The Official F-4 Phantom II Group Build 2011

good luck O. i totally know what you mean about dropping a job mid life to finish school. 1 more semester myself and im a murse!(male nurse)

Bockscar

Smoke those grades pal...

There are only 5 more weeks until graduation!  I just have 15 more hours of internships to complete, and I'm holding on to straight A's by the skin of my teeth.  I'll be happy once I'm done. 

Well, I won't really be done...

I applied and got accepted to, my school's teacher's credential program.  Come January I'll have to quit my full-time job (yikes!) and commit full-time to the two semester program.  It's kinda scary thinking about leaving the security of something I've known for the past 12 years, but I'm excited to do it.  The prospects for educational professionals in California's are kinda bleak at the moment, and although I don't believe in destiny or fate,  I'm motivated by the fact that I'm on my way to doing something that I've felt I was meant to do.  I'll be taking a big financial cut next year because I'll still be in school, student teaching, and not working at my cushy job, but I'll have more free time which means...

...MORE BUILDING!

Now maybe I can finally make a dent in my (small) stash...

Wish me luck!

Cheers!

-O

Someone mentioned that it is only 7 weeks until the finish of this GB? Where has the year gone?

I did manage to finish the Geasel, although it technically was a build that was over 15 to 20 years to complete, and it is posted up at the front. The German Luftwaffe 'F' has made slow progress, though I am happy to say that last night I managed to place a massive amount of decals on it! By that I actually mean two....... The German crosses are placed on the outer wings on top. I will do a few more this evening, and perhaps I may complete this kit to finish out this GB.

I would be interested in the 2012 Rhino GB as there are still 3 unbuilt Hasegawa Phantoms on the shelf. Not to mention an 'RF' that is marked down at SB, but never seem to have the cash on hand...

oortiz I can totally understand how you feel as job and looking after an elderly parent seems to sap not only my time, but my will as well. That's why i am not going to rush the 'F'! If I finish, great! If not....oh, well!

peterjb I have had the same happen to me as the MM paints I use never seem to be consistent. I have had variations in not only shades, but sheen and thickness of the paint as well! One of the colors I used for my 'Wild Weasel' was so thin when I bought it, I practically sprayed it straight from the bottle, no thinner needed! I had some sheen issues with the 'F' but that is to be expected, as I custom mixed the colors using both gloss and flats. Took a bit of extra care to cover all with gloss.

oortiz10

(sigh)

OK Phantom fans, I’m officially throwing in the towel on this GB. 

It’s November and because of my work and school commitments, I’m not finding the time at the bench I need to get these bad boys done.  As a matter of fact, I really haven’t had much time to keep up with the GB or updates.  The last time I looked at the board (before recently “catching up”) was back in late September around the time of Berny’s passing, and I last posted any progress way back in early September! 

I think the burdens of scribing and riveting the Hasegawa kit and wresting with that mess Monogram calls an F-4C (tons of flash, terrible fit; broken parts), coupled with my school and work schedule, may have finally got the best of me.  For now, I think I’ll step back from the Phantoms and throw a shake-n-bake kit or two together to get my plastic mashing *** back.  (Think Tamiya’s P-51 & P-47.)  

I read that there are plans to have an annual Berny and/or F-4 GB going forward, so I think I’ll come back in 2012 and finish these animals off.  Until then, I’ll be watching everyone’s progress and enjoying your finished builds.

Cheers!

-O

Smoke those grades pal.......lol......

(sigh)

OK Phantom fans, I’m officially throwing in the towel on this GB. 

It’s November and because of my work and school commitments, I’m not finding the time at the bench I need to get these bad boys done.  As a matter of fact, I really haven’t had much time to keep up with the GB or updates.  The last time I looked at the board (before recently “catching up”) was back in late September around the time of Berny’s passing, and I last posted any progress way back in early September! 

I think the burdens of scribing and riveting the Hasegawa kit and wresting with that mess Monogram calls an F-4C (tons of flash, terrible fit; broken parts), coupled with my school and work schedule, may have finally got the best of me.  For now, I think I’ll step back from the Phantoms and throw a shake-n-bake kit or two together to get my plastic mashing *** back.  (Think Tamiya’s P-51 & P-47.)  

I read that there are plans to have an annual Berny and/or F-4 GB going forward, so I think I’ll come back in 2012 and finish these animals off.  Until then, I’ll be watching everyone’s progress and enjoying your finished builds.

Cheers!

-O

Finished sea scheme the tan and light green are matt but for some reason they made the d green semi gloss and i didnt thin it enough and it came out rough going to give it two coats of gloss clear to try and make it smooth. Three photos before gloss clear.

ive been plugging away on my 72nd  f4c. ive got the cockpit done, wheel covers, and intakes glued on. the fit on the intakes arent the greatest, but with a couple of applications of mr. surfacer i hope to smooth things out. so any way heres the pics.

anyway thanks for looking and id appreciate any and all comments!

