The Official F-4 Phantom II Group Build 2011

Wow, Bockscar, opening up the intakes on that beast is a definite challange.  I wish you luck on building the intake trunks. 

Yes the Monogram C kit.  Kit 5859.  Its length, but it's just kind of weird.  I usually glue large pieces like this by doing a spot/tack joint at the back, lining up the vertical stabilizer.  Then I line up the rest of it and glue into place.  The back went on great, the tail section lined up like a dream, then I glued the rest of it and tried to put it together.  It lined up beautifully, until I got to the section just behind the cockpit, just at the forward part of the wing route area.  Then  one side was longer than the other.  Not by much, but by enough (maybe 1 to 2 millimeters) to totally mess up the entire cockpit area along the bottom of the plane and the nose section top and bottom.  I have the parts ordered (Fuselage helves), so I'll have to wait and see how long they take to get to me.  I am still not happy with the cockpit.  It has some remaining CA on one side where I tack welded it in and for some odd reason, my debonder isn't taking it off.    If I can get a new battery for my camera this week, I will send up some images.

Rich

Hi Everyone,

The weather is finally getting warmer for a change and the snow and ice is melting.  Hooray!

I didn't have much touch up to do with the flat black this evening on the cockpit, but enough that I will have to let it dry overnight before I add a little color to the knobs.  It will be mainly white with a few red spots here and there.  That will make the instrument panels come to life.

I was searching for some decent photos of the cockpit to use as a guide when I came across this website:

http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/index.asp 

Not real extensive on any one plane but a very good broad spectrum of planes, with a pretty good index.  The website does have a lot of cockpit photos of different planes.  Just another page I added to "My Favorites".

Ken

Hey, I know a few of you are building the F-4F and I found this page.  It has some good shots of the cockpit.

http://www.largescaleplanes.com/articles/FullScale/DrMenelaosSkourtopoulos/JG72/JG72.php

Ken

Hobby Lobby didn't get my paint in.  They did get the teflon O rings for my Badger airbrush in.  When I stripped and cleaned one of my Badgers a couple of weeks ago, I misplaced the teflon O ring.  They carry the twin pack O rings so I picked up a couple today.  When I went to assemble my airbrush, there was the O ring in my chair.  I don't know how many times I have set in that chair and never noticed it before. 

I tell ya Berni..  The Carpet monster and his cousin the Chair Monster are conspiring to play pranks on you.. lol

berny13

Hobby Lobby didn't get my paint in.  They did get the teflon O rings for my Badger airbrush in.  When I stripped and cleaned one of my Badgers a couple of weeks ago, I misplaced the teflon O ring.  They carry the twin pack O rings so I picked up a couple today.  When I went to assemble my airbrush, there was the O ring in my chair.  I don't know how many times I have set in that chair and never noticed it before. 

Berny, I remember O-ring antics from my Badger days, I'm sure I had almost the same experience!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Why is it that it always showes up after we have fixed the problem. The Carpet monster and the bench monster is a very cruel person and gives no mercy.

Steve

 I agree.  I have had it happen to me on too many occasions to count.

sidure

Why is it that it always showes up after we have fixed the problem. The Carpet monster and the bench monster is a very cruel person and gives no mercy.

Steve

Hi Mike

Well I'm planning to do some more Phantoms for my 1/72 collection so wondering if you're planning to use all aircraft included in TwoBobs F-4C First of the Weasels decals, I already have one kit sellected but not able to get that sheet and now been jobless trouble with wife if spend in models only able to make trades

If able to trade I have some interesting RAF from Operation Tellic decals to share

You can also reach me at armandogiron@yahoo.com

Best modeling

Armando

Hi jimbot58

I wondering if yoiu planing to use SP codes for your F-4G Wild weasel I got the new edition kit from Hasegawa but only include the PN codes (all in 1/72 scale)

You can contact me at armandogiron@yahoo.com

Best modeling

Armando

Had the carpet monster cough up a piece (one of those external antenna bumps) that went with my Academy 1/32 Hornet that was MIA for nearly a year. I gave him some extra scrap pieces in gratitude!

A little update. I found some Hasegawa burner cans that looked better than the Italeri ones. The shape is right and they even include the burners (I was going to have solid plastic behind the cans). How hard could it be to hog out a couple of holes for them? Uh, huh, I thought I would start popping seams on her about half way through. Got it done though, and if I don't dream up something else, I'm goin' to take advantage of this wonderful Mississippi weather to do some paintin'.

