbrol Authentic representation of 34079 was darker and slightly bluer than all the more modern representations of this colour, not to mention my FS 595a book. Now, while I know that you shouldn't trust memory or old photos, I have quite vivid memories of seeing a noticeably darker 34079 that looks an awful lot like the old Humbrol Authentic colour and plenty of 70s-era photos tend to back this up. I'm kinda tempted to try to replicate this on at least one of the Phantoms I'll be building, just out of curiosity.

Hi all and another blast from the past finished for the recent Frog GB here. Build thread is here but to recap: Kit: Frog F-4K/M Phantom Scale: 1/72 Paints: Halfords plastic primer, Revell Acyrlics, Flory Models wash, Klear, W&N Satin varnish Build: Small panel line rescribe. Scratchbuilt engine doors. Seats, cockpit & canopy from Italeri F-4S Decals: From the kit with some extras from the spares With an equally ancient Airfix F-4 I built a couple of years back. Good fun and looks like a Phantom from across the room! Thanks for looking and happy modelling. Cheers, Dermot

It should not be difficult to convert Academy's 1/72 F-4J into a C or D. Just needs Air Force inner pylons, an updated cockpit (if you are into that), a Rhino sensor for the C, and some other small sundries. All that could fit in a 10$ resin set. opinions?

Hi modellers, My next project, a F-4E Phantom II Kurnass 2000 from the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Hasegawa No. 09566 1/48 Aftermarket: XMM Air intakes Eduard No. 648009 Seats Master No. AM-48-050 Pitot tubes Eduard No. 49 231 Exterior PE Eduard No. 648023 F-4 Exhaust Nozzles Late New Ware masks No. NWAM0347 Icarus Decals F-4E Stencil Data - Black True Details F-4 Phantom II Wheels Res/Kit No. RS48-0146 AGM-142 Have Nap missile Eduard No. 49546 Remove Before Flight - Israel Paint: Gunze Aqueous H310, H311, H312, H313 and H314 Stay tuned... Cheers, Jos Some progress pics!

SUU-23 Gun Pod (648612) 1:48 Eduard Brassin The SUU-23 was a further development of the SUU-16 gun pod, and has a GAU-4/A Vulcan gatling gun at its heart. It was a development in the 1960s to give the F-4 Phantom back its gun, having been left out of the design thanks to the power of the “missile mafia”, who convinced everyone that guns and dogfights were a thing of the past. Inside the aerodynamic fairing is the self-powered gun and an ammo tank to feed the gun up to 1,200 rounds, which sounds a lot, but given the rate of fire doesn’t last long. It wasn’t all that accurate due to the aerodynamic buffeting and vibration caused by use, but it was still a lot better than nothing. This set contains resin and Photo-Etch (PE) parts for two pods, which are made up from two body parts, with a choice of blunt of taper rear, with a fairing at the front that protects the skin of the aircraft against damage from any stray rounds, cartridge fragments and combustion residue. The gun barrels have a PE end-cap with 6 perforations depicting the muzzles. There is a choice of three types of pylon, with a helpful list of kits that each pylon is intended for, either Academy, Hasegawa or Zoukei-Mura kits, and the moulded-in anti-sway braces need 1mm lengths of 0.6mm wire or rod for their tensioners. Painting instructions are given using Gunze codes, with Olive Drab being the main colour. The decals are included for the stencils, of which there are many, so ensure there’s a nice glossy surface to apply them onto. Conclusion Detail is excellent, and you have enough for two projects as they usually fit on the centreline of whatever's carrying it. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi guys I now have the replacement canopy sets for the Tamiya kits available This set ended up being a little more tricky than first thought, but I am pleased with the results in the end, you now have three clear resin cast parts, two separate support frames and the canopy supporting cylinders in two alternative lengths for both the front and rear canopies, all supplied as 3D printed parts. Note use the frame part between front and rear canopy from the kit. https://aerocraftmodels.bigcartel.com/product/mcdonnell-douglas-phantom-replacement-canopy-set-for-tamiya-kits

Revell is currently displaying at the IPMS USA 2014 Convention a test shots from their future 1/32nd McDD F-4G Phantom II "Wild Weasel" kit - ref.85-5994. It is also reported that there's an option for the F-15 windscreen in that boxing. Source: https://www.facebook.com/cybermodeller?hc_location=timeline V.P.

Revells 1/48 Phantom, disguised as 892 squadron from Ark Royal. Had this one sitting in the corner for a while now, not even sure why I abandoned it. Finished off this weekend, sprayed on the black panels along the spin (although they may be a bit small) and attached some sidewinders. Xtradecal decals used for 892 markings. Sits nicely next to the buccaneer.

Well there seemed to be something missing from the line up of this very impressive and very diverse GB, there's no Phantom's!! Can't have that in an Interceptors GB now can we, especially as she was first introduced into service as an interceptor for the US Navy. I won't be building a US Navy one though as I shall be building an F-4E. My choice is to build a USAF one from the 57th FIS based in Iceland in the ADC grey scheme. On to the kit itself. I shall be building the Hasegawa 1/48 kit which whilst not the newest or best around is still a good kit and I actually have one (okay maybe more than one!) in the stash so decision made. Here are a the obligatory box and contents shots proving that she hasn't been started; I have some extras in the stash so will have a look to see what I can or want to use on this build, I think I have some resin seats at least. So there you have it, this will be my entry. Thanks for looking in, I hope to be able to make a start very soon. Craig.

