The Official F-4 Phantom II Group Build 2011

Awesome work on the afterburners there Dominic!  Very impressive! 

Thanks George for the tip about using that epoxy for seam filling.  Looks like it works pretty darn good.  I would have to agree with you about avoiding sanding like the plague.  Since this is my first build, I can't say from experience but it sure makes a lot of sense.  Looks like it would be a lot easier not having to repair any details that could get erased from sanding.

Well my hose and fittings for my new airbrush have arrived so first thing Saturday morning I will be trying it out!  It will be good to have progress resume on my F-4E.  Maybe this weekend I can have that cockpit finished!  I will post some pictures tomorrow night to show my progress.  On another note, I just received a phone call from one of my computer customers that will be dropping off a computer.  That means some more cash to go hunting on ebay with!  Life is good!

Ken

tamiya 1/32 f4j oob which iv just this minute started :)

Hi all.

Haven't posted in this thread for a while. Been trying to complete other builds and get stuff out of the way. Slowly but surely it's happening. But I couldn't resist starting the F4D. I had to start it for my club challenge anyway (hopefully I will get this one done on time). So far I have dremeled out the lower part of the setas that were moulded into the cockpit tub (nice one Revellogram) and done some sanding and scratching for the tub to accept the Aires seats, glued the upper wing halves to the lower one-piece wing halve which is similar to Tamiya's engineering and also begun rescribing the appauling raised detail. It's my first time rescribing raised detail and I must say it is going rather well. Will post pics soon.

I might add that I'm seeing a lot of great stuff going on here. Awesome job on the 1/32nder El Taino. Love the paint.

Ciao for now.

Eatthis -- P1 updated with your details, it'll be great to see another of the big Tamiyas go together!

SMG -- good luck with the rescribe, it's probably not too bad in 1:48. I was looking at the Hasegawa F-4C/D earlier and will definitely be rescribing it when I get around to it. It's a nuisance to have to, but the job should be fairly straightforward at this size. I have a 1:72 partially rescribed but the curved surfaces were really challenging me and I have not worked out how to handle them at that size... One day I will!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

oortiz10

Hey everyone,

I have a question about the F-4C.  I'm building an early -C (circa 1966 w/ Navy style pylons) and am using one picture for reference (apparently only one photo exists).  Problem is, the pic doesn't show the wingtips.  I noticed that Hase's F-4 has what looks to me as formation lights molded onto the wingtips.  Here's a line drawing of an -EJ showing what's molded on the Hase's plastic:

Would early -Cs have this detail (formation light), or should I sand it off my build?

Thanks!

-O

You will have to sand them off.  The strip light mod wasn't started until around 1971/1972 time period.

Nice work on the a/b's, Bock's! They look really good.

I started painting the SEA camo the other day; underside grey is on, and I hope to shoot the tan this evening. I'm going to try something different for me in regards to panel lines. I'm going to write them on in pencil after the color coats, then seal them in with the glosscote when I do the decals.

Glenn

im also starting a revell 1 32 f4f

eatthis

im also starting a revell 1 32 f4f

Hey eatthis, what kit number is that?

Thanks

number 04785 its revell ag i dont know if its the saem outside europe

Thanks eatthis, and welcome to the build.

Yeah that's a retooled kit from my '80's version. It looks good and the reshaped nose doesn't look like it needs any revision. They corrected alot of issues with your kit, 'oughta look real good.

Well, I haven't accomplished a whole lot lately and seemed to have been side-tracked by the weapons pylons. They have been painted with chaff dispensers installed and pylons for the Shrike and AGM-78's added. The weapons also have been prepped for painting.  Although this is a step towards completion, I need to kick myself back to working on the main fuselage. I would like to be able to decal soon on it, but always seem to hedge on the clear-coat stage, as I always have some trouble getting a really smooth finish. I have used either Testors Gloss-coat or sometimes Floquil Crystal-coat. The Crystal-coat gives a nice finish, but something happens if you handle it too much and it becomes a bit 'tacky'. Reacts to the oils in your skin or something I want to try Future but it will be new to me so here again, I hesitate.

Those chaff dispensers mounted on the weapons pylons brought up a few questions. One reference said that they were added to the "E" in the early mid 70's but not the "F" or "G". However, both the kit instructions of these models show them installed and a on-line photo searches show them used on both these versions. These photos, though, show that different dispensers were used on inboard/outboard sides, with one that fired straight back and the other at a downward angle. I don't want to change anything now, but would like to know for future references.

Also, I do know that a totally different system was used on USN/USMC birds.....

jimbot58:

After all those manifolds, I am toast. I may have to bevel them a bit as well. Yeah, the weather man said if you're a bit out of sorts, just look outside to find out why!

Talk about side-tracked, I still haven't found flame holders for my AB's.