                                                                                                                               SAR

Well, I have been doing a ton of research over the last couple of days, trying to make sure I get this build just perfect...It is going to be a gift to my Father after all.  After many conversations with him, and hours of internet searching, I have finally found actual photos of 362 returning from Ritchie and DeBellvue's double mig kill day, thay can be found here http://martycavato.smugmug.com/Other/Udorn-Thailand-1971-72/6823442_sqPLrQ#436084557_Rc2mB I hope this helps anyone else that is planning or working on a Vietnam Phantom Build!!

Son Of Medicine Man

Hi SuperB60ce,

That is quite a collection of Phantoms you got there!  Very impressive!

Funny you should mention the A-26A (B-26K) conversion kit from Cutting Edge.  I just watched one go for $141.38 on eBay today.  They always show up when I am low on cash.  The odds will eventually be in my favor and I will nab it.

Very sorry to hear about your Step-Dad passing away.  Did he happen to share any stories with you?  Very cool to have those numbers on his tail!  Did he have any nose art to match up with it?  I would love to model a Nimrod in his honor.

Ken

Most of his stories were about high school or being at the Academy...he did not talk much about Vietnam...I did hear some interesting and almost unbelievable things from others in the unit, and most of them are backed up by his Silver Star citation.  My mom has photos of his A-26 missing half a tail and shot up pretty bad...several photos from different missions...All I know for sure...when he was an A-10 driver in the 80's...he flat out REFUSED to fly A-10 tail no 666.  I have the Italeri A-26A kit in 1:72 and the units decals and markings to build his bird...there was no nose art on 666...oh, and he flew the last ever mission in that bird, from Thailand to Hurlburt where she rests as a display.

Hi SuperB60ce,

That is quite a collection of Phantoms you got there!  Very impressive!

Funny you should mention the A-26A (B-26K) conversion kit from Cutting Edge.  I just watched one go for $141.38 on eBay today.  They always show up when I am low on cash.  The odds will eventually be in my favor and I will nab it.

Very sorry to hear about your Step-Dad passing away.  Did he happen to share any stories with you?  Very cool to have those numbers on his tail!  Did he have any nose art to match up with it?  I would love to model a Nimrod in his honor.

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

 

Bockscar:

 

Is this it?

 

 

Hi Dominic,

Yes, that is it.  If you can find it, that would be just awesome!

My goal is to build every aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War in 1/48 scale.  (If possible, of course there are some aircraft that would make that nearly impossible such as the C-5A Galaxy!)

I am close to actually acquiring all of the kits or as close as possible to the version that has been produced.  I am thinking if I can't get my hands on this conversion kit I will try to scratch build it.  Of course that will be after I have built up my skill level.

Ken

Ken

I sold one of those with the base kit and all the extras about 3 years ago for less than 200 bucks...I just did not feel like rescribing the A-26...so I bought the new 1:72 kit instead...btw, if you are still in the market, I have the upgraded Verlinden P/W engines needed for that conversion.  I really wish I could have built the Nimrod for my Step-Dad before he died...his was tail no 666

Update...WIP pics already.

Initial Parts Prime

This will be build number two:

My Work Area:

My "Bench Stock"

I'm going to stick a fork in this one and call it done!  Now back to the RF that I started way back in the beginning.

Thunderbolt379

SuperB60ce -- never too late! Welcome aboard and here's hoping you can do them both in the next seven weeks.

I'll update p1 -- just let me know what kits/manufacturers!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Ok, so after digging through my stash, and ordering a few "extras" for this build, I have decided / confirmed exactly what I am going to do.

1.  1:48 Scale Craft / ESCI F-4E, True Details Wheels, Verlinden seats, 3rd Wire Exhausts,and Fox One Decals to depict F-4E-38-MC 67-362 "Paula 01" 58th TFS Gorillas TDY from Eglin to Udorn 1972.  This aircraft was borrowed by Steve Ritchie and Ed DeBellvue (555th TFS) and dispatched two Mig-21s on 8Jul72.  My father was the Propulsion Maintenance Officer for the 58th at that time.

2.  1:48 Hasegawa F-4J with AirDOC conversion to F-4D, Airies Cockpit, Airies Exhaust, Cutting Edge Seamless Intakes, and Xtradecals to depict F-4D 66-502, 48th TFW, RAF Lakenheath 1975.  My father was a WSO in this wing from 74-76, and sat Nuke Alert.

Hi ive been lurking here from the start this is my first phantom so i went through last years group build for info and saw how much info berny gave to the gb Rest in Peace berny. Im building revells 1/48 f-4c in hawaii ang box art with am seats. I have only got back into the hobby 16 months ago after about 10 years only ever built oob .When i was washing the sprues i saw that the seats were molded in cockpit easy fix i thought but the cockpit is not wide enough and the seats to high so i made cockpit 1mm wider and as deep as i could i still had to take 3mm of front seat and a bit less of back seat .I added detail to cockpit using photo of resin one. The kit went together well only the intakes needed bit of work.I have just finished painting the nose i will post photos in day or two .Photo of cockpit and model nearly ready for paint.

peter

SuperB60ce -- never too late! Welcome aboard and here's hoping you can do them both in the next seven weeks.