Look at this beauty! A bit more expensive than I'd usually pay with postage, but I couldn't resist as it was still a bargain for 1/48 Hasegawa! Looks like a great kit, can't wait to start. I'll be doing her as a Euro I camo 52nd TFW jet from around 1987. Has anyone made this kit and got any advice?

Kit manufacture: Hasegawa Scale: 1/72 Type: F-4E Phantom II Extras used: Brassin missiles, bombs and bomb racks Paints and colours used: Hataka European One paint set Finished this old kit today. Raised panel lines were sanded down. Minimal weathering added, as this was a trip back to child hood. Built this about 30 years ago. Great fun Best regards Rune Norway

This is where I re-enlist for a second tour, with the Academy 1/72 F-4J Phantom - same kit as Enzo. I had this kit earmarked for Aces, but that's not getting to the bunfight. This kit was an Amazon purchase in 2015, for £22.95. An unusual kit in that it can be built snapfit, without cement, AND with stickers as well as decals. Aimed at the toy market - lets see about the model market then. Decals for Showtime 100, the US Navy's only Ace crew - Lieutenant Randall H. Cunningham (pilot) Lieutenant William P. Driscoll (RIO) This aircraft, this F-4J callsign Showtime 100, brought their third, fourth and fifth kills during a mission on 10 May 1972. The aircraft was shot down by a SAM, Cunningham and Driscoll reaching the sea before ejecting, and subsequent rescue. All disected in graphic detail on History Channels Dogfights (S1:E12) pilot episode, very exciting stuff. And a look at the parts, they're superb quality.

Hi Build in parallele to the Cessna O2 Skymaster, it finished too. The details level is very impressive for the scale. Thanks to the photoetched (for the seat belt and the landing gear cylinder trapdoor) and the hundred decals marks. The kit is a little complicate to build but give you a beautifull plane of this early jet age. Other pics at this address FH-1 Phantom

looking forward to this GB, hopefully I can finish this one, my track record is getting worse. This little lady is winging its way to me 🤗 Perhaps the phantom will be a popular choice in this GB? I think it will be an exciting chance to try some tricky metallic work at the rear and I love the Phantom in SEA schemes. I’ll enliven it with just a touch of AM mainly this.... and a montex canopy mask 😷 Hope it fits in my display cabinet The phantom is a big beast in 1/48!

This project started last winter as FGR.2 XV436 of No. 6 Squadron. Then I read Aircraft Artificer Lionel A. Smith's "Phantom at sea" from the book "Phantom from the cockpit". It was "hook-up" for the FG.1 and "bolter" for the FGR.2. Lionel Smith was sent ashore to NAS Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico) on June 1971 when XT861 was diverted to the island to make some repairs on the "Cab". His style impressed me at once and I started to build my first ever RN aircraft. I built the model using Aires seats, jet pipes, wheels and air scoops. A lot of scratch building was required because I made the keel box and engine air intakes myself. A lot of re-scribing and rivetting was also required. Finally I painted the model with a brush using Humbrol enamels 27 and 34 and when the decals were on (343 of them to be precise) two final coats of Hu 135 was applied with a "Leonard's" brush. Weathering was made with "Caran D'ache" oil baesd crayons. As this was FGR.2 boxing the decals came from Alley Cat, Extra Decal, Hasegawa, Icarus, Impact Models and Model Alliance. It's a shame that no one provides good quality stencils for the British Phantom. Let's see some photos. I hope you like them I add a couple of WIP photos also if they are allowed to show you some details I mentioned about... Here is the home made Keel Box and engines. Intakes made from styrene sheet, Milliput, a pair of surplus tanks and Compressor wheels. The air brakes were closed in parked aircraft but this was too good a detail to miss... Note also the scratch built Auxiliary Air Door. Best Regards, Antti

Hallo, this is my latest Jet built during Lockdown times. The old kit is still worth to build! Added some parts like Aires nozzle and PE parts in the cockpit. Also added complete rivets wich is hard to see. Decals were from Airdoc and colours came from AK Real colours wich appears quite dark, so that I light them up a little bit. Please enjoy the pic’s! Cheers Andy

Currently in progress after being rescued from the shelf of doom is a Tamiya F-4J. I bought the kit in around 2001 and it has been around a bit, started in Germany, then to Africa, then Borneo, back to Germany and now down under. The Black Box (now Avionix) pit was originally painted with enamels, but I was not happy with the finish, so it has been stripped back down and restarted using Gunze and oils. Currently I am finishing off some detailing work on it before it receives a gloss coat, a detail wash and then matt coat to complete. The intention is to finish it as either an F-4J or F-4S in one of the Heater-Ferris schemes.

Phantom FG.1 Cockpit Set (for Airfix Kit) 1:72 CMK by Special Hobby The new tool from Airfix is very welcome, Here from CMK we get a complete new cockpit for the FG.1. There is the main cockpit tub, front and back sets, instruments consoles, and side consoles; as well as the cockpit interior sides. PE setbelts and firing handles are supplied for the ejection seats. Also supplied are the front coaming and a film for the instrument panel/. The instructions dont mention much surgery is needed for the kit but im sure some will be needed. Lastly there is new part for the underside to attach the nose wheel leg as this is moulded into the bottom of the kit cockpit. Review sample courtesy of