Tamiya 1/48 F-4B Phantom II

[aur0ra145]

Howdy folks!

The mojo has been at an all time low recently. So I've set all projects aside and partook in other hobbies the last few weeks. Mainly I've been trying out a flight sim for the F-4C Phantom II. It's a pretty interesting aircraft and they did an amazing job putting the sim together. Feels very authentic. Then BAM! The most recent copy of Fine Scale Modeler came in the mail with a Phantom on the cover. Soo I dug out a kit I bought a while back and will be starting on this one. Additionally, it looks like one of our forum members got published in this issue! I won't name them directly as to not dox them.

So first thing first, I made an order for some canopy masks and I'm going to try the 3d decals like I used on the Apache. Sooo, I get to wait a little bit after cleaning up the cockpit area. I'm confident this kit will go together well as the reviews look good, and I've seldom had issues with Tamiya kits in the past.







The plan is to paint this one like a VF-84 Jolly Rogers jet.

[cor]

Great plane, Should be a top notch model too that one. Gool luck with the mojo recovery

[aur0ra145]

Did a small amount of work today on the Phantom. Thus far the pieces fit perfectly into the spots they're supposed to go. The molding is very high quality and looks amazing. Next I'll prime and paint the aircraft interior. Interestingly enough, I've let my Stynylrez sit for at least 4 months. They've seemed to have separated at slightly different rates. Very weird. Also makes me wonder if they did change some of the formula makeup at some point.





Was hard to get my camera to focus on this shot. You can see how clean the panel markings are.



Here are a few photos I took at the USAF Museum when I got to go a few years ago. These are looking at the same portion of the nose as the model.







Science experiment! I'm interested to see if my previous issues will come back or not.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Very nice kit
Shake the heck out of those bottles and test spray a bit
I didn’t know they flew Phantoms in Desert Storm, thought they were obsolete technology wise by then

[Stokesy44]

Very nice kit
Shake the heck out of those bottles and test spray a bit
I didn’t know they flew Phantoms in Desert Storm, thought they were obsolete technology wise by then

As an airframe it had been replaced in the Navy and AF by the F14 and F15 respectively but second line and reserve units still flew them. There are still some air forces around the world that use them. Its amazing how much life you can add to an old airframe with a new radar and electronics suite.

[digger303]

[Tomcat64]

Great looking kit - I love the comparison shots with the real thing.

Looking forward to seeing this one come together

[smokeriderdon]

I'm sure it will be an easy build. I'm waiting for them to do C,D,E,G.

The 4s that flew in Desert Storm were the Gs on the Wild Weasle missions. The 16s hadn't replaced them in that role just yet. One of the pilots that flew them then is a member of one of the clubs i belong to.

It was also the last hurrah for the A-7, E I believe and I believe the EA-6B Growler.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I'm sure it will be an easy build. I'm waiting for them to do C,D,E,G.

The 4s that flew in Desert Storm were the Gs on the Wild Weasle missions. The 16s hadn't replaced them in that role just yet. One of the pilots that flew them then is a member of one of the clubs i belong to.

It was also the last hurrah for the A-7, E I believe and I believe the EA-6B Growler.

I remember Canada's F-16 Hornets being called a lower generation technology at that point and not running full combat in Desert Storm
If my memory is correct

[aur0ra145]

Got my order from Sprue Brothers today! In total there was a decal sheet, 2x resin ejection seats, PE for the restraints and a resin tailhook.

The seats and tailhook are obviously 3d printed. I would really like to know what machine they used. The prints look great!







For comparison, this is a photo I took several years ago showing the hook of a F-4N.



Getting down to work on the cockpit. Drilled out a spotting hole for the radar scope. Thankfully I had a 1mm drill bit on hand.



Did a few minor assembly pieces in prep for going into primer. The other parts I neglected to take pictures of. Tomorrow I'll hopefully start cleaning up more of the dash and consoles for primer before the 3d decals.



Thanks for looking in!

[Tomcat64]

That 3d printed tailhook looks pretty much spot on compared to the photo!

[aur0ra145]

Only progress made today was doing a bit of cleaning around the bench. I don't think I'll have to do very many sub assemblies prior to painting; but, it's nice to be able to have the space to properly organize.

[Kevthemodeller]

Have a real soft spot for the F4, one of those it just looks right aircraft. Plus it could pretty much do it all and did very well.

[Stokesy44]

3d decals and resin bang seats? That pit is going to look epic!

[aur0ra145]

Some of the pieces have really nice detail for the cockpit.



But.... had to scrape/sand them off for the 3d decals to go on eventually.

[Stokesy44]

Have you used 3D decals before? If not then prepare to be amazed!

[aur0ra145]

Have you used 3D decals before? If not then prepare to be amazed!

I have, they are awesome to work with!

Didn't get a ton done tonight. The recessed portions where the picks are point need to be hollowed out according the the decal instructions. I'm thinking the decals can probably just adhere on top of them as there isn't a ton of depth to work with. I'd also need the worlds smallest end mill to do it properly.

[Kevthemodeller]

Some of the pieces have really nice detail for the cockpit.



But.... had to scrape/sand them off for the 3d decals to go on eventually.

One of many things Tamiya do really well and worth the premium cost in my opinion

[digger303]