GeneK

If the figure were done by Salvadore Dali, it would also have "human touch", that I'd treasure ... but I wouldn't pose it next to my Phantom model. My hat's off to Norbert for his technical artistry. Gene K

Please look at the [outstanding] Zoukei Mura kit. Gene K

But if one looks at the two separate built up models posted by Tamiya (one with and one without folded wings), it appears that the model with the folded wings also has separate drooped ailerons ... which are not so on the other (earlier test?) model. So perhaps the model with the folded wings also has the speed brakes down/drooping? Hmmmm. Gene K

Good Grief. If that's your assessment of the Academy kit, then I understand your rationale. Gene K

Could there really be no open speed brakes on such a magnificent (and expensive) kit???? Gene K

Thanks, Rob. Looks really good. I think Norbert would actually do better, especially in the "other" scales, in particular 1/48. Norbert's figures to me are better proportioned than most, especially regarding fat heads and short legs. Gene K

Brings back bad memories of Academy's "new" 1/48 ROKAF F-4E ... the one that was a repop of the not-so-good 1/50 Fujimi kit. I fell for it. If the Academy kit is indeed the Revell plastic, then the biggest selling point will be the price ... but there are a lot of challenges as detailed in this excellent build. The new Zoukei Mura F-4E gets my vote. As opposed to the Revell slatted model, the ZM is an early hard wing, but it shouldn't be too long before a slatted version is produced. Gene K

Are you able to see this web page: https://www.jamesnancesculpture.com/figures/ ? Gene K

Norbert, Strange that you can't visit the sites I linked, especially this one by sculptor Jim Nance who did the statue of Robin Olds for the Air Warrior Combat Memorial at the US Air Force Academy. The Robin Olds figure is not a commercial item for sale (as far as I know), but was used by the artist in making the full sized bronze sculpture. From the artist's work-flow description, it's a 40 inch clay "maquette* of the figure to work out pose and stance. After the figure has been approved by the client, and any changes made, the full size figure and bust will be sculpted".

Bill, I provided this link where you could see more. As for the boots and g-suit - they look right to me based on images here, among other things: http://www.airwarrior.org/RobinOlds.htm Gene K

How would you fix them? [quote] add the S&W military special 38 revolver. [/quote] See the right hip attachment. Gene K

The amazing Reedoak sculptures are surely the top tier of available figures. The USN has gotten most of Norbert's attention, but he has suggested that once the pandemic starts to have less impact, he would consider USAF figures ... after he has accumulated sufficient research material. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting, and in that regard, suggest something like this: Other detail photos are available at the sculpture's site here. Thanks, Norbert! Gene K

So you had me thinking, and I tried to find out exactly what the visor cover material was ... but didn't find anything. Vice plastic, It could have been the same material as the shell --reinforced fiberglass. The cover had metal reinforcement on the sides. Good descriptions of the various iterations of the USAF helmet here. An interesting sidelight is that the visor cover had vents at the back to release forced air in the event of an ejection. Gene K

Good eyes, Jackman. The helmet "back then" featured a plastic housing under which the visor was stowed. To lower the visor, the crewmember loosened the knob in the center of the housing and slid it down, then tightened the knob to keep the visor in place. The illustration appears to show this later (lighter) helmet where the visor rested atop the helmet when not in use (elastic straps on side). To lower, the visor was pulled out and down. When the helmet was not in use, the visor was protected by a leathery cover held on by velcro.

Excellent article in Fine Scale Modeler, Darren. Thanks. Gene K

Beautiful, as usual. I hope that one of these days I may have the good fortune to see a Norbert thread that gives some love to USAF. Gene K

Hey Matt, This is an old (!!) thread, but I see you are still around, so delayed congratulations. That's a stunning RF-4E, and I'm particularly impressed with how you smoothed out the rear Sparrow wells ... what's the secret? Gene K

That's hilarious. Are those black or gray stars coming from the horse? (RHETORICAL QUESTION). Gene K

Fact ... or your photo interpretation? Here's a picture of the aircraft when it had no stars: Opps ... Gene K

Here's a close up showing just a bit of the black stenciling on the gray under the ladder - appears to be the same on the rest of the aircraft: Gene K

Gene K

Of the two blue-aircraft decals, the FM website translation states: ↑ The upper decal is offset printing that can be reproduced precisely ↓ The lower decal is silk printing with beautiful metallic color reproduction I have no idea of the difference between methods or the application implications. Gene K

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The sanding is all on the inside of the insert, so NO detail is lost! The gap you highlighted is not on the -EJ -- it is a tight fit there. My Kai will not be arriving until December, so will be interesting to see if there is in fact a fit difference. At any rate - no biggie at all. Gene K

Interesting that the rudder insert on the Kai pictured appears to fit so well. That was not the case with my -EJ, which required substantial sanding to fit flush. Pollie said: [quote]I guess the end is very near for the JASDF Phantoms 😞 [/quote] Thankfully we have superb videographers recording the Japanese Phantoms. Wish the technology was around decades ago! Gene K