1/32 Tamiya F-4C Phantom II

[doogsatx]

Sometimes a kit just grabs your attention and doesn't let it go. You pretty much have to build it RIGHT NOW.

That's been the case with Tamiya's F-4C/D that I scored for a screaming deal at the LHS recently. Even though I swore off 1/32 jets...and even though I already have another 1/32 jet on the bench...screw it.

At first, I was having a bit of trouble figuring out which F-4 to do. Tamiya's decals are best avoided in my experience, and there's really not much out there in terms of SEA-camo F-4Cs. Then I found some Caracal sheets and began doing some research. Ultimately, I landed on F-4C 64-0829.

64-0829 was once the ride of the one and only Robin Olds. After it had its fun in Vietnam, it eventually found its way to the Texas Air National Guard 149 TFG/182 TFS. Its camoflage bounced around. At one point in its long career, it jumped from SEA to Euro I camoflage. At another, it wore wraparound SEA colors with low-viz markings.

It's that latter scheme that I'll be going after - as captured at Kelly AFB in 1984.



Aftermarket is going to be all over the map...honestly looking through the box the F-4 looks like a really good kit (don't know where I got the impression it was old and needed a lot of work), but more on that in a moment. To gussy it up, I'll be adding:

• Quickboost ejection seats - because I love resin detail and I love well-done, molded harnesses.
• Quickboost intake FOD covers - intakes are frustrating
• GT Resin exhausts - Far more detail and corrected diameter vs. kit J79s
• Wolfpack SUU-23/A Vulcan gun pod - who doesn't love a gun pod
• Mk.1 AIM-9P Sidewinders - the only aftermarket AIM-9Ps I know about in this scale. They are, I kid you not, TURNED METAL.
• Caracal F-4C/D ANG Phantoms 2 - contains the low-viz markings for 64-0829
• Eduard stencil masks - stencils are always the worst decals. So this PE set with masks for things like NO STEP warnings looks amazing. Can't wait to use.

[doogsatx]

Today I took the opportunity to do my usual soak and air-dry of the parts.



My initial sense is that THIS is what Academy's smaller kit should have been. Very similar in overall engineering, but this one is festooned with alignment tabs that keep things from buckling in weird directions, and that force upper and lower elements to align. Oh, and it's also literally screw-together. There are around eight screw points that hold everything from the cockpit to the wings to the burner cans in place.

Detail is rather strong throughout. I've read many complaints about the cockpit detail, but honestly, people complaining about the cockpit must only spend their time building Tamiya's latest kits, because this is really solid detail work. I can't imagine resorting to resin when the IPs and consoles are this good. A bit of PE to dress up the non-button areas, and resin bangseats, but all the pain of a full resin pit replacement? Why?

[JimD]

I built the E when it came out. Had all the Tamiya kits actually. Lost them in Allison flooding.

It goes together well. I remember some issues with the heat shield piece. But it turned out the screw there was over tightened. It's very nice OOB. I'd probably be building one right now if there were more decal options. Bang seats and some PE in the cockpit will bring it to life. Sooo looking forward to this one.

[doogsatx]

Yeah, if they ever make a proper F-4G (not paying the price of the kit for a resin conversion) I'd probably piss myself with happiness.

[JimD]

Pfft. You and me both. Sadly I think dreaming is a close as we are going to get but stranger things have happened.

I guess the Revell "G" isn't cutting it for you? I'm not all rivety counter but I'm kinda meh about it after what I've seen.

[doogsatx]

The reviews on the Revell G have been absolutely savage. It doesn't even come with HARMs.

My hope at this point is that Academy does the long-nose Phantoms and Furball does a great F-4G sheet in 1/48...

[JimD]

What the expletive. I didn't realize it didn't come with HARMS. That's inaccrptable. I had seen complaints that it was mostly E with some bad drop in sprues.

I have to belive Academy will do one at some point. I know you kinda started the Hasegawa and wasnt feeling it. They are pretty basic but I'm with you on the Academy. It builds up nice, but I'm finding the engineering wonky.

[deafpanzer]

F-4s is one of my favorite jets... you have my attention! It will be another stunner!

[JimD]

Hey, Matt. I wanted to ask you if you've seen this thing about a Zoukei Mura F-4 in the works? Over at ARC there is a thread and the gist of it is that ZM released a video blog. In the video there are several built up kits in the background and the Phantom is among them. They teased that they are working on a 2 seater, 2 engine jet and that the subject could be seen in the video. Supposedly the only thing fitting that description is a Phantom....interesting.

I'd have to believe they pop out an EJ first...which could lead way to a G...at least I'm hoping.

Link to thread: www.arcforums.com/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=284251&st=0&p=2708939&fromsearch=1&#entry2708939

I'm a relive it when I see it kinda guy...but this one is exciting to think about.

[doogsatx]

Check this out...

[JimD]

Now that is very interesting. I wonder what the deal is with the multiple build ups...getting a sense of how to engineer a subject or he just really likes building things..

And I'm having a hard time figuring out what that one circled on the right it...Tempest? Bubble top Spitfire? Hmmm...

[doogsatx]

Pretty sure it's a Griffon-engined Spit

[JimD]

Yep...I'm seeing it now...interesting...