The Official F-4 Phantom II Group Build 2011

The Fujimi -K slowly approaches completion. Here's the remaining bits to attach, not counting the landing gear:

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And a look at the airframe with most decals on and re-clear coated:

I do hate crinkly-finish paint, but I have yet to figure out how to make my airbrush spray a smooth surface... This is my fourth model using clear, but I forgot just how thoroughly you have to wash the surface to get rid of the decal fluids. Large parts of the plane now have dull, random patches which are protected by the top coat but will never return any finish other than flat... That is so annoying, like the silvering, after spending so much time of the stencils.

Well, not too far to go now, and the next one will benefit from the lessons learned!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Today's progress, second day on decals, 26 new today so far, 42 in total and I haven't touched the underside yet...

The Fujimi decals are slightly off-register and re silvering quite a bit. I'm doing the old needle and setting solution trick and it seems to be helping. It can't take long to complete now!

Note 1:48 Sparrows that have been production-lined through at the same time...

Cheers, Mike/TB379

No worries, Bocks -- hope we cross paths on other builds.

Update, here's the weathering process so far, starting with a highly dilute oil wash, using black and brown, to create oil staining and dirt on the underside (it's clearer in real life):

Then the panel lines were washed with Promodeler Dark Dirt...

...which when buffed clean leaves a striking effect:

The nose gear well was wash detailed with oils -- it's a pity there's no similar detail in the main wells! Here's the underside of the engine bays:

Today was spent on decals, and most of the main topide markings are on. It'll take another day to complete them and overcoat with more clear, but then she'll really be in the home stretch.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Well guys,

I did not earn the badge, and need to move on.

All the best to every one who has added content to this GB.

A Happy and Better 2012!

Hi Mike and team, What a year it's been. Could you roll me over into Rhino III please - I'm still stalled but will hopefully take some time off work soon. Well done to those that finished their build(s) - there has been some fine work going on.

Some good stuff going on here as the year winds down!

Mike/TB379, I decided that I am just too far from completion that I will remove the "F" from the 2011 version of Rhino build and have you add me in for 2012. I did manage to earn a 2011 badge for the F-4G "Wild Weasel", so I don't need to worry about that.

Also I will add another Phantom to it when I decide which to do:

All Hasegawa, F-4E, F-4S, RF-4E 'Immelman Special', or an RF-4B (just ordered!) which is soon to join my family.

I will be hard to pick as for one, I have always built birds with teeth (armed) so an 'RF' version would be off my beaten path, Plus the "Immelman" has such large decals, they scare me a bit! Also true of several of the Navy and Marine versions in the 'S' and the RF-4B, which have large decals covering the tails. Bu then, I seem to have favored AF versions in the past, and I think maybe it's time to do something in USN or USMC! Decisions, decisions!

The picks are here, though the box art on the "E" and the "S" are older versions and are painting rather than photos, but the kits inside are the same, decals and all.

F-4S

F-4E

RF-4E "Immelman"

RF-4B  (Soon to arrive-Have a cigar!)

Anyway, I'm closing the curtain on the "F" for 2011 and on to 2012!

PHANTOMS PHOREVER!

(Note that I updated my signature profile to reflect this!)

68GT -- November 5th, no worries, will add her in where she belongs!

Cheers, M/TB379

After hitting the Sailor Jerry or maybe he's hitting me (might be tomorrow) this was tough for me to search out.  First posted about it back on July 3rd and probably started somewhere in the back half of June.  The RF didn't annoy me so much I guess at that point that I didn't say anything about starting it.  I finished it up back on November 5th but with the passing of Bernie I'm sure it got lost amongst other things.

Rest Well Buddie!

68GT -- it's been a saga and amazing to see this model evolve from the definition of a shelf queen into the spectacular display you have today! Page 1 has been updated!

In the process I realised your WWII tribute scheme F-4J is not on the Honour Wall, infact it's not even on the build list! I'll rectify that today -- can you remember, or do you have a note of, the date you completed that one? Even approximately -- that'll allow me to post it in its correct chronological position in the honours list.

