O -- echoing Richie, these are gorgeous builds, and I'm glad you'll be able to salvage the damage. It's been marvelous to see them come together and I think we've all benefited from being able to observe your technique.

This seems like a good juncture to talk about the future!

After a considerable amount of interest at the outset, we have only about a 10% completion rate, which is unfortunate, but probably reflects everything from the end of the tax year to the onset of summer. I know just how much real life and competing builds cut into any GB, my own piece is lying ready (sort-of) for paint, I'm at the stage of trying to decide when it's been filled and sanded enough, which is always frustrating.

We're ten days away from the scheduled end of the build, but an overrun was always allowed for, so how about it, guys? Who's still building, who's still keen to start? I would certainly like to get my own offering onto the ramp!

I was about to publicise a brand new aircraft GB, First Generation Jets, "Gen-1." Anybody here up for it? The six months til New Year...

Cheers, Mike/TB379

O that is some splendid work!!!! Glad to hear the decal issue isn't irreperable!!

OK FSMers,

It's a shame that this build's been pushed to the 2nd page.  Let's see if we can change that...

Steady progress has been made on my builds, however, I have good news and bad news to report.  First, the good news...

For all practical purposes, my builds are 99.99% done.  You've seen the VMFA-232 bird, here's a teaser of the VF-111 and VF-84 jets.

Now, the bad news...

I say I'm 99.99% done because primary construction and finishing are done.  The only thing left is to correct some minor decal problems. 

While I was putting the finishing touches on the VF-84 and -111 jets, I had part of the modex lift off both sides of the nose on the -84 build.

Also, part of the CAG's name on the -111 jet lifted off the canopy rail.

Not to worry though, I've ordered a replacement sheet and once it arrives, I'll repair the damaged decals and finally put a fork in these jets.  Once that happens, I'll post some final pics.  Just thought I'd post a little something to show how close I really am to being done.

Feel free to leave your two cents.

Thanks for lookin',

-O

Bob- she looks like a winner so far!

Thankfully close to finished here, ran out of clear flat and as soon as I get some more I ought be be 99.99% done. Cross your fingers...

Well, Mine's exactly the same way it was since I last posted 2 months or so ago. Things have kept me from even looking at it since then.

Anyways, I think I can finally get started on the color coats this weekend. Yes, I'm knocking on wood as we read. Or as you read since I already read it while I wrote it. Which will mean that I will have already knocked on wood.

Oh now I'm confusing myself, so I'll shut up before I confuse y'all

Thanks for the info oortiz10, thats what I needed to know, I got the wrong stuff and its not shiney, did decals today but  I'm not happy. The decals were too old and don't stick. I will try future and new decals. Alot has changed since 1983.

Hey x,

Try this article from forum member Swanny: http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html 

It's very informative.  Hope this helps!

Cheers,

-O

Help, another stupid question all you guys already know, how is the future floor wax applied? is there more than one type available? I have about 10 coats of clear on mine and it does not seem enough.

Bob,

Looking good so far.

Since being a part of this Group Build, I have taken a liking to the Phantoms.  I purchased another one yesterday at my Model Club.  Brought another RF-4B in USMC markings.  This time it has engraved panel lines.  Better for me so I can do a sludge wash on it.

I'll start this one once I am finished this.

Cheers,

Gabe

Bob -- terrific spraywork! I love multi-tone camouflage schemes and US SEA camo has always been a challenge. I free-handed a Revell Phantom into SEA camo in 1979, it was the first model I ever airbrushed, in fact I actually sprayed over an already brushed paintjob to get the soft edge look. It didn't look as good as this, I assure you!

Can't wait to see her evolve through the decals and warload stages!

For myself, I have a production line of MB-7 ejection seats happening, as I now have three Phantoms underway, the Fujimi -J, a Fujimi -E and a Hasegawa -C, though only the -J is likely to be finished for this GB. The other two will be an experiment in finishing techniques. I'm using the Hasegawa kit seats as they're not too far from reality (though will need tape harnesses) and two sets of True Details replacement seats for the Fujimis. Mounting them will be an adventure, as getting the height right is always a matter of sanding or shimming.

Cheers, M/TB379

Okay guys, I'm FINALLY back, and  I finally have some pics to show.  I just unmasked a portion of the fuselage, hoping to add a couple of coats of Future tomorrow in prep for decals.  This is my first camo paintjob.  Don't mind the background!

Everyone's progress looks awesome!

Bob

Gabe, what can I say...  PHANTASTC!!!

