Black Mike, saw it many times at air shows in the '90s.The black scheme was to commemorate the Black Arrows of 111 squadron who were the RAF display team before the Red Arrows.
A decent UK Phantom was what we were shouting for for many years. I think Airfix did a good job. I think the stencils do add a lot to the finished look but this is a lot! All the best, Ian
I use clear colours to pep up the decal control panels. You still see the details under the paints. Done it regularly with Esci decals as they used to use decals for control panels, even on their 48th scale kits.
I like that you can have the nose open to show the radar. Looks a great kit of my favourite military jet, as said in ‘dad’s army’ “you will also go on the list”! 😂
One of my favorite jet aircraft, the other being the Sabre. Looks like a fun build, and yes the stencils can be crazy making 🤪 Looks like I will have to add this to the stash! Looking forward to the build.
Thats a much more modern kit than my Revell USN F4J. Im tempted to try and get the FGR2 version, love the overall grey and sharks teeth scheme. Good luck with the stencil decals!
Looks to be a great kit, I would consider getting this kit since the Tamiya 1/48th scale kitis about $150 here in Australia, thanks for the review Gary, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, Les
Lovely kit..the only thing that seems to let the model down when it's built is that the one piece front canopy up nose part doesn't seem to fit very well and spoils the look of the plane which is a shame...maybe some work to fit it better might make a difference
The MD Phantom F-4K was a major variant difference to the rest of the F4s as they were Spey engined with different avionics and weapons fit. however, the RAF did operate 'second hand' USAF F4s as the Falklands defence squadrons. .
We ordered the F-4Js because 23 Sqn had deployed to the Falklands in 1982 and we were short of aircraft for home defence. The MoD didn't want to create a third Lightning squadron from stored aircraft so purchased 15 F-4Js and set about upgrading them (although the engine fit couldn't be changed). The UK spec F-4J didn't appear in the RAF until 1984. The F-4J was better at altitude but the F-4K and F-4M were better at low-level acceleration and initial climb. Either way, they were "brakes off and leave your stomach on the runway"!!!
I spent 24 years in the RAF as a “Techie” and I never got my hands on the Phantom, ditto the Lightning, Vulcan or any of the “V” bombers, and that has always been the only downside to my service, so I just have to build them, I guess it won’t quite be the same, Lol 😂, but still a good challenge depending on what scale I go for, my hands don’t work as well as they used to so 1/48 is pretty much the only scale I can do (in the space I have available) but beggars can’t be choosers. @ 7:30+ a slight mistake with the nomenclature of the parts, you referred to the “nose wheel” as giving the Royal Navy (F.A.A) version the nose high position needed for takeoff, unfortunately that is incorrect, the nose high position was achieved by the “Nose Leg assembly” that had an extendable “Oleo” that would automatically revert to a normal extension after takeoff and the undercarriage selected to the up position. A very easy mistake to make, but I just had to point it out to you. Sorry.
9.61 inches long by 6.38 inches Gary - yep I'm a numbers geek:) The Phantom did some Wild Weasel sorties in Vietnam so maybe the bombs are for SAM sites although they used anti-radar missiles not bombs. Could be the bombs were used for the rest of the site once the radar was down. Also an earlier version of the Phantom; USAF F4-Es and F4-Gs. Not sure of the physical differences. Better or cheaper plastic? I think it's unlikely to be both; as with Cartograf decals being expensive you get what you pay for. When I saw the moulded seatbelts that was my clue there would be no crew figures as a figure would never sit tidy with those on. I think the solid parts for the wheel bays are also for paint masking even if you're doing a wheels down version. I found 310 with the decal numbers including missiles. PMSL at 'if you're reading this you're too close' *LOL* Those decals are a day in themselves! TBH I think once you hit triple figures it's a clue! Ref cockpit colours, looking up images on Google I found light grey and black panels, plus a few yellow and red instruments and a blue radar display - or red in one image so may depend on the radar installed. Looks like a lovely kit :)
The 1000lb GP bombs were used on any number of targets depending on the mission. It was used as a general ground attack aircraft (replaced by Jaguar) with a blend of bombs and/or Matra 68mm rocket pods. The SUU-23 cannon pod was especially cool but inaccurate and used up a crucial fuel hard point!
Hello Mr.gary!to be honest,i do not like that boxart.that baby screams for a wash,isnt it?.thanku4sharing. With sticky greetings from Brandenburg germany.faithfully yours.your modellmate.christian
That's a lot of stencils. Maybe just the larger ones? Crickey! Like the "Alcock and Brown" decal scheme. We have their Vickers Vimy at Adelaide Airport. Cheers.🦘