Forging on with the -K today, weathering and clearcoating, maybe even get to decals...

Cheers, and happy 2012! Mike/TB379 (who will launch Rhinos III probably later today so the new thread is ready for US builders on January 1st. This thread will stay open as long as needed, also.)

Well the Revell 1/72 RF-4E is done and all I can say is that I will never build this kit again.

Kind of hard to beleve I went from this,

To this.

I still like this one that I finished earlier in this build the most.

Have a Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Thanks Mike,

I gave the RF a coat of Krylon Crystle Clear Satin early this morning and will get to work on it after my daughter's basketball game.  I'll attach the tail hook that I forgot about, do some dusting and a little more clear.

Looking good there, 68!

Today's work: I masked the demarkation for the main colours, as follows:

I applied the topside grey, using XF-63 as the closest available match (Gunze 333 would be exact), and protected the wide areas of white with a pieceof card before turning the beast over and spraying her upper surfaces:

I think I'll let the paint harden overnight, then unmask the demarcation, touch up as need be, and put some clear on tomorrow, then I'm into weathering and decals. I have some more white to spray on wheels, gear legs and the main doors, and will production line some more missiles for other kits on the same mixing.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Nice job Peter!

I just have to shoot the RF with some flat and dust the cans and I'll have it finished.  Could have done it tonight but decided to fix the little base provided with the kit since it broke.

Peter -- posted to p1! Well done!

Could folks still building touch base as we reach the end of the year and let me know if you'd like your project entered for Rhinos III? Also if I've missed anyone on the Honour Wall -- I think there's at least one... Unless I went back and picked up that omission already? Just let me know!

Cheers, Mike/TB379 (who must get masking for the next colour...!)

Hi,

Made it with one day to go had this week off no way i would have finished  it .The year has gone so fast and all those decals take so long to apply.The first photo for page one thanks it turned out ok at one stage i was thinking about bining it anyway here are the photos.

Hi all,

Well, the end of 2011 is almost upon us, which means Rhinos III will be launching for New Year. There are a number of builds in progress here, however, and anyone is welcome to complete a project under the auspicies of Rhinos II and collect a 2011 badge. I've already done the 2012 badges and they'll be available from day one on the new thread.

I'm completing my Fujimi -K on this thread and will transfer my other projects to the new one. Here's today's progress:

The canopy, missile wells and intakes were masked long ago, so today I masked the radome and metallic areas. I had intended to do two tones of metallic but frankly I could see so little difference in the shades of the bare metal areas on the real planes that in the end I could not be bothered masking and respraying for its own sake. Here's the tail:

And the underside overall:

With everything masked I gave the model a last wash in mild soapy water and let it air dry, then mixed Tamiya XF-2 and sprayed the underside, gear bays and payload:

I'm letting this lot dry overnight, and will mask the undersurface demarkations in the morning. Then on with the topside Dark Sea Grey, followed by unmasking of the separation line, and a coat of clear...

I'm not sure I'll have it finished by the turn of the year here, but it shouldn't take much longer.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

jimbot58

Ha! Here is an update: I decided to make the journey cross town to my LHS, and was rewarded with the fact that they actually had the #3 Hasegawa Air-to-Air weapons set in stock! I bought it (ignoring the impulse to by another kit I have my eye on-maybe it will stay unsold until tax time!!!) and returning my happy backside home, I extracted the Sidewinders I needed! I went to put the box away in my stash and would anybody care to guess what I saw?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Yes! I already had another complete set! I now have plenty of Sidewinders for future projects it seems. Not to mention plenty of Phoenix and Falcon missiles as well. I guess I can arm my only Tomcat kit a few times over! And the Falcons....I don't know!

Must be my age.......

They say there are 3 things that go as you get older: The first is your memory! Then there is.....uh....Well, I don't remember what the other thing was, but I'll think of it!

Or was there 2 more? Or 3?

What was I talking about anyway?

