Thanks for your kind words Wilbur, much appreciated Sir. Since you mentioned wanting to build an F-4, I highly recommend the new 1/48 Academy B,C or J. Don't know if you missed my earlier mention of it in the thread.
Thanks for asking about how I apply decals. After painting the top coat I let it cure for a couple of days then I use a soft cotton T Shirt to polish the paint which knocks down the dead flat tone and lays a light sheen. Then I use a soft wide brush and brush several light Future coats, about 5 minutes apart. I find I get a smoother finish this way than air brushing it. I build up the gloss till it looks like glass, usually about 5 light coats.
The plane is set aside for a minimum of 2 days for the Future to cure. The decals come next. I apply them and use Sol and Set. If any decals are stubburn and won't cooperate then I bring out Solvaset. I then let it cure for a day or so then brush on another light Future coat to seal in the decals an set it aside overnight.
I then I apply Flory Washes to dirty up the finish and highlight panel lines and rivet details. I let the wash dry and then use a water dampened Q Tip to remove most of the Flory Wash, wiping in the direction of the airflow that creates soft streaks. When I see what I like I set it aside for a bit then shoot either Alclad Clear Flat or Testors Clear Flat Lacquer. I then use my artist oil paints to create spills, streaks and stains. If there is any sheen left by the oil paint then I shoot clear flat otherwise it's done.
I hope this answers any question you had.