JackMan

The regular Japanese RF-4Es don't seem too bad (albeit you may need aftermarket decals for non-Japanese versions): https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10034170 Not really an expert but I think there are extra parts for other versions (eg fin-tips, pylons): https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10034170 Though I agree the thin winged ones might be harder to get your hands on.

It's going to be hard to beat the Hasegawa RF-4s. They're pretty good actually.

The 1/48 Hasegawa F-16 kit was my very first 1/48 kit ( me being more focused on 1/72). I only bought the kit because I happened to wander into a bargain shop and saw that it was only going for about $10-15. So, out of boredom and curiosity, I bought it and fixed it. As A-10 Loader mentioned, "the kit was known to go together very well and the seams kinda disappeared if you did it right". I agree with this. And easy build and it looks great when built. No complex multi-parts and a fun build. It captures the F-16's sleek lines very well.

https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8e9f310b-b1f6-45ce-b192-89f7d3ef4fae_2106x1530.jpeg

I think it depends on where you are and who you are purchasing from: https://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?search=Y&q_brand=TRU&q_category=&q_scale=32&q_item_no=&q_word=F-14&q_show_instock_only=N vs https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10031149

Wow, you weren't kidding when you mentioned about the awesome camo schemes! What a unique looking aircraft. Esp with the weapons load.

Welcome Architeco Good start. Aires cockpits always seem to have fit issues. Great solution when you thinned the spine.

Thanks for the detailed response of your technique Agreed about CA drying so hard, it becomes unworkable. Happened to me when I first started experimenting with CA glue. Made the mistake of leaving the CA on the kit for almost 2 weeks before realising that it was like trying to sand a piece of rock.

Just curious, after you applied the black CA, 1. How long did you have to wait before you started sanding? 2. What grades of sandpaper did you use? Your result is very smooth and polished. I'm trying to achieve that too. Thank you very much

For those who wish to scribe the door: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10793162 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10793162 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10793157 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10793157

I always thought the main complaint of their kits is that they didn't produce enough variants of their existing kits. Like F-16Ds, G4M2, Ki-46 II , etc.

Tamiya Reverse Tweezers are awesome. They do the clamping for you. There are different types: https://www.hlj.com/hg-reverse-action-straight-tweezers-tam74103 https://www.hlj.com/hg-reverse-action-angled-tweezers-tam74102 ( Sold out but you can still find them in other shops) The ones by Wave are also good: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10640177

Good work. The animation does really show the differences, esp the nose area

Nice work! I like the Mig-23, too. It has a very sleek look about it. As for the Academy Mig-23, I think I read somewhere it was supposed to depict an early export version of the Mig-23 with smaller radar or something. Maybe that's why the smaller nose. I think the Academy kit is in fact, a copy of the Hasegawa kit but with recessed panel lines. For some details on the Hasegawa / Academy kit , read this excellent thread ( esp the notes by Jim Barr)

Neat technique. Thank you

So what is the answer that you found? Enquiring minds want to know

The meng kit somehow seems to lack the finesse of the Zoukei-Mura kit.

https://www.hlj.com/line-engraver-1-fine-hsgtt-10 https://www.hlj.com/line-engraver-2-wide-hsgtt-11 ( I have 3 of these. They're awesome) https://www.hlj.com/template-engraver-set-hsgtl2

After more searching, maybe these might help too for Gunze: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10182903 Gunze + other brands: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10610199 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10874750 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10874745

Not sure about Mr Paint or Gunze but the Lifecolor Acrylics paints & their respective FS Colours are: Light Grey UA021 - FS36622 Sand UA084 - FS30400 Brown UA085 - FS30140 Dark Green UA091 - FS34079 as stated on page 2 of this gentleman's awesome build: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234989666-f-14a-iriaf-1986-172-hasegawa/ HTH.

Good work! I remember building this very kit years ago and recall that the fit was actually very good. Fujimi's Phantoms are quite nicely done and their Spey engined British Phantoms are, IMHO, still the best in 1/72. They go together with less fuss than the Airfix one. Looking forward to seeing your Phantom finished Shark mouth Phantoms in SEA camo are always a treat.

Could it be the "sand color" actually looks more yellow?

PJ Productions : https://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/pj/kit_pj_321118.shtml Or, if you know of anyone getting this kit & has no plans to use the pilots ( although they are for Gr.4 pilots).... https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10802007 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10802007/20/3 For Andy: https://www.pj-production.be/en/figures-1-48/63-481115-raf-fighter-pilot-seated-in-ac-80-90-.html

Peter, the Hasegawa G4M1 may be old but it's not too bad and does fit well. See sroubos's build on BM: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235114609-172-mitsubishi-g4m1-betty-by-sword-models-box-artschemesdecalssprues-release-september-october-2022/&do=findComment&comment=4488978 And another nice build here: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235109866-hasegawa-172-betty-g4m1-with-okha-old-tooling/

Traditional plasticine.