Hi Jim,

I did the very same thing more than once so I finally bit the bullet and put together a spreadsheet where I have listed every kit and after-market part I own.  I even went a step further and listed things that I am still looking for.  I put a column for placing an "X" next to the items I already own.  Now if I am not sure if I already have something or not, I can just open up my spreadsheet and take a look.

Ken

Hi,

Just a few photos nearly finished just a bit of painting details and weathering to go.It looks very dirty in the photos but less in reality i did go overboard first time weathering.Should finish on time if are no dramas.

Ha! Here is an update: I decided to make the journey cross town to my LHS, and was rewarded with the fact that they actually had the #3 Hasegawa Air-to-Air weapons set in stock! I bought it (ignoring the impulse to by another kit I have my eye on-maybe it will stay unsold until tax time!!!) and returning my happy backside home, I extracted the Sidewinders I needed! I went to put the box away in my stash and would anybody care to guess what I saw?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Yes! I already had another complete set! I now have plenty of Sidewinders for future projects it seems. Not to mention plenty of Phoenix and Falcon missiles as well. I guess I can arm my only Tomcat kit a few times over! And the Falcons....I don't know!

Must be my age.......

They say there are 3 things that go as you get older: The first is your memory! Then there is.....uh....Well, I don't remember what the other thing was, but I'll think of it!

Or was there 2 more? Or 3?

What was I talking about anyway?

Thanks Mike/TB. I think it might be best to go ahead and register it for Rhino II I guess as I do have a minor little set back. As we all know, Hasegawa kits include no weapons most of the time and it seems I've used up most of my Sidewinder stash. I need to find another Hasegawa air to air set, but my two main sources, Sprue B. and Squadron are out of stock. I see them listed at Tower Hobbies, but I haven't dealt with them before. Does anyone know if their inventory is real time? I mean, do they list what they have in stock? It is also listed at two other sites that I have not heard of: Oak Ridge Hobbies and Toysonics....

In the mean time, I will have to decide if I will build the "E", "S" or even the RF-4E Immelman Special I have after completing the "F". Not to mention that RF-4B that's still on special at SB.......

The F-105G Thud will continue and maybe added to the Berny Memorial build if that goes ahead as planned.

Jim

Jimbot -- don't worry about the deadline, you're welcome to go ahead and complete inside the terms of Rhinos II if you like. It looks absolutely fantastic, BTW! A lot of folks have not been able to come to grips with their projects this year, real life is a pita -- of my five I am hoping to finish one, starting on it tomorrow, from the pre-painting stage, now my M1 is out of the way.

I'll officially launch Rhinos III on New Year's day and all who would like their listed project to be transfered over -- just say the word.

Right, Fujimi F-4K, let's get you done...

Mike/TB379

Still plugging away at the decals, but still have had little time to work on it. Got next to nothing done while I was off last week, so needless to say, this bird won't be completed by the end of the week.

I wanted to make a bit of a change and vary from the standard three tanks hanging under the German Rhino. I saw a photo of one carrying a rack of MK.82's on the center line station. The only problem is that Hasegawa only provides the attached pylons for the 600 gal. tank there and nothing else. I do have a Fujimi F-4E in my stash and it is provided with both tanks and pylons, center and outer stations. I haven't decided whether to steal it or just try to copy it. It shouldn't be difficult as not much of it would be visible once the TER (BRU-41) and 6 MK's are attached.

The other thing will be some Sidewinders, but no Sparrows (AIM-7) as early F's did not have the ability to fire them. Later upgraded F's could carry AMRAAM's (AIM-120) but I am going to assume my F did not yet have the ICE upgrade.

I also do some work on the F-105 as I go, with the fuselage FINALLY buttoned together and I guess I will work on both for the Berny build when it gets off the ground. At least I got one badge here for my 'Geasel'.

Run into some issues but fixed them up.  I hope to have this finished by the weekend.

