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Hi, bought this Fujimi 1:72 Phantom FG1 a while back off ebay and thought id give it a bash! Finished as XT865/U of 111 Squadron, RAF Leuchars, mid-80s, in "triple Air Defence grey". Really good kit, and i love the rubber tyres A bit of license used with the decals as i thought i had a larger 111 tail emblem lurking around somewhere but i cant find it so had to use the smaller one from the kit. Built OOB, hand painted, and then weathered to make it look like a standard filthy machine nearing the en of its RAF life! Prior to weathering: Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-14 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr and after colouring in: Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-7 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-6 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr The canopies do actually fit perfectly, but i still haven't decided on up or down! Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-2 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-12 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-9 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr Fujimi 1.72 Phantom FG1 XT865-13 by Jonathan Francis, on Flickr Thanks for looking Jon

My last build for 2017 is a commission from the navigator of XV426 which flew with 56sqn RAF. The scheme is from the final scheme of the aircraft including the red cockpit surround which was added by the Norwich Aviation Museum who now owns the cockpit section of the aircraft. Using the excellent, but now dated Hasegawa FGR 2 kit along with Eduard cockpit set. Painting was done using Vallejo air and the decals were a mixture of kit and spares. The Spooky II mascot is a 9G mm figure by aerobonus.

A render of one my all time favorite jet, my not quite completed model of the F-4B, seen in the colours of VF-111 Sundowners. One of the most colourful paintchemes for the american F-4's. This image was made during christmas holiday. Looking at it now, it occurs to me now that perhaps the top surface colour could be a little darker grey and the bombs look a little funny with a somewhat boxy nose... it seems the me and Mr.Spook needs to get back to the drawing table again. It shouldn't be too hard to fix.

Does anyone know if any manufacturer makes an F-4M or K with the Spey engines that could be made as an RAF Phantom in 1/48th scale? Ebay just seems to throw up American versions, with only F-4Js suitable as a 74 Sqn jet, but I'd like an FGR2 ideally.

hi all, Here's one i started today and finished three hours later! It is a 1/144 Tomytec pre-painted kit that i bought on a recent trip to Japan after reading in a magazine, SAM i think, about how good they were to build. All i can say is, that if you get a chance to build a modern Tomytec kit, go for it. They are unbelieveable. Bear in mind that the tail is only 30mm long, so that gives you an idea of the print quality. Everything fitted perfectly except for some minor water-base filling and wiping on the fuel tanks. It even has a metal pitot tube!!! Comments welcome Andy

Hello all you phabulous Phantom enthusiasts. I am building up the info I will need to convert a 1:144 scale F-4J Phantom into a F-4K/FG.1 version and would like to know whether the nose contours are the same. I have some info on the enlarged rear and underside for the engines but could do with some differences in contours if that info is out there. At this scale, it is not imperative that every inch of detail is exact and I just need to work out where to add milliput to get the shape correct. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice, and plans/drawings if possible. Mike

Huaco scale models is working on a - very - big Rhino, a 1/18th McDD F-4E Phantom II kit. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/HUACO-scale-models-346004535810082/?fref=gs&hc_location=group https://www.facebook.com/pg/HUACO-scale-models-346004535810082/photos/?ref=page_internal V.P.

Hi Just before many 1/72 Phantom are about to flood our shelves I have just finished this Fujimi Phantom FGR.2 in grey-green camouflage. It was an easy kit to build even if the level of details is basic in the cockpit. That is the reason why I prefered closing the canopy. I have been inspired by a picture in the book RAF Phantom from Peter Foster and this is the Phantom FGR.2 XV497 #A of No 19 squadron in August 1983, a climax year in the Cold War. Transfers are coming from different Xtracolour sheets. I hace still in my stash another box of this kit but I am looking forward for the FAA Airfix one to come. Patrick

Hello! Here is one of my models. In building I used Eduard whells set, Q-M-T photo etched set, Master Pilot Tubes, Ejection seats Neomega, Reskit Matra -155, In painting I used MR Hobby paints. Weathering- oil dots and washes. Decal- Modeldecal.

I recently got a Fujimi 1:72nd Phantom FG.1 kit in an attempt to re-ignite my modelling passion from some years ago. Since it arrived, an impending house move has come into play, so it's likely going to stay into the box until the new year now :-( However, doesn't mean I can't make plans. I was wondering if I should invest in any of the after market detailing kits that appear to be available for the likes of cockpits, exteriors, ejection seats etc. I really want this kit to be as good as I can make it, and seeing the quality of the builds on here had inspired me. However, I have to be realistic - I have not done any modelling for 20 odd years so I ain't going to be winning any prizes. Are any of the kits, such as the QMT exterior detailing kit, worth getting hold of? What exactly does that kit get me? It's hard to tell just by looking at it.. Thanks, Al.