I'll update p1 -- just let me know what kits/manufacturers!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

SuperB60ce

Is it too late to get in on this...my Dad, retired Phantom WSO, wants me to build one of his nuke alert birds...then asked if I could also build one from when they went TDY from Eglin to Udorn....I got a little catching up to do...at least I have everything I need except expendables.

 

So I guess, put me down for 1/48th F-4D 48th TFW Lakenheath cir 1975 and 1/48th F-4E (hard wing / short gun) 58th TFS Udorn 1972

Is it too late to get in on this...my Dad, retired Phantom WSO, wants me to build one of his nuke alert birds...then asked if I could also build one from when they went TDY from Eglin to Udorn....I got a little catching up to do...at least I have everything I need except expendables.

So I guess, put me down for 1/48th F-4D 48th TFW Lakenheath cir 1975 and 1/48th F-4E (hard wing / short gun) 58th TFS Udorn 1972

Jim, that detail is really popping!

well i finally got off my duff and started my acc. min. f4c. im gonnna go wheels up and make a stand ala pat hawkly (sp?) so i put on the wheel well covers before i glued the lower wing to the uppers. so far so good  

Hi Jim,

Very nice job!  Looks great!   

Ken

Hello all!

Finally got back onto the net, but sadly I see little activity here as of late. No doubt many of you have been as busy as I, with little time to devote to either projects or the forum.

I have managed a bit of time here and there for the F (and also my 'Thud'). I am working on the panel lines using a wash as described in a supplement included in the last issue of FSM I picked up off the news stand.

It consists of acrylic paint (Pollyscale in my case) water and dish soap mixed into a sludge, and applied to the lines. I use cotton swabs  to wipe away the excess when it dries, and a very lightly dampened cotton cloth (old t-shrt) removes what's left behind! I am pleased so far with the results, although the darker, upper surfaces are a bit more subtle. I tried to take a picture of the upper side but it didn't turn out very well.

I still have a bit of clean-up here and there to do in some of the areas I did here. There is still lots of surfaces to go.

One casualty to note: all the work I did to create a brass pitot tube for the tail was for naught, as I broke it off. Now i have to figure out how to replace it as the stub is still in place and firmly cemented in there. Some type of surgery will be needed I am afraid.

Jim

rufioizgrreat

anyone used Bare-Metal Foil for the exhaust area? i picked some up from the hobby store along with one of the tamiya weathering compacts with blue and orange colors in it...

Hi Ruf,

I tried the foil out on the build I finished here this summer. It worked out ok, but I had some issues with it wrinkling around the curved areas of the fuselage around the parachute door. It also turned out too bright (I used the matte aluminum version) so I shot some Dullcote over the top to knock the sheen off. I also painted over it with Testor Metalizer paints in some areas to get the look I liked. 

Glenn

Looks good 'Beer,

the left rear tail wing is known as a port stabilator, but corrections appreciated.

I'm sure it will turn up.....in the mean time, the starboard view is its best side...lol...

Hi Guys

Sorry I've been out of touch

My condolescences to Bernie's family & those who knew him - I only joined recently so had little to do with him but did notice his contribution & first hand knowledge of the subject which was impressive

I've now put my F-4 effort to bed - am putting this one down to experience - it was a tough one right down to the end - I thought the fragile decals were the final straw but then I lost the left rear tail wing(?) - somewhere on my desk or floor

Put me down for the next build - I've ordered a 1/48 Hasa RF-4B "USMC"

Here's pic - most of the flaws well out of sight

Hey Ken, that's right, I always said you need more distractions!!!

jimbot58

Hello, checking in. Still no internet at home.

I have the 'F' about ready for me to work on those panel lines like I did on the Geasel. Gloss coat applied and polished up. Seems I have a bit more time for models as there is no time wasted on internet. No TV as well as I turned that off a few months back. I also am starting on landing gear, etc.

I'll stop in from time to time when I have access to borrowed computers.

Hi Jim,

Sounds like without any distractions you are going to get caught up on your projects.  Maybe that is what I need!

Ken

Hello, checking in. Still no internet at home.

I have the 'F' about ready for me to work on those panel lines like I did on the Geasel. Gloss coat applied and polished up. Seems I have a bit more time for models as there is no time wasted on internet. No TV as well as I turned that off a few months back. I also am starting on landing gear, etc.

I'll stop in from time to time when I have access to borrowed computers.

anyone used Bare-Metal Foil for the exhaust area? i picked some up from the hobby store along with one of the tamiya weathering compacts with blue and orange colors in it...

Haven't posted for a while but here is my in-flight D so far. the acrylic rod is 1/4" from Plastruct and there is a small block of wood for internal bracing.

Still a lot to do - finish rescribing, finish cans, control surfaces, canopy assembly, weapons/pylons on top of all exterior finishing.