Hey all, working on my two Phantoms, the RAAF 1 Sqn RL bird and my RAAF 77 Sqn "What if" with one seat and modified intakes etc. Got the underside on the 77 bird sprayed and the 1 Sqn one primered up, pics when painted :)

jimbot58

I have learned that it is useless to have any loyalty towards any company as they will certainly have none for you.

I wish I had tried to get a better education when I was younger, but hind-sight is always 20/20, as the old cliche' goes. There was no money to do so as Dad was a construction worker who was often out of work. My grades were terrible in school so the idea of any kind of scholarship was out of the question. It wasn't that I couldn't do the work, I just wouldn't! I was told that (not to toot my own horn or anything) I am an individual with above average intelligence, and most likely was bored with the whole public school scenario. There wasn't much pressure at home to excel as both parents never finished school. Dad was the product of German immigrants, and worked the sugar beet fields of Nebraska. His education stopped at the 6th grade. Mom was the product of an illegitimate birth to an alcoholic woman in the less than nice urban section of Chicago, and only attended school to the 8th grade.My basic school work was beyond them so there was no help at home.

Hi Jim,

We could be identical twins from your description.  I too did not apply myself in high school.  Just barely graduated.  Many years later (when I was 30 years old) and I applied at Purdue University, they looked at my high school grades and literally laughed out loud at me!  While the guy was laughing, and wiping the tears out of his eyes, he suggested I take some of the required math courses at a local community college.  Well, once again pissed off, I did (algebra, trig, etc.) and made straight A's.  I went back and applied again.  This time there wasn't any laughing.

Anyway, I am now 54 years old.  The courses I am now taking are not for a degree.  They are actually for a certification working with Cisco networking hardware (CCNA).  With that certification and my already accumulated work experience, I can pretty much get a job just about any where.  The degree has to be in a job field that is in demand to be worth anything.  Another field that is in high demand is nursing.  If you have a RN degree, you are set.

Ken

When I was a kid back in the early '60s, there was a show called Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, starring a guy named Marlin Perkins.

I remember an episode documenting salmon trying to get over a water fall. Man, they just kept jumping up and falling back, jumping up and falling back.

Yeah, the ones that gave up for exhaustion got eaten by bears........nice finish to a hard day's work. Yeah, this decline sucks, but even though I don't know what I'm going to be doing for sure in a year from now, I figure I'll do just about anything to keep out of reach of those bears.....

Speaking of jumping up and falling back, I miscalculated on the intake duct lengths, and it took me about a dozen dry fits to see the obvious. I got the turbine cones figured out though, and am still trying to find a solution for the flame holders that can be scratched, that is without deliberately pulling my finger nails off with pliers just to relieve the pain of frustration!

I need some styrene tubing, inner ring about 1cm, middle ring about 1.5 cm, and outer about 2.8 or so. Luckily I have the Tamiya kit handy as a pattern, it doesn't do an accurate job but it is a simple set up.....where are those pliers.....

The Revell kit didn't include Wittman-area-ruling around the fuselage containing the engines, so i had to modify a bulkhead to give her 'hips.' Finally found a solution to the warpage around the front missile bays and got that glued in place. Repared a major crack that emerged in the rear of the wing assemby - result of super brittle 30 year old plastic and way too many dry fittings.....over stressed for sure.

I may not get all this accomplished within the official time, but I sure did get a lot done in this build, so if I don't get the "F-4RP" finished before closing time, I'll move the last bits over to another build.

An associate at work told me that the times we live in right now are like a 'shish' bath, and I didn't have anything to disagree with him on that. Just got to hang tough and keep trying to get over the 'foaming' waterfall, lot's of 'foaming' bears around just waiting.......

I have learned that it is useless to have any loyalty towards any company as they will certainly have none for you.

