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Phinally Phinished - 1/48 Italeri F-4S Phantom VMFA-321 'MG-06'


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Started on 10th November 2019 so definitely qualifies as "phinally phinished" today, this is the 1980 era Italeri / Testors McDonnell-Douglas F-4S Phantom II in 1/48th scale. I think I paid £6 for it on eBay many years ago! I have built her OOB, air brushed her in Vallejo 'Air War' color acrylics in the TPS colour scheme, and she is marked as F-4S BuNo 155869 'MG-06' operated by VMFA-321, a Marine Corps Reserve squadron based at Andrews AFB. The decals are from the kit and applied remarkably well given their near 40 years vintage. On to the photos:-

 

51542617028_fe401cff8f_b.jpgIMGP4297 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

One think that is still quite new for me is weathering. I have added a home-made wash to the few recessed panel lines however I have two Tamiya Weathering Master packs and I have used them on this build, maybe just a tad too much although the USN/USMC TPS paint scheme could get a bit ratty after a while.

 

51541583167_600c6572be_b.jpgIMGP4291 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

The jet pipes and metallic areas were air brushed with Lifecolor acrylic metallic paints, a really easy brand of paint to use.

 

51543098834_54cf5ceb38_b.jpgIMGP4294 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

My decision to build with the cockpit canopies open was a last minute one and maybe not a good decision. I should have painted the cockpit coaming either dark grey or black, also the inside of the canopies. The ejection seats are not exactly the most accurate or best built either 😉

 

51541583122_a1f201b29e_b.jpgIMGP4293 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

A view of the other side. I had a bad fit issue on this side beneath the cockpit so the model will be on display from the other side. I do like the lo-vis paint scheme and the squadron's imaginative method of displaying their trident symbol (VMFA-321 are known as 'Hell's Angels').

 

51543098554_e1090503a9_b.jpgIMGP4301 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

And my last photo. I didn't have high hope of this kit but I am happy with the result, I do get some satisfaction from completing a kit of 40 years ago and purchased for £6!

 

Michael

 

51541582807_12d2f61461_b.jpgIMGP4302 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

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I like this and good to hear about your use of LifeColor for the NMF areas of the plane.  I have been using Alclad which is tough to use on anything large due to my ventilation issues so have been looking at a good acrylic to try.  Yours looks very good!

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