Glenn

Hi Everyone,

Berny:  Bummer about Hobby Lobby not having your paint.  I hope they get it in soon for you.

Well, I spent a good part of tonight looking for more photos of the F-4E cockpit.  I did find a few.  But I am getting tired of looking and so I decided to make a guess for what I can't find.  The Aires cockpit is very detailed and trying to find pictures with the colors to use on the detail is frustrating.

Here is what I have so far:

Ken

That's lookin really good, Ken!

Glenn

HI Armando,,,,,glad you made it over here to FSM

This is Rex in TN from ARC

How has the Phantom building been going? Got any pics of your models?

It has been a year or so since we last talked,,,,I bet you have more done that I have in that time

Are you going to join this Group Build?

Rex

ps, nice to see you again

RAGATIGER2: Sorry Armando, but the SP tailcodes are gone.They were on the Weasel when I started this whole "strip and repaint this 15-year-old abandoned kit" project. I will be using either the "WW" codes that remain or some "PN" tail codes from my Italeri kit, I have yet to decide.  I will also be filling in other missing decals from a data sheet I found on the bargain table. The only ones I haven't figured how to replace are the formation light panels on the wing tips, but I may use the ones from the Italeri kit. Wish I could help.

Jim

Here is an update on my build:

Here is a mix of available at my bench Alclad II and Testors Metalizer post shaded with Alclad II Burnt Iron. Underside is ready to go, washed and waiting to be sealed. That seam below will be covered by the arrestor hook.

Top side is waiting for a decal donor courtesy of our fellow builder berny. Decaling this baby has been a total ordeal with the defective decal sheet. Every major marking take literally between 15 to 20 minutes. For the 1st time I had to use SOLVASET when I've been a happy camper with MicroSol.

Landing gear has been finished and is ready to install. I'm just waiting to seal the whole thing to put this baby on its feet. That's all for now guys, thanks for looking.

George

PS,

I called Tamiya about the decals. For missing parts they want a fax showing the 1st page of the instruction sheet. For decals they want me to mail the damaged ones in order to issue a replacement set. If I want to buy them, both sheets run for $18 S&H included. I'm scavenging 1/32 for the top allied star with no luck so far. The one used on the bottom wing was a headache to apply and it doesn't look as it should. I'm going to blend the defects with weathering.

El Taino, I have to give credit where it's due.  That's one of the best paint jobs I have ever seen on plastic!  I've never used the metalizers, but after seeing this baby, I might just take the plunge.

Rich

El Taino

PS,

I called Tamiya about the decals. For missing parts they want a fax showing the 1st page of the instruction sheet. For decals they want me to mail the damaged ones in order to issue a replacement set. If I want to buy them, both sheets run for $18 S&H included. I'm scavenging 1/32 for the top allied star with no luck so far. The one used on the bottom wing was a headache to apply and it doesn't look as it should. I'm going to blend the defects with weathering.

The decals I sent have the Star & Bar included as well as other markings.  The only thing missing is the black walkway markings for the intake.  I sent as much of the decals for that jet as I could, without having to get replacements for the one I am going to build later. 

The blast panels look great on your build as well as the stab.  The leading edge of the stab should be natural metal and not painted. 

LMAO...  I swear some of these companies are on drugs when it comes to replacement parts and decals.  I needed a control yoke for a P38 I am doing over in the P38 GB, and after three days I heard back from the companiy that does support for Academy.  They want a FAXed, not emailed, image of the UPC code from the box, a photocopy (not scan) of the invoice for the kit, and all o it has to be snail mailed to them along with $10 shipping and it will take 2-3 weeks. It's like they think someone is going to order a part they don't need, or a part for a kit they don't have.  It makes no sense at all..   I sent them a nicely worded reply that informed them in no uncertain terms where they could send the part if I had to pay $10 for it.  I love Academy kits, but their customer service sucks more the the Black Hole Cygnus...  I wish they were all as easy to deal with as Revell/Monogram.  I think that's one of the main reasons that they are still around.