I wish I had tried to get a better education when I was younger, but hind-sight is always 20/20, as the old cliche' goes. There was no money to do so as Dad was a construction worker who was often out of work. My grades were terrible in school so the idea of any kind of scholarship was out of the question. It wasn't that I couldn't do the work, I just wouldn't! I was told that (not to toot my own horn or anything) I am an individual with above average intelligence, and most likely was bored with the whole public school scenario. There wasn't much pressure at home to excel as both parents never finished school. Dad was the product of German immigrants, and worked the sugar beet fields of Nebraska. His education stopped at the 6th grade. Mom was the product of an illegitimate birth to an alcoholic woman in the less than nice urban section of Chicago, and only attended school to the 8th grade.My basic school work was beyond them so there was no help at home.

Not to be a downer Ken, but Deb already has 2 associates degrees and is almost done with her bachelor's in medical office technology.  She is also a CMA and has been out of work for almost 4 years.   She is finding out the hard way that a degree isn't the same guarantee of a new job that it used to be.  She can't even get into fast foods or retail because employers don't want to hire candidates like her since they figure that they won't be there long, and are over-qualified.  She has exhausted all of her student loan options and when she finishes this degree, she will only have 6 months before she will have to start paying back her student loans, unless she can figure a way to continue with some kind of Masters program.  She eventually hopes to be an RN.  But the chances look bleak.  With me on permanent disability, it's going to be a slim xmas...  And if the idiots in DC don't start earning their over-inflated salaries, it's just going to get worse for all of us.  I have a strategy for the next election.  If they are incumbent, I will be voting for their opponent. lol

Rich

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi Jim,

My stress is no where near the level you are at.  I know it sounds cliche, but it will get better eventually.  I have not had the luxury of keeping a job myself for more than 6 years and that one I finally quit because I just couldn't take it any more.  All the other ones I was laid off from.  So I have an idea of what you are talking about.  It totally sucks.

I finally learned that I could not depend on a job being there for me.  I had to depend on myself and put myself first and the job second.  That is the reason I am taking the classes I am in now.  It sucks going to class while working a full time job.  But when I get done, I will be a lot more marketable in the event my job does dry up.

I am in no way offering advice.  I am just saying I understand the pain and stress you are going through.  That is why I am going through the drudgery of going to school because it pissed me off so much when I was in the place you are now.  I have had crappy bosses and been in situations where I felt there was no way out.  The economy right now is bad and of course your employer knows that.

What I meant by "mind set" was that you are in control of how you feel.  I know that might sound like a bunch of hippie talk, and it is hard to actually put into practice.  But if you really think about it, you can choose how you want to feel.

Any way, I personally wish the best for you.  I think you are a terrific person.  And most certainly a great model builder!  You deserve a break!  I hope it comes soon for you.  Just hang it there!

Ken

Hi Jim,

My stress is no where near the level you are at.  I know it sounds cliche, but it will get better eventually.  I have not had the luxury of keeping a job myself for more than 6 years and that one I finally quit because I just couldn't take it any more.  All the other ones I was laid off from.  So I have an idea of what you are talking about.  It totally sucks.

I finally learned that I could not depend on a job being there for me.  I had to depend on myself and put myself first and the job second.  That is the reason I am taking the classes I am in now.  It sucks going to class while working a full time job.  But when I get done, I will be a lot more marketable in the event my job does dry up.

I am in no way offering advice.  I am just saying I understand the pain and stress you are going through.  That is why I am going through the drudgery of going to school because it pissed me off so much when I was in the place you are now.  I have had crappy bosses and been in situations where I felt there was no way out.  The economy right now is bad and of course your employer knows that.

What I meant by "mind set" was that you are in control of how you feel.  I know that might sound like a bunch of hippie talk, and it is hard to actually put into practice.  But if you really think about it, you can choose how you want to feel.

Any way, I personally wish the best for you.  I think you are a terrific person.  And most certainly a great model builder!  You deserve a break!  I hope it comes soon for you.  Just hang it there!

Ken

Jim;

Didn't realize things were so rocky at work, that sounds rough enough.

I can see those balsa blocks really come in handy.

That cockpit tub looks pretty good for scratch, did you take/post pictures as you were building it up, if not would like to see how you assembled it.

All the best,

Dom