Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

Finally wrapped up a year-long build of the Tamiya F-4C/D kit.    This is by far the most involved project I've ever done.    First task before I could even start was the need to remove multiple raised panels from the kit that weren't present on the real thing.  Lots of careful sanding, followed by re-scribing / re-riveting.   Once that arduous task was out of the way, I then rebuilt the intake trunks (the kit ones are hopelessly disjointed).   After that, just a boatload of scratchbuilt detailing, along with aftermarket seats (AMS), instrument panels (Quinta) exhaust nozzles (GT Resin), Mk 117 bombs (VideoAviation), AIM-7 Sparrows (Brassin), AIM-9's (Brassin), wheels (Brassin) and canopies (Airscale).    The decals were from the amazing Fundekals set.     

 

My subject is an early F-4C assigned to the 8th TFW.    These jets were originally in the Navy scheme of grey over gloss white with large, high-viz markings.    As losses from MiG's started to increase, the AF implemented a crash program to camouflage all of their jets.   The jets in theater were painted by contractors, using non-spec paints and patterns.  This led to some wonderful examples of fading and touch up work (using whatever paints were available at the base).     If you want to learn more about this very interesting subject, I highly recommend you read through the amazing Fundekals instructions:   FD32011_Inst.pdf (fundekals.net)

 

Anyway, here is my subject, tail number 63-7589:

2ZStsqc.jpg

 And in real life. 

2Kcls4d.jpg

 Note again the crazy paintwork.   The paint used faded easily and was touched up using random colors.   Makes late-war Luftwaffe paint jobs seem pretty uniform!

Here's 589 in plastic:

YDiG8aY.jpg

 

E2ha3v4.jpg?3

 

DCWmM3C.jpg?1

 

78FBKhu.jpg?1

 

3GwDtY3.jpg?1

 

FgMQrZT.jpg?2

 

TXn52co.jpg?1

 

ScsDn8f.jpg

 

2jtroi5.jpg?2

 

EIn9ucq.jpg

 

r6UU6xk.jpg?4

 

Mt9NLx4.jpg?2

 

9zQaajJ.jpg?1

 

L6OtSU3.jpg?1

Thanks for looking, I'll follow up with a few detail shots from various stages of the build.

 

John

Edited by 11bravo
  • Like 34
  • Thanks 1
Posted

And some detail shots:

 

1znsJ8i.jpg

 

ipPrvHa.jpg?2

 

TcRxeXI.jpg?2

 

The AIM-7's tended to get pretty weathered, since unlike the Sidewinders, they typically stayed on the jets for extended time periods.

 dHhBHIJ.jpg?1

 

ynRvX2P.jpg?1

 

Nothing is more unrealistic (IMO) than immaculate bombs on a combat jet.   These weapons were typically stored in open-air bomb dumps and were in very rough shape.

Rez8hhq.jpg?1

 

Added literally hundreds of details to the MER and TER racks.

Q7UPyJT.jpg?2

 

NTZPATm.jpg?1

 

7ocPEKk.jpg?1

 

sGimUNd.jpg?2

 

Nice little resin set to add some detail inside the aux air intakes.

uoe5rET.jpg?1

 

Aftermarket exhausts are mandatory since the kit parts are much too small. 

phCzObT.jpg?1

 

Nice AMS seats, to represent the early MB Mk5 seats found on the initial F-4C's.  

Alj5VHG.jpg?1

 

Wheel wells need a lot of extra detail added. 

vxEfFiK.jpg?1

 

VTsDSn9.jpg?2

 

IKsgpN7.jpg

 

If anyone's interested, the full WIP is posted over on Large Scale Planes.

 

Thanks for looking lads! 

 

John

  • Like 34
  • Thanks 1
Posted

That`s the way the Phantom is best remembered.  Combat aircraft are NEVER clean and tidy.  Beautiful presentation!!!!! :like:

 

Mike

  • Thanks 1
Posted

One word ..... awesome!  👌

 

Keith 

  • Thanks 1
Posted

Beautifully done John. Great eye for detail, not just in the added pipework and cabling but the intricacies of the paintwork as well.

 

These really aren't very good kits by modern standards anymore, despite the eye-watering retail prices! You've done a brilliant job with this, including the wise aftermarket choices.

 

Really well done, great modelling 👍

Alan

  • Thanks 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...