JackMan

I agree. The Skyray is one of the coolest looking aircraft. I built the 1/72 Tamiya kit and it was one of the finest kits I've ever built. I was astounded by how well engineered the kit was and how seamlessly everything fit. Your 1/48 version looks awesome

Yeah, the AMK Tomcat aft fuselage looks real odd to me: https://www.modelforum.cz/download/file.php?id=1724163

Tamiya D: US$65 https://www.hlj.com/1-48-scale-grumman-f-14d-tomcat-tam61118 Tamiya A: US$59: https://www.hlj.com/1-48-scale-grumman-f-14a-tomcat-tam61114 Though admittedly, I am not sure of shipping cost to whichever country one is in. Having said that though, I've always found HLJ shipping rates to be reasonable. And now, they are having some sort of promotion called "Order Week": https://www.hlj.com/ Also, I kinda like Tamiya's more refined details (light gray plastic at bottom) when compared to AMK (dark gray plastic on top): https:

Hawker Hunter Mitsubishi F-2A F-14 Tomcat EE Lightning

https://www.modelsforsale.com/plasticmodelkits/microscale-decals-72506-1-72-f-8-crusader-stencil-data/ Might find it on E-Bay

I'm SO glad you are posting here too. Over at Britmodeller, that forum has a very irritating way of loading pics. I'd rather see your build thread here on ARC. So much more faster loading of photos. Awesome work! Esp the canopies.

Ah, I see. Thank you! I've been trying to get my hands on the RB Production Rivet-R MINI but they seem to be sold out everywhere.

Very nice! Did you add your own rivets to certain areas? If so, what rivetting tool did you use? The rivets look sharp & clean. Thank you.

Like Gene said, that's quite a resource. By far the most complete F-2 walkaround photos I've seen online. Thanks for pointing out this link. Good stuff

In 1/72, Tamiya re-boxed the Italeri kit and included decals for ZH588: https://images.hattons.co.uk/products/60731tam_3119642_Qty1_1.jpg https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya-60731-ef-2000-eurofighter--134537

Your attention to detail is amazing!

Ming, my pleasure Sernak, actually I've always wanted to know about the F-16 vs F-2 evaluation too but there doesn't seem to be one. I do believe, however, that the F-2 is more of a interceptor + anti-shipping (hence the blue camo) while the F-16 is more multi-role. Some of the cutting edge Japanese tech used in the F-2 was incorporated into US fighters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_F-2

Just wanted to share a video I found on YT: 35 mins of pure F-15 & F-2 awesomeness. Enjoy!

The flaps turned out great!

WOW! Great level of scratchbuilding! Will definitely follow

Thanks & welcome to ARC

Wow! How long did it take to print something like that? Looks great!

Good stuff! Thanks for the pictures That "Flying Banana" and the "Cup Noodles" had me chuckling I guess that's what they mean by "Plastic Food" lol!

The upcoming Finemolds F-4D will have some Mig-killer markings including Steve Ritchie's: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10774918/10/1 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10774918/60/1 Though I do agree with you that with the release of their F-4E (Early) and their non-slatted wing F-4EJ, some SEA scheme decals would be cool for 'Nam era birds.

J.C, actually, you brought up a good point: The ridges around the decals. In Dai Phan's photo above I can see the ridges of the decals standing out along the blue paint. If using this idea, one may have to sand down the decals ( or at least the ridges), wipe the fine dust away and then try airbrushing over them. Also, might be safer to use Acrylics? Not sure sure if lacquer or enamel might melt the decals. Real pity about Tamiya's low resolution camo decals. At least it's a heads-up to not get this particular boxing.

Not sure if this might work but how about applying the camo decals, then use them as templates/guides and spray over the decals? Freehand airbrush painting but on top of the decals. Try it out on a spare decal first

Man, your weathering is awesome! I like how the camouflage looks faded and sun-bleached in some areas. Also like how you weathered the cockpit instrument panel cover. Little details like this really give your model a "Wow!" factor. Your EB-66 is, by far, the best I have seen in 1/72

Hmm.. to me it's an odd choice other than to drum up local support from Japanese modelers. The Hasegawa kit is very good in my opinion and is a direct competitor, particularly since the Hase kit includes a full anti-ship & air-to-air weapons load. If FM were to distinguish this release, maybe they'd make it with dropped slats & flaps. Maybe pilot figures too. Though in FM's favour, and judging by how well detailed their Phantoms are, this F-2 kit will probably have great engine, wheelbay & cockpit details. I hope they don't forget the unique "Samurai Horns" on the

WOOT! I cannot wait for those special scheme JASDF Phantoms! Hope they'll do this one next: https://flyteam.jp/registration/47-8347 https://flyteam.jp/photo/3028813

I have accepted the fact that though I will never finish my stash, I like that sense of satisfaction in knowing that I own kit A or kit B or something rare that I've always wanted. I have sometimes lost bidding wars on Ebay and that feeling of "I coulda had that kit" or "I wish I had bought more of Brand X kits before they folded" is an itch in the back of my head that I don't need ( the itch, that is, not the head). So, I have made peace with the fact that I will never finish them, but it feels good to know that I have them and that I can reach for them anytime and j