1/48 Academy F-4B Phantom with Big Ed Set

[ccc1970]

I actually started this build about a month ago.. I have always wanted to build an F-4 phantom so this will be my first one.

The kit is the Academy F-4B Phantom with the Big Ed Set.. I will be using a variety of paints but the main are tamiya xf-2 white for the bottom and Mr Hobby Aqueous H315 for the top.

Here are some pics before i started.. and of course my little helper had to make an appearance..

[ccc1970]

UPDATE: 1

First i started with the cockpit and wheel wells since this is where most of the PE is.

[ccc1970]

UPDATE: 2

sorry i didnt take more pics before painting but i always forget to get the phone out to take pics.

Of course i remember to take pics when i MESS up.. lol When i masked up the phantom to spray the metalizers on the exhaust area i put paper towels over most of the airplane. I have never had this happen but apparently the future coat had not completely dried because bascially the image of the paper towels melted into the paint.

Of course i was NOT happy to say the least. Luckily i filled the airbrush up with a very thin mix of the H315(probably 90% x-20a to 10% H315) and sprayed on very light coats and eventually the paint "melted" into the blemishes and now you cant even tell it was ever there.

For weathering on the top i used a highly thinned mix of probably 80% x-20a thinner to h315/xf-54 and painted swirly patterns in the middle of the panels.

here are a couple of before and after, hopefully you can see it.. its hard to see with the light reflecting

BEFORE:




AND AFTER: Its hard to tell the way the light is reflecting but i assure you in person its good to go.

[ccc1970]

UPDATE: 3

pretty much finished with the paintwork now.. You will also notice i used my light india ink/vallejo airbrush cleaner for the wheel wells, speed brakes, gear doors, and other bits.

I used Model Master buffable metalizers for the metal areas.. I made a huge NOOB mistake by glueing on the burner cans before painting.. i tried to get them off but since i used tamiya extra thin they wouldnt budge and i didnt want to do more damage so i just painted the whole area the best i could. I still cant believe i glued the cans on before painting but i guess i was just on a roll and missed it.

Any way here are some more pics

[Nige201980]

Looking great mate looks a smashing kit too.

[DC87]

Fantastic, great work and recovery from the towel print.

[Paul]

Nice work clint, those eduard sets are superb

[ccc1970]

thanks for the comments i appreciate it.. i put a 2nd coat of future on it last night but will let this one dry atleast until tomorrow and then its on with the literally 100's of decals

[Paul]

thanks for the comments i appreciate it.. i put a 2nd coat of future on it last night but will let this one dry atleast until tomorrow and then its on with the literally 100's of decals

Yeah all those stencils are a right pita, but worth it in the end.

Out of interest have you built a hasagawa phantom and if so how do you rate this against the hasagawa.

[ccc1970]

thanks for the comments i appreciate it.. i put a 2nd coat of future on it last night but will let this one dry atleast until tomorrow and then its on with the literally 100's of decals

Yeah all those stencils are a right pita, but worth it in the end.

Out of interest have you built a hasagawa phantom and if so how do you rate this against the hasagawa.

This is my first F-4B phantom, because the hasegawa b version has raised panel lines, but i have built the hasegawe F-4J and i really didnt like how the fuselage is in 2 halves.. this academy kit goes together like the 1/32 tamiya phantoms, top & bottom.

Lets put it this way i already bought the 1/48 Academy F-4C they just released.. i wont be building another hasegawa phantom, as i believe the new academy kits are much better. The detail still may be a little bit in favor of the hasegawa but with the big ed set and aftermarket wheels i will take the academy everytime.

One thing i didnt mention in my above posts is the one let down are the kit wheels as they are pitiful to say the least. The pic above of the wheels are the Eduard Brassin aftermarket ones which are spot on.

thanks
Clint

[Paul]

Cheers clint I think I'll have to get one of these myself

[rm6239]

Clint

Nice work so far mate and glad you recovered from the paper towel. Always wanted one of these aircraft in the stash, do you recommend the Academy kits?

cheers

Rossco

[ccc1970]

Clint

Nice work so far mate and glad you recovered from the paper towel. Always wanted one of these aircraft in the stash, do you recommend the Academy kits?

cheers

Rossco

For me Academy kits have always been "pretty" good i guess, a little bit hit and miss.. But the new kits, especially the new 1/48 Phantom kits are great... I highly recommend them.

Clint

[ccc1970]

Decals and some of the weathering done - mainly a dark dirt wash.. next is probably a little post shading,a flat coat, and then time to bring it all together..

[Paul]

Looking good Clint

[Fredrik64]

Looking very nice .
Now i wish i have had a Eduard set when i did mine ...mayby next time

[rm6239]

Cheers Clint, I will have to keep my eye out for one. Lovely looking aircraft mate, great job, looking forward to the finish.

cheers

Rossco

[chief5437]

Looking good mate! All those stencils must've tried your patience! Looks great with all that colour on the tail much prefer them to the all grey modern schemes.

[longlance67]

beautiful work mate

all those decals make for a stunning looking F4

Bravo mate


Shane

[RobertA]

That is great progress... This model will be a stunner..

[Yellowlazer101]

Very nice work, loving the decals

[Spook]

That f4 is looking great I think I'm going to have to add the academy f4 kits to my stash.

[UKguyInUSA]

Wow....awesome looking kit and build, too. Looks like it has some great details in that box!

[Apple]

Very nice.
I'm currently building eduards version of this kit.
This is some great reference..!