Looking at Thunder and Lightning http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/phantom/history.php was there any talk of any other front line Royal Navy Phantom squadrons apart from 892 ? TIA Robert

Afternoon All, First post on here. When I was a teenager I was a prolific modeller and thought myself not too bad at the whole thing. That, however, was 20+ years ago (which is being generous). I built myself a Red Arrows Gnat a few years back to try and get back into the swing of things, which was OK but didn't really inspire me to anything greater. For some reason I'm now thinking I want to build a Phantom. Grew up at RAF Leuchars so it naturally needs to be an RAF machine, probably a 43 or 111 sqn FG.1. In that era it should probably be a grey scheme, although I quite like the earlier camo. Having done some reading on here, I see that the Fujimi kits are the ones to go for. I've found one on Hobby Link Japan for £15 plus postage. It's the "Silver Jubilee" FAA machine and also has 43 and 111 markings. Does anyone know what scheme the RAF ones are? From the decals I'm guessing its camo? I guess there's always after market decal sheets. Is this Hobby Link site a decent one? They look OK, but then it's easy to get a website to look OK :-) Towards the end of my period as a modeller I painted everything in gloss and then varnished to get the decals to look better. Can't remember the name of the paint now - think the tins had yellow labels. I assume a similar thing still exists today? I only ever had a cheap spray gun which was frankly rubbish so I never ventured into that game. Any recommendations for reasonably priced spray kit? May not be worth it, though, if I only ever build this one thing and then realise I'm not that fussed any more... Thanks for humouring me! Al.

Hello all, I really need your help in tracking down an image. As most will know, Phantom FG.1 XV574 of 111 Sqn appeared in two special liveries after it lost its standard RAF Camouflage. The first being the version with the half black spine and black serial number as per the Xtradecal sheet currently available, the other version being the one with the full black spine, and yellow serial number as per the Hasegawa FG.1 boxing in 1/48th. Now when I was in my early teens, I vividly recall seeing the said Phantom in a book I borrowed from the library called "Fighters Of The World" or something to that effect, in what appeared to be a mix up of these two liveries, flying low over the North Sea, appearing to be firing blanks from the Vulcan gun pod. I recall seeing the said image again in a part work called 'World Aircraft Information Files' but never again since. Google is drawing blanks apart from the image I've found down below at The Aviation Picture Hangar. But nothing else. can someone confirm that I'm not completely mad? Best Regards Ben

Hi Paul I'm after a set of four red 'omega' logos, the four white Royal Navy decals for the Hasegawa 1/48 Phantom FG.1, as well as two sets of nose banners, Four fin 'R's and those weird degree stencils by the rear stabilisers. I'm fine for numbers and roundels and stencils. Is this something you could do? Any help appreciated. Best Rgds Ben

As a side topic to the 'what should Airfix be making' and the inevitable 'why?' and 'why not' posts that follow can you list your personal wishlists in 3 categories: Near term - those you feel are likely to come to fruition in a year or two, even if you won't be buying it Medium term - within say 5 years, and can include those models You want to see that are a faintly realistic proposition. Long term - when you will be planning a release from your cryogenic chamber. (note: whilst the long term plans may include unlikely makes or marks, or even a corrected version of a current bestseller please try keep them fairly realistic - I doubt Airfix will be making a Tibetan homemade glider at any point despite the clamouring for one) .... Ok I'll start off (and I'll try to keep it as new kits only not rereleases) Near: Single seat Vamps P-47 (razor and bubble) D3A Val (extending the pacific WW2 niche) Buccaneer (a big UK seller and the old one is aged) Meteors (including at least 1 each T & NF) 2 seat Lightning (so many fighters, needs a matching trainer) Medium: Whirlwind (the forgotten WW2 fighter) DH106 Comet (4s please, RAF & Dan Air schemes) Victor (much demanded to replace the aging Matchbox) F-4 Phantoms (a European sized hole will persist unless FujiGawa get cheaper, or Revell add to their F) Panther/Cougar - (expanding the USN theme in to post war) Long: Vulcan (old mould is creaking) Wellesley (Forgotten type, fits with a WW2 desert theme) Gazelle (hard to find, simply needs updating to modern standards) Wasp/Scout (a missing link so long oop) Viggan (actually pretry much any Saab as the reborn Heller seen reluctant to mass market, and non-Gripens aren't commonplace) *I reserve the right to change my mind if I think of new options (and given time I could extend to top 100s!)

Hello, I have been planning this since the 1980's Group Build. Can I join in with my Phantom FGR.2 in 'Bombs & Rockets' guise. 31 Squadron RAFG Laarbruch.

Hi, I have a Hasegawa Blue Angels F-4J kit I shall be coverting to an F-4D (note from the future: plans have changed and it's going to become an RF-4C - see the horrible box lid for a big clue). I have a proper F-4D kit in the stash as well but I want to have this kit out of the way because of the blue plastic (dunno why) I'll need to reproduce the under nose sensor somehow as well as the intake trunking. The plastic cup with 'intake' on the lid contains all the necessary parts I hope - mostly thin plastic card I have prepared a couple of years ago. I'll be finishing this Phantom in USAF 49th TFW markings - which features an HO tail code and a TAC badge. And yes HO stands for Holloman AFB, NM, however this unit was distinctly also assigned to USAFE (the only unit within TAC to be encumbered this way) and had specific infrastructure, including TAB-V shelters, in place at Hahn and Ramstein air bases to deal with the yearly influx of people and planes - in effect, the 'Crested Cap' deployments were mass migrations to Hahn and Ramstein as part of the Reforger exercises. The Wing deployed up to 1977 when the F-4Ds were replaced by F-15s, after which the Crested Caps were taken over by the 4th TFW. Some aircraft would usually remain in Europe during summer and autumn while air and ground crews would be rotated. I have my eye on a 1976 example, when Phantoms regularly appeared with white stencils on the darker camouflage, much like this one: Jay