This got my blood pressure up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twYDrC9pY-k

I think I'll watch it again with morning coffee, that'll get me going....

iv been up all night (i cant sleep when the wifes on nights :( ) and iv got bugger all to show for it :(

fortunately the revell has a shelf thats perfect for fixing batons in place so i can mount it with ali rod :)

jimbot58

Those chaff dispensers mounted on the weapons pylons brought up a few questions. One reference said that they were added to the "E" in the early mid 70's but not the "F" or "G". However, both the kit instructions of these models show them installed and a on-line photo searches show them used on both these versions. These photos, though, show that different dispensers were used on inboard/outboard sides, with one that fired straight back and the other at a downward angle. I don't want to change anything now, but would like to know for future references.

Also, I do know that a totally different system was used on USN/USMC birds.....

The AN/ALE-40 chaff/flair dispensers were used on the D/E/F/G Phantoms.  The chaff dispenser fired straight back and the flair dispenser fired down at an angle.  I am not sure if the British used them on their Phantoms or if they were used on the F-4EJ.  I have seen pictures of them loaded on the pylons of the RF-4C.

Depending on the mission and threat would determine on how many of each was carried.  Normal load out would be two of each dispensers.

I was having trouble with the #2 engine intake.  It left a gap where the lower intake mates to the fuselage.  I mean a serious gap.   around 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch.  Used styrene to fill the gap now it's not as bad.   Getting it ready for it first shot of paint soon.

Been doing a bit of painting yesterday, as always, sorry for the cr*ppy quality of the photos:

I gave the weapons and ECM pod an initial coat of flat white but will shoot gloss on later, as I get better coverage that way. The ALQ pod also gets some areas painted black near the ends. Also painted stabilators (underside is bottom gray) but need to work on BMF after some more research for correct looking colors Also finished up weapons pylons. Nearby, on the left, is one of the drop tanks that I will need to rescribe a few lines. Some lost to seam work and another is mis-aligned.

Did some work on the main body-installed the pitot tube and after filling and sanding around the joint, (it is made of brass) I shot on it's coat of semi-gloss black. Looks a bit stark to me right now, but I figure it will even out once I start finish coating the fuselage.

And thank you, Berny, for the info on the flare/chaff dispensers. It seems that Hasegawa only provided the chaff and not the flare. I suppose I could have done some sort of mod, but I don't care to at this time. Perhaps on the "F" if I ever get back to it.....

Jim, what kind of paint color research?

If you mean "paint that works",,,,,,give Talon a try,,,,,,it's one of the very few paints that Anne thinks "smells good" as I use it here at my place. Most of the time, she says things like "ohhh, you've been painting in here again, haven't you?" if a verrrryyyy accusatory tone of voice,,,,,,,even with PolyScale paints, lol

Talon has the advantage of being tintable with PolyScale or Testors Acrylics,,,,,,and even though he's discontinued Steel,,,,you can still get a bottle here and there at the vendors

I have a paint question of my own. I've been using my MM enamels up as I switch to PolyScale,,,,,,I have a ton of MM White and Lt Gull Gray,,,,,,,,pretty soon I am going to be using Floquil/PolyScale Reefer White as my basecoat for Lifecolor acrylics,,,,,,,,anyone have any opinions on PolyScale as a basecoat concerning adhesion and durability? I like White as my primer because if "the model is right" at that point, I am halfway to having it painted after priming.

my simple plan is to shoot the aircraft with acrylic Reefer White overall, then Lifecolor for the Lt Gull Gray, and Talon for the metal areas,,,,,,and then whatever I have here until I  use up my stock for small trim areas, etc

Sound like a workable plan?,,,,,,,,at least until I get all switched over in paint stocks?

Rex

Hi Everyone,

Nice work eatthis!  Especially the cockpit.  Looks real good!

Jim, your Phantom is coming along very well.  I can't wait to see it when it is finished!

I finally got up the nerve to start using my airbrush.  For my first time with it, I am very happy with the results.  For those who don't remember, I started to paint the cockpit using a paint brush.  Here is a picture of how that turned out:

And another of the instrument panel:

Now here is a picture with the same piece done with an airbrush:

Another view:

And the instrument panel:

It is really amazing how my camera picks up such detail in these pictures.  The finish looks rough but when you look at it with the naked eye, it looks good.  Even under my lighted magnifying glass it looks smooth.  Also, this is in 1/48 scale.

Ken

plodding along with my 2 rhinos i didnt go to bed at all last night so i really need to tonight im knackered lol

Ken:

That looks great! Your air brush was worth the wait. You sure this is your 'First Time'?

Really that's such an improvement, the kit's gonna' look dynamite.

eatthis

plodding along with my 2 rhinos i didnt go to bed at all last night so i really need to tonight im knackered lol

Hey eatthis, I like the look of that Revell 4785, where did you get it, is it still available?

-Thanks

Pretty productive weekend, ya'll! I won't mention names so I don't miss anyone, but all the work looks great.

