Ok ladies and gents...I'm about to crack into my first "real" build. I'm done playing around and practicing on cheap kits, time to step into the big leagues! Luckily I have plenty of research time since I just moved and have a gov't funded week long vacation to the 5-sided fun house before I can re-establish my workbench and crack the box.
What I have: Italeri F-4E Phantom II 1:48
What I want to re-create: 20FS F-4F (terminated Dec 2004, Holloway AFB, NM)
The story behind the build: This was the first of a few jets I guarded when I first got my start, but that was 14 years ago and the most prominent memory I have is cussing at the thing waking me up at zero-dark thirty with full burn engine runs across the street.
I've read up and discovered I'll need to make sure I have slatted wings and non-slotted stabilitizers. Anyone have reference on what that means? Google would be productive, but all the images in the world won't matter if I dont know what I'm looking at...they all look the same (insert noob joke here). I have no problem going aftermarket to convert. Im likely going aftermarket anyways to get as much detail out of this thing as I can.
I have the color scheme figured out (ok...i have plenty of pictures, I have to figure out the precise color codes) and it looks like I'm going to need to get creative with the decals. Luckily the bird is mostly a unique mix of USAF markings with a few Luftwaffe call-outs thrown in So I might be able to get away with painting some of it.
Tips, tricks, advice, warnings, and all prayers welcomed and encouraged...and go!