Sam’s 74 Sqn F-4J(UK)

[samhobbs]

Here’s my entry to this UK Phantom STGB. I’ll be building Academy’s 1/72 F-4J to build an aircraft of 74 Squadron, specific aircraft as yet undecided. Plenty of aftermarket for this build with Quickboost ejection seats, Eduard PE Cockpit set, Brassin wheels and mask set, Reskit FOD covers and decals from Xtradecal. 

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

Welcome to the build Sam. 

[samhobbs]

Okay, with my Post WW2 Twins GB entry wrapped up, onto the phantom it is. Starting on the cockpit, despite this being a ‘snap-fit’ kit academy actually provide some rather nice detail here, although no decals for the side consoles or instrument panels. I used an Eduard photoetch set to detail these, there was no chance I was I going to paint them. The best match for the grey on the Eduard set I had was AK interactive medium sea grey so the tub was painted with this. The Ejection seats were from quickboost and were very nicely detailed with moulded harness as well. These were painted black, dry brushed with grey and the seat cushions and belts painted by hand. An overall dark brown/black oil wash was used on my tub. Now for some bad news, while closing the fuselage with the lower wing I knocked my tamiya extra thin all over the two top halves of the wing pretty much destroying them, so while replacements in the form of donor kit arrive, that’s pretty much it for now.

 

Edited September 27 by samhobbs

[dasmithers]

That cockpit’s looking lovely, but a real ouch over the spilled Tamiya. Hope the replacement kit turns up quickly.

 

Andy

[Jabba]

Very well done with the cockpit. Sorry to read about the spillage. Hopefully the replacemant is with you soon.

[samhobbs]

8 hours ago, dasmithers said:

That cockpit’s looking lovely, but a real ouch over the spilled Tamiya. Hope the replacement kit turns up quickly.

 

Andy

 

13 minutes ago, Jabba said:

Very well done with the cockpit. Sorry to read about the spillage. Hopefully the replacemant is with you soon.

Thank you both, hopefully won’t be too long before we’re back up and running 

[samhobbs]

With a replacement kit now acquired it’s back to business with the Phantom. Once the wings were on the rest of build came together quickly. The fit has been pretty spot on with this kit and little filler was needed. A coat of MR Surfacer 1500 black was done once the build was finished and with that we’re ready for paint. 

[heloman1]

Looking good...

 

Colin FLY NAVY

[almac]

Excellent work. 
 

Cheers Allan

[samhobbs]

On 06/10/2025 at 11:27, heloman1 said:

Looking good...

 

Colin FLY NAVY

 

On 06/10/2025 at 22:55, almac said:

Excellent work. 
 

Cheers Allan

Thank you both!

[samhobbs]

Okay we’re finally back with some progress on the phantom. Painting is pretty much wrapped up now. I used MRP paints for all the main colours, Camouflage grey for the fuselage, medium sea grey for the wings and light aircraft grey for the underside. Tamiya flat black was used for the tail and a mix of MRP, SMS and AK xtreme metal paints for the heat shield area. Overall very happy with the paint job, onto decals next. 

[Parabat]

Some excellent painting, really achieved that worn and weathered look.

[samhobbs]

On 25/10/2025 at 11:00, Parabat said:

Some excellent painting, really achieved that worn and weathered look.

Thank you!

[Darth Vader]

Sorry , but you've got the demarcation between the 2 greys a touch to high on the nose. Check you references. Apart from that cracking paint job