j-basset

Lost count, but these are the ones with multiples (5 or more each): F-4E/F/G/J/S RF-4C/E F-15E A-4M F-16C/CJ F-102A F-106A F-14A/B F/A-18C A-7E S-3A Total 1/48 F-4 model population topped 60 airframes a few months back. Really have to get to work on them. Jason

From photos in World Air Power Journal vol.14, the 8 TFW was operating F-16C Block 30's, specifically the 'big mouth' variant. In 1/48, I would suggest using the Hasegawa F-16CJ, but leaving out the block 40/50 related parts, such as the bulged MLG doors and larger MLG wheels. Aeromaster has a decal called Falcon Overseas, which included decals for the 8 TFW boss bird. Jason

Fred, I've seen this Academy kit in the flesh. It is based on the old Fujimi F-4E, but has engraved panel lines. Jason

I'm pretty excited at this release myself. Cyrus' post on the open engine nacelles got me thinking: In line with some of their recent armor special releases such as their M-1A1 (which included a resin engine pack & partial interior), might Italeri be contemplating a superset with resin engines and cockpit in the not so distant future? Do the engine nacelles have any molded-in rib detail? If so that may be an indication. Jason Edit: Oops! Just re-read the initial post and understand the nacelles do not have any internal detail molded. There goes the theory.

I'll confirm that there were several unhappy modelers here (in Malaysia) when I mentioned that the 1/72 VF-101/VX-4/VX-9 F-14 sheet was cancelled. Jason F-4DableModels

I'll be going to Kaoshiung, Taiwan end of this week. I heard that most of the hobby shops are in Taipei. Does anyone here know of any in Kaohsiung? How about aviation related sites to look out for? TIA Jason PS - trying here as I didn't have any luck searching Google.

Eric, you're right - Monogram did a more thorough job with their 1/72 F-4J - I believe everything related to the J was included. Not so the 1/48 J model. Jason

Eric is on the ball. But, the RM F-4J actually comes with AF style MLG wheel hubs. I guess Monogram didn't include all the -4J features when they decided to release the F-4J. The RM kit also doesn't have the reinforcing plate bulge on the wing. Jason

Jay, Don't forget the inboard pylons too! You'll need a pair of AF style inboard pylons. As for Chico the Gunfighter, it's an F-4E actually and Twobobs did do a decal sheet for it (SEA Heroes), but it's now sold out. Jason

Seamless Sucker did produce a resin F-4D radome with the ALR-69 mods. Jason

Very nice! Thanks for the link. As a F-4 fan, I'm real impressed. Jason

Way to go, David. Looks great! Jason

Mitch, 1) I would say the main difference are the CFT's and the pylons mounted on it and the beefed up landing gear. It's a totally different beast with numerous detail differences on the airframe - not impossible to convert but would be much easier to start from a dedicated B/D kit. 2) Afterburner decals did decals for the 65th Aggressors F-15's and I think Super scale did one too. I understand the aircraft are F-15C & D's. Jason C.

Yeah, let me be the 2nd one to say so, too. That's a great looking cast! Jason

I certainly hope so .... My Export Bugs 1 decal in 1/48 sure could do with a boost by the release of a good & affordable 1/48 F/A-18 kit. Jason C. F-4DableModels

Hi, thanks for the positive feedback on this product preview. With regard to a 1/32 version of the same - I will only say that we did kick about the idea for one when we started on the 1/48 set. So, let's see what happens, OK? BOL version? No plans for this version at this time, but we'll certainly keep it in mind. Our priority is to get the 1/48 set out first, and take it from there one step at a time. Jason C.

Hi, The crew of F-4DableModels have just about completed the masters for our next resin update set (actually our first in 1/48) and we would like to post some preview shots. In the days & weeks to come, we'll be talking to our caster and further updates will be posted as things progress along. We also wish to express our deepest appreciation to those who've supported our products all this while. Thank you! Jason C.

This was done by t-ger: Jason C.

GA modeler, t-ger models has not been able to produce resin products in a commercially viable manner, and have ceased casting. There was indeed a resin 1/48 chaff & flare dispenser set cast - seen it myself, but it never made it the stores. Those casted were installed on comission built models, as t-ger is more adept at comission building work. F-4DableModels are planning on a 1/48 late F/A-18C/D update along the lines of the inaugural 1/32 F/A-18C/D Chaff & Flare Dispenser set. The Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18 being in need of more mods than the Academy 1/32 F/A-18C/D to bring it to late

dreammh, The closest would be the one by Tony Hodun on the Modeling Madness website. No pictures, just text information on the sprues of each F-14 release. Jason

I know this is going to be slightly O/T, but .... I've been working on the 'also horrible' 1/48 Italeri F-14B (wrongly named Super Tomcat on box), and notice the tailpipes are wayyy out. Looks more like PW F100 tailpipes instead of GE F110's and the engine bay ring is too short by about 1.5 cm. Anyone has a 1.5cm long by 1 inch diameter plug to spare? Tried using surplus Hasegawa engine rings, but the Hase rings are wider. Jason

Just a brief announcement to say that the F-4DableModels website is down, and so is the mailbox. We are in the process of migrating to a new host server at this time. In the mean time, any inquiries for the F/A-18C/D Chaff & Flare Dispensers may be sent to: f4dablemodels(at)gmail.com [please replace (at) with @]. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thanks for your support. Jason C. F-4DableModels

UPDATE: The large shipment of chaff & flare dispenser sets didn't make it on time to the US for the Nats. :D Dang! It's a downer to hear this, but they will now only be available from Twobobs after the Nats., when Bob finally receives them and processes them in. Sorry about this, folks. :(

Don, I got it from the BAe stand at our major bi-annual aerospace & maritime show. The photo CD is strictly Hawk and nothing else. Jason

Aidy, I've got a BAe Photo CD with some cockpit photos, just don't know which is for the Mk.108 Jason