Hi folk's this will be the third Phantom I've attempted to build on BM the last two ended in disaster and my aircraft mojo has been missing for a few week's it doesn't bode well but here goes!VX-4 is the Navy test and evaluation squadron and received the Phantom in 1960 and used various mark's for thirty year's,many systems were tested during this time including pre service trials of the Sparrow,Sidewinder and Pheonix missile's,Esci's kit is over thirty years old and has it's shortcoming's but should build well and all being well will look good in it's all black scheme.Kit part's and cockpit started.

Hi All, Another F4 question... I'm just getting up to painting my F4J in the USMC scheme with the blue nose and fuselage surround. I've seen lots of pictures with varying shades of the same colour, but I was wondering if anyone knows if there is one paint out there that's as close as possible to being the same blue that is on the decals? Cheers, James.

Given that the Phantom came out in the 1960's and was used as an interceptor by many airforces why do you never see them in natural metal? It's the right era! Is there a metallurgical reason why not, due to oxidation etc, or was it just the case that by the time the Phantom reached service the tactical camo and greys had taken over? If it was left natural were they all silvers or more of a gold / bronze / silver affair like the Streak Eagle F-15? If you have a picture of one in the nude I'd like that...

Hello! Here is one of my models. In building I used Eduards photo etched set and weapon set. In painting I used MR color paints. Weathering- oil dots solt dots and washes. Decal "Furball Aero-design"

At last - two 20+ year builds completed! I started both of these in the mid-nineties. My employers decided to send me to Central Asia for three years in 1997 so I took both of them with me, plus a supply of modelling materials, thinking the long dark winter evenings would be great for modelling. Some hope! They came back with me in 2000 unchanged and sat until last year in the same state. The Phantom is from the Hasegawa Collector's series with a photo-etch fret, white metal parts and soft tyres. I got as far as assembling the airframe ( I wish I had taken a bit more trouble with the fit of the intakes) but it then sat in its box as an unloved lump of grey plastic until last year. It had decals for the 50th Anniversary Transatlantic Air Race, but I have used Xtradecal 74 Squadron markings. It was one of those models which I felt I ought to build but never had much passion for, but as it moved towards completion, it slowly transformed into something I now really like. The Airfix Buccaneer has got something of a reputation but it wasn't too bad. I had done very little to it - just assembled the upper and lower wing halves, the slipper tanks and the ejector seats. Some of the sink marks were enormous and needed a lot of filling, especially on some of the cockpit components. The fuselage mouldings are very floppy, but cementing the bomb door into the lower half stiffens it up a lot and lets you get a reasonable fit. Working round the joints a section at a time and leaving them to set really hard gives a good result. The worst parts are the lower part of the intakes, the top surface of the wings and the airbrakes. I think I could have saved a lot of filling by gently bending the tabs that form the lower part of the intakes (part of the lower fuselage moulding) downwards so they matched the intakes better; by assembling the top wing halves to the completed fuselage to get the best possible fit on the top and then adding the lower halves; but I don't think you can do much with the airbrakes unless you want to have them open! They hardly fit at all if closed. Using the kit decals was a mistake. They are fuzzy and some of them silvered badly even on a Kleer base. The roundels had a very slight out-register white margin which I carefully trimmed off. Model Alliance do a replacement set for a very similar scheme. Both are 'from the box' but I may replace the Bucc pitot with a Master one as I've it broken twice already and it's very fragile. They are brush painted with Humbrol and Xtracolor enamels.

Hello, After some time, I adhere to the next completed model. Kit from Eduard built without options.

So, I'm in the market for a 1/48 Phantom, but I'm a little unsure which was to go. Currently it's a choice between the new ZM offering, or one of the Eduard Academy re-boxes with all the goodies. I'm not fussed about the ZM Phantom only including the Showtime 100 decals, nor am I overly bothered which of the Eduard offerings I could go with. Although, my preference would be to a build a Navy bird. What I'm looking for is a well engineered kit which I can enjoy building, and won't fight me too much. To me that suggests the ZM offering, but, I'm intrigued by the Eduard re-boxes. They are cheaper, but as far as I know the Academy plastic is well respected, and all the resin goodies do look quite attractive. That being said, I've never worked with resin, so I'm a little apprehensive on that front. Basically, looking for some guidance, experience with both kits, anything that can help me decide which Spook will adorn my shelf!

Tanmodel (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234967245-tanmodel-172-148-132-projects/) has started its research to produce a 1/32nd McDD F-4(E) Phantom II kit Source: https://www.facebook.com/tanmodel/photos/pb.288722731315995.-2207520000.1425047566./352291618292439/?type=1&theater V.P.