Thanks for your kind words.  It is coming on as well as I like it to.

It is a Hasegawa F-4B/N in 1:48.  It's an old kit that I have been waiting to do as a Group Build.

I hope to have this on wheels more sooner than later.

Thanks for all you support.

Cheers,

Gabe

Gabe that is really looking good Mate!!!! Like those colorful ones!!

Nice choice of markings Gabe.  That yellow really looks sharp!

Cheers!

-O

Wow, Gabe, what can I say? There are some seriously beautiful Phantoms happening, and I'm so glad I launched this GB!

You have a clean presentation but with enough variety of tonality for the model to have that "real" feel -- I'm really looking forward to seeing her on her wheels and properly attired with underwing things!

Refresh my memory, Hasegawa 1:48?

Superb!

M/TB379

All,

Thought I'll post some update photos and where I stand at the moment.

Decals are from CamDecals and are on most of the aircraft.  Need to do a "Sludge" wash on the landing gear and put bare-metal foil on struts.  Finish up on ordinance and canopy.

Currently getting over a flu/virus and then I can keep going.

Gabe

berny13

OK, Manny, I see what you mean about the chin dome.  A file and sandpaper will fix that problem if you want to build the F-4C.  The commentary is wrong about one thing.  It was not an IRST on the F-4C.  Only the F-4A carried the IRST sensor, with the chin dome on the F-4B/C/D housing ECM gear.  The reason the F-4D had a different shape was it had a different ECM with a larger processor housed in the dome.  Also they were always called chin domes rather than chin pods.  Never trust a civilian to get anything right.     

I have the kit now and went ahead and got the Aires resin exhaust set as well as some Eduard pre-painted pe for it...gonna do the Old's bird (post Operation Bolo)...this is a very nice kit in this scale and really has a nice cockpit w/o any AM...the decal sheet is almost worth the price by itself...  

Hey O, she looks tremendous! Great work! Looking forward to seeing the others.

Tbolt: looking good!

Thanks for the kudos everyone!  I really appreciate it.

berny13

O, that is one Phabulous looking Phantom.  Nice job on the weathering.  Not over done but looks like a real Phantom would look like.

berny, thanks a bunch!  Coming from someone who has spent so much time around the real thing, your compliment really means a lot!

Cheers gang! 

So, the semester's over and now I have my evenings to work on the VF-84 & 111 jets.  I'll show progress on those as it comes, then I'll get all three photographed and posted when they're done.

Thanks again!

-O

O, that is one Phabulous looking Phantom.  Nice job on the weathering.  Not over done but looks like a real Phantom would look like.

Echoing Richie, O, that is one stunning build! To get a result like that from the old Revel-Monogram molds is just superb modeling! My helmet is off to you, sir!

I'll add your build to the roll of honour, you may take the badge of your choice!

Cheers, M/Tb379

O that is just beautiful mate!!!! I built the same kit years ago as Showtime 100, Randy Cunningham,s bird. Enjoyed the build immensely but pales in comparison to yours. WELL DONE!!!!

OK Phanatics,

The last post was late last week, so I figured now would be a good time to show off my first completed build.

Here's Revellogram's 1/48 -J with a few odds-and-ends added:

I’ll post a full write-up with additional pix once all three jets are done.

Let me know what you think.  Please drop your two cents in the bucket on your way out.

Cheers!

-O

Looking good Mike!!!!

Quick update from Down Under: The Fujimi -J is moving along. Here she is with filling getting underway on the big joints:

And here she is with those joints smoothed after their second round:

A third and final round of filler is now on, basically touching up areas where the previous sand back took some parts too deep or uneven. With this operation completed, my next job will be to rescribe a fair few of the very fine recessed panel lines, including giving the model a thorough wash to coax away sanding dust. From that point there's not much construction to do (small dressing parts now) before it's time to get some paint on her. Canopy masking will be fun, as I've become a bit dependant on die-cut sets lately. And that can't happen until those resin bang seats are finished and installed, either.

I'll be away for a couple of days, but should be logging some progress next week.

That is all, men. Carry on (saluting).

Mike/Tb379

Oh yeah looking good O!

The ordnance you finished will be the crowning touch.

Hey O, that is looking sweet!  Even better that it is a Marine bird!  Your builds are going to look awesome with the great ordnance you built for it.

Cheers,

Greg

O she is almost there!!! Really looking good!!

O,

Looks great.  I am finally back in the country and things have settled down at work.

I should be able to get back into the swing of things this week.

Cheers,

Gabe