Hypersonic Models F-4 Phantom Fuselage Correction Set (HMR 48029 for Zoukei Mura) 1:48

[Mike]

F-4 Phantom Fuselage Correction Set (HMR 48029 for Zoukei Mura)

1:48 Hypersonic Models

 

 

Zoukei Mura's new(ish) Phantom is well-liked, but even the best kits have their faults, with this one being no exception.  There is a small error in the shape of the aft fuselage, which may or may not bother you, and if it doesn't, then it's probably best to go and read another review of something else.   Jeffrey, the owner of Hypersonic is a perfectionist, and makes no apologies for it, but will not criticise you if you aren't, which is a good attitude in this hobby of ours.  He has made this set to assist those that would like to make their Zoukei Mura Phantom that bit more accurate, for you to use as and if you see fit, and fully appreciates that it the amount of effort involved won't appeal to everyone.  Arriving in a small card box with a header flap, the set contains two large resin parts, a small sheet of pre-cut vinyl templates, and a glossy, colour instruction sheet spread over two A5 pages printed on both sides.

 

 

The resin parts are the two sides of the aft fuselage, and are attached to their casting blocks at one end, with a pair of diagrams clearly showing where they should be removed at the beginning of construction.  The instructions describe the process very clearly and concisely, walking you through the cutting of the fuselage halves using the vinyl templates, which are placed against panel lines and cut along the opposite edge.  It is recommended to begin with the right side (A1), which can be placed flat down because of the lack of pins.  This also lets you test the fit against the other fuselage half before you cut it too, which ensures you have a Phantom that doesn't fly round in circles.  With one side done and the seams hidden, again with more advice from Jeffrey on doing the best job, the other side is cut and joined with the new section.  Then a small section of the kit fuselage is thinned to match the new cross-section (a side-effect of the correction), and if you're building an Air Force airframe, you should also remove the chaff boxes from the resin as these weren't fitted on their aircraft.

 

 

Conclusion

Casting is excellent, as usual with Jeffrey's work, and it is one of his new "Made in Japan" sets following his move to that locality last year.  The only decision you need to make is do you want to accurise (I hate that word) your Zukei Mura F-4, and are you proficient enough to make a good job of it.  If the answer to both questions is "yes", then you need one of these sets.  The fact that the set is also pretty pocket friendly might sway you a little.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of