Rich

Sparrowhyperion

I tell ya Berni..  The Carpet monster and his cousin the Chair Monster are conspiring to play pranks on you.. lol

 

I never have to worry about a Carpet Monster in my room.  When we had the house built I specified hard wood floors, plenty of lighting, lots of ventilation (Two ceiling mounted exhaust fans), and a dryer vent in the wall to hook up my paint booth.  It does look like I have a Chair Monster and Bench Monster that is working against me.

ElTanio, brilliant work on the kit so far and she is comming out beautifully. Again Im hoping that mine comes out as good as yours and still worrying about the decals. I will handle that when I get there. The only thing I saw that was off was what Bernie said and that the leading edge slats on the Stabs should be bare mettal all the way across and not painted. Looking Great

Steve

Hi Rex

Well all is part of a long planned intended collection the main thing here now I'm jobless so modelling at home no a safe option with SWMBO. So only option is to maintain spare parts and decals channels option open and wait for better days (money limited you know, lucky me no debts or credit cards and house already paid) well I even remove secretly my stash in order to avoid any flea market new

For the moment I'm just sticking on modelling plan so still have some gaps to fill

Here you'll find something a wrote a while ago in ARC forums

Hi there

In part because this forum and from other side always wanted to do I just got some of the early Phantoms molds so maybe I can help a little bit


Well one or two thing about the:

Early Hasegawa Phantom in 1/72 scale

US Navy F-4J (Showtime 100 decals that's the hook) very simple interior one part clear canopy, no bulges on the wing, no wing tanks so you better get add an IR bulge and replace the burner cans because is more close to a Early B model, already came with unslotted stabilators without middle reinforcement

US Navy F-4B/N new mold (late) you only can made the early/late B or and N version with ECM (hard wing) Stabilators non sloted, no weapons and 3 fuel tanks

US Navy F-4J/S new mold (late) you only can made the late J or and S version with slats (no hard wing)Stabilators sloted kind no weapons and 3 fuel tanks

Early USAF F-4E (Arkansas Traveler JJ 388TFW, JV 388 TFW, Israeli AF decals )
you got a simple interior, single piece clear canopy, both type of gun muzzle, hard wing no slats, lots of bombs well they look like M117, 3 fuel tanks, only kit with traveling pods/Falcons rails +AIM4 (need to be replaced from weapon set),

New mold F-4E (slat wing, AIM- rails, Photo BDA camaras, TISEO) no weapons,
and 3 fuel tanks

New mold F-4G (slat wing, AIM- rails, Photo BDA camaras) no weapons,and 3 fuel tanks (note here for the


For the Monogram kits

F-4D very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, two types of ECM pods, SUU-16 gun pod, + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be E type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 + 2 wing tanks one seated pilot one standing (you can converted on C model sanding a little bit the IR under nose sensor or an early D model deleting it all Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY only decal option
Wings correct for any unslated USAF F-4D sample other name hard wing Horizontal Stavilators sloted kind with triangular reinformement


F-4J Early J very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, hard wing, 3 fuel tanks, mid wings pylons with TER and 3 fuse extended MK 82 bombs + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be D type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 one seated pilot one standing more than one different decal release I got one with VFMA-333 Shamrocks at USS Nimitz
Wings correct for any US NAVY includes the small rectangular bump over the wing and hooks for catapult use Horizontal stabilators unsloted type without triangular reinformement


For ESCI

F-4E/F you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 2 wing tanks and 4 sidewinders AIM-9 (something close to L-P better not to use) and 4 Sparrows AIM-7
Decals from 3 TFW PN Philippines, German Luftwaffe Gost scheme and a SEA Turkey AF

RF-4C/E
you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 3 external fuel tanks 2 different sets of afterburners short and large cans (need to be replace) and mid wing pylons (need to be replaced)

Best day

Armando

PS still looking for the next ESCI batch arrival


Well the ESCI Phantoms just arrived so

ESCI F-4 C/ J

You got both sets of J-79 afterburners short for C and Large for J (early J without the Slats) 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 3 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and nonslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, IR sensor for C version (so that mean that you can also made an early D model)
Decals options depends on the boxing but some samples (SEA D 18 TFS Vampires & C Hawaii ANG), (SEA C Spanish AF Ejercito del Aire & Hi Vis US Marines)

Take notice Wings correct for any US NAVY includes the small rectangular bump over the wing and hooks for catapult use so no explanation on the instructions to fill them in case you choose for C version
Also posible to made a early D withot any infrared sensor under the nose