Glenn

had it ages i think i got it from ebay 2nd hand no idea if its still abvailable sorry

TarnShip: What I meant about 'color research' is this: The instructions for the kits call out for "Silver" and "Steel" on the Italeri and the same for the Hasegawa with the addition of "Burnt Iron". I had originally painted with the Testors Silver and Steel years ago on this kit and the results were not good. It hade to go with the rest of the paint! I went looking for photos of Rhinos to get an idea of color shading, light or dark. I have Metalizer paint to use and though they are a PITA to use, I have managed in the past. I heard good things about the Talon paint and want to give them a shot someday, they are not in my budget for now. I did manage to get an idea for which areas to leave brighter and which to darken.

One thing I did find in my search was several photos showing that stab plate to be painted as opposed to bare metal as I originally thought. I corrected this tonight.

SonOfMedicineMan: I agree about the camera picking up so much that the eye doesn't see. I picked up several errors after photographing my work with my little camera. Remind me to not allow my photo to be taken any time soon!

starting to look more like phantoms now

berny13

 

oortiz10:

 

Hey everyone,

I have a question about the F-4C.  I'm building an early -C (circa 1966 w/ Navy style pylons) and am using one picture for reference (apparently only one photo exists).  Problem is, the pic doesn't show the wingtips.  I noticed that Hase's F-4 has what looks to me as formation lights molded onto the wingtips.  Here's a line drawing of an -EJ showing what's molded on the Hase's plastic:

 

Would early -Cs have this detail (formation light), or should I sand it off my build?

Thanks!

-O

 

 

You will have to sand them off.  The strip light mod wasn't started until around 1971/1972 time period.

Berny:

I picked up a Revell 50th Anniversary F-4f and noticed that they have extra seats that aren't used.

They would dress up the cockpit  of my build, but I'm wondering if they are Navy issue, or what they are; i.e. I noticed the kit includes the pylons for both Navy and Airforce. It might not be too great to put the wrong seats in.

Thanks

Hi guys, Lots of great  work going on here. Unfortunately I've hit a bit of a brick wall.

My local model shop (Acorn Models) was destroyed in the recent Christchurch earthquake. I've heard everyone got out OK, but being situated at "ground Zero" my lines of supply have been disrupted.

(A minor inconvenience compared to the tragic circumstances many others are living through)

I,ve got a list on my wall of stuff that I was going to pick up on my next trip to the city and on the top of that list is flat white paint - I'm out.

Looking into a mail order supplier but no-one seems to be able  to post enamel paints.

Anyway, keep up the good work team.

Rag: Glad you're ok, hope things get better for Christchurch soon.

Glenn

Bockscar

Berny:

I picked up a Revell 50th Anniversary F-4f and noticed that they have extra seats that aren't used.

They would dress up the cockpit  of my build, but I'm wondering if they are Navy issue, or what they are; i.e. I noticed the kit includes the pylons for both Navy and Airforce. It might not be too great to put the wrong seats in.

Thanks

You got me wondering so I pulled out my Revell F-4F and looked it over.  The original kit supplied seats were generic MB Mk-7 seats which were fair.  The extra tree with the other seats are much closer to the actual seats and are more detailed.  The only problem I see is on the extra seats, the main chute pack is a little too pointed at the top.  A little sanding on them and they will look better.  What I can't figure out is they improved on the seats but still did nothing about the radome.  You will have three options with it.  Go with the AM radome, do a lot of filling and sanding, or use it and hope no one will notice.

With all of the other errors with the kit it is a challange to build.

berny13

 

Bockscar:

 

Berny:

I picked up a Revell 50th Anniversary F-4f and noticed that they have extra seats that aren't used.

They would dress up the cockpit  of my build, but I'm wondering if they are Navy issue, or what they are; i.e. I noticed the kit includes the pylons for both Navy and Airforce. It might not be too great to put the wrong seats in.

Thanks

 

 

You got me wondering so I pulled out my Revell F-4F and looked it over.  The original kit supplied seats were generic MB Mk-7 seats which were fair.  The extra tree with the other seats are much closer to the actual seats and are more detailed.  The only problem I see is on the extra seats, the main chute pack is a little too pointed at the top.  A little sanding on them and they will look better.  What I can't figure out is they improved on the seats but still did nothing about the radome.  You will have three options with it.  Go with the AM radome, do a lot of filling and sanding, or use it and hope no one will notice.

With all of the other errors with the kit it is a challange to build.

That's three generations of seats from Revell for the 1/32 F-4F. Thanks, I'll use the 2nd generation seats in my Early Revel build, they are still a huge improvement over the 1st gen tooling.

Berny, the Revell radome looks very close to the photos of the F-4Fs I've pulled off of the net. To my untrained eye I cannot see the problem. But now I know it's there, I need to figure it out.

How would you describe the problem and is there a picture or link that can show me the difference? -much appreciated.