ESCI F-4J/S RAF

Well Here you find 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 2 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and unslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, a SUU-23 Gun Pod, the intake ECM antenas (extra E model gun parts with both types of gun muzzle early and late)
Decals Options RAF Sqn 74 Tigers + Ghost Scheme US Marines

For Fujimi

Nice USAF & USNAVY versions but only real diference are the decals all include 4 Sidewinder AIM-9E I think + 4 Sparrows AIM-7 and 3 Fuel Tanks no big deal

RAF/RAN versions nicest Rolls Royce versions included nice cockpit with 2 kinds of canopy parts open and close, lots of ordenance MATRA SNEB rockets, Sidewinders AIM-9 + 4 Sparrows AIM-7 and 3 Fuel tanks, recon pod,  extended ans simple nose wheel strut differents decals options

Monogram F-4C/D
Here You find 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, a SUU-16 Gun Pod, 2 different ECM pods, Wing Tanks, towel rack antena for Loran navgation, Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking Original decals for Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY 1972 MiG killer

Monogram F-4J
Early J model no slatted wing or hard wing for armament: 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, 2 TER mid wing pylon and 6 fuse extended 500 pound Mk82 HE, 3 Ext Fuel tanks Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking decals for VF- USS Constalation other edition with VFMA-333 Shamrocks aboard USS Nimitz

Pending Italeri / Tamiya F-4 E/G/F kit
A totally diferent kit from ESCI its an original kit


Best day

Armando

Hi RCF

Actually that's a beautiful detailed kit (the only but is that detail is engraved or positive is a reduction from the 1/48 kit and only come with a single set of decals) but you only need to do small surgery in tin IR part because it's more a D than C unless you did that so

The other option is the Hasegawa the new Phantom F-4C/D version come with interesting decals options and dumb bombs sets in the older kit you only get post Vietnam Schemes (there is also ESCI kits but lacks detail on the cockpit the other option is Fujimi F-4D but this one is only a third option after the Hase and the Monogram kits)


If you're planing to get more than one of the Monogram kits I can offer you a decal set for one you'll have duplicate because you only got one option with it

Best day
Armando

PS check the whole ARC F-4 Phantom guide for the mases is really interesting and educational 

the review for the Italeri Kits

you have

RF-4C/E
Hard wing, 2 types of burner cans (you better replace them) sparce cockpit with decals, nice recon nose but square type 2 types of mid wing pylons (crying to be replaced) no weapons or ECM, 2 external under wing fuel tanks + big under fuselage external fuel tank U/C can be possed up and down

2 Sets of Decals one for a USAF C JO tail marking and a Modern German Luftwaffe sample AG-51


F-4E/F/G
Sloted build wing moulded type, 2 types of burner cans (you better replace them) sparce cockpit with decals, two sets of under nose one for a gun armed E model and another for the G Wild Weasel model type 2 types of mid wing pylons (crying to be replaced) weapons (4 AIM-9 Sidewinders looks like P type + 4 AIM-7 Sparrows, ALQ-119 ECM, one AGM-45 Shrike, one AGM-78 Standard) 2 external under wing fuel tanks + big under fuselage external fuel tank U/C can be possed up and down (this kit shares clear parts and fuselage moulds with the early Recon model)

3 Sets of Decals one for a USAF E PN 3 TFW, USAF G PN 3 TFWl marking and a Modern F German Luftwaffe sample JBG-36

Here comes the review for the Aftermarkets sets for Phantom F-4 (not decals)

Complete Detail sets for Hasegawa kits Late molds
Verlinden Mostly etched parts F-4B/C/D/E/J/S
Cockpit detail for External canopy frames
Cockpit placards for B/C/D/J/S notice no E model
Radar Detail B/C/D/E/J/S (Resin + Etched)
Right Wing detail, and Photoetched detail for E/J/S afterburner cans (Resin + Etched)
Gatling gun (some parts but no canon barrel base contrary as included 1/48 scale detail set)
Ejection Seats nice resin samples

Aires for use in Revell Germany F-4F
Complete Cockpit, side panels and ejection seats (resin)
Cockpit intrument panels (frontal) & etched samples

KMC for use in a Hasewaga F-4J
Complete Cockpit, side panels and ejection seats (resin)
Cockpit intrument panels (frontal) & etched samples

KMC intakes for for use in a Hasewaga F-4

Airwaves (etched brass) F-4 canopy frames but there is another kit for folding wing mechanism

Aeroclub (White Metal)
Phantom U/C
Ejection Seats for British Phantoms

Fightpath (etched brass) USAF/US Navy Phantom Ladders (also inclues in built steps) 2 each

Airkit Enterprise (resin) RAF Phantom FOD Guards for Fujimi Kits

Pavla (resin) Ejection Seat MB Mk7 (2)

Delta Pub (resin) Israeli/Spanish F-4 IFR Probe

Aires (resin ) F-4F Phantom II Exhaust Nozzle (2)

High Flight (resin) Afterburner Set (2) for F-4E

Parangon (resin)
Phantom Flaps
Raphael AIM Phyton III (2) etched and Resin

True Detail Replacement wheels F-4 B/N, F-4 J/S, F-4 C/D/E/F/G, Ejection seats MB Mk7
Well thats all I know

Best day you all
Armando

Hi There

Well after reading about the thread of Chico the Gunfighter, I went to my stash and started to looking for the Phantom Gun ods of Vietnam War in 1/72 scale

Also interesting is that only Fujime USAF kits include center fuselaje weapon pylon so is this one accurate but also interesting is where to install it

So for Phantom use here comes the debrief

The SUU-16/A Ram Air Turbine driven pod this one is the early type (late '60)
Only one available Monogram / Acuratte Miniatures F-4D

The SUU-23/A gun pod, electric driven an improvement of the one mentioned before (early '70)
Fujimi RAF Phantom included
ESCI F-4C/J RAF Phantom (this one come with flat end) accuracy ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
also included in Hasegawa weapon set III PGM Also used by IIAF/IRIAF, South Korea & Spanish AF


Well 1/48 I remember 2 different gun pod sources both of them coming in Monogram kits one of course in the F-4D (one pod) and F-5E (two pods) but not sure witch one if SUU-16/A or SUU-23/A

Best day

Armando

PS Not sure if Iranians Phantoms also use some Mk20 cluster bombs also

Upps I forgot to mention all written before is intended for 1/72 scale

Best modeling

Armando

Looking Great George! All way around! If for some reason Bern cant get the decals to you I just realized I found a set,so now youve got a back up.Please do me a favor,write Me back,I dont think my messages are gettin through!

Another great thank you to berny. I did not know the stars were included. Thanks also to sidure and berny for pointing out the edge slats. I knew I was missing something. Not visible on the picture but the upper side was painted bare metal. I got distracted and forgot that side but I'll take care of that one this afternoon or tomorrow.

Thanks for looking and commenting Sparrowhyperion. In that respect I'm a bit dissapointed with Tamiya. This is a $100+ kit. Revell replace parts and decals hassle free even on a $10 kit. I know that some smarties would take advantage and that's a way for Tamiya to keeps those at bay, but come on, I'm not asking for a freebie replacement part for an expensive RC item.

mississippivol

Hey ya'll!

Wow, lots of Rhinoplasty and open intake surgery goin' on this weekend! Sorry to hear about the trouble you're having, Sparrow; I hope they get you taken care of quickly.

Glenn

Yeah Glenn, intake bypass in progress!

Dominic

Son Of Medicine Man

Rich:  I am really sorry to hear about your Monogram kit.  I know for me there is nothing more frustrating than to spend a lot of time on something only to find out you have to tear it all back apart.

Dominic:  All I can say is "WOW".  You are a lot more dedicated than I would be.  I would have given up and just started over with a new kit.  That is a serious overhaul you are undertaking!

Ken

Hey, I've thought of that, but it's kinda like the frog in the pot. I shouldn't have rushed it in the beginning to show progress....more haste, less speed.

Anyhow, i've got some real nice kits to soothe my nerves after this one!

Thanks

It's all hinging on Revell getting me a couple more fuselage halves, preferably the same length this time.  Then I have to try and get the cockpit to go in properly to the new fuselage.  It may not be an easy fit.  I had to shave down a bit on the cockpit when I removed it from the old fuselage half on one side.  The thing that ticks me off most is how well the cockpit painting came out.  I was really happy with it.  Now it's messed up to the point that I have to make it a closed cockpit, because it is never going to look that good again.