GeneK

An FM bonus (of sorts) -- one can go to this FM post to download 1/72 pdf side, top, and bottom view drawings. Google translation of the text accompanying the drawings is: We have prepared a full-color painting drawing for making the kit. Click each image to see a larger image. The PDF data version can be printed out in approximately 1/72 scale by selecting B4 size (horizontal) "actual size" and printing . Although the translation says "approximately", the prints perfectly match the kit! Too bad FM didn't arrange the graphics to also accommodate letter

Nice analysis, Hoops. Thanks. Gene K

I can't tell from the first mold pics if FM includes the option to model the front of the TAC pod in the down position: From watching film, it appears that the (FOD?) cover comes down when the gear does -- but appears up after the airplane is shut down. Anyone know for sure? Gene K

Mr. Google gave this short description here: [quote] These aircraft can carry three different types of sensor pods, depending on the mission requirements.These comprise of the TACER (an electronic reconnaissance pod with data-link),the TAC (pod with carrying KS-135A and KS-95B cameras, plus a D-500UR IR system) and the LOROP (with KS-146B camera). [/quote] But the same article also states: [quote]These aircraft retained the nose for the M61A1 Vulcan cannon. While mounting no internal cameras or reconnaissance equipment in their nose, they were a

According to a Twit (Tweet) on the FM site, the F-4EJ Kai Last Flight Memorial "Yellow" and F-4EJ Kai Last Flight Memorial "Blue" http: //finemolds.co.jp/202011-NEW.html will come with Nano Aviation seatbelts, rearview mirrors, and panel lights. Hence, combined with the extensive deal sheet, the slightly higher price, I suppose. Gene K

Good morning Gabor, and thanks for the comments. Yes, I've enjoyed this Phantom week immensely. I'll do a USN version next. Perfectly! Near perfect! You'll have to use the Hasegawa fairing behind the GIB's canopy or trim the FM piece. After a little tweaking, I now have a very good fit of the entire Hasegawa nose, and have looked at alternatives like you suggested. However, I'm inclined to keep the Hasegawa nose intact for simplicity. Looks good so far, I think That was my first fit-together so I could ge

While waiting for those other FM versions, I did these quick mock ups: C model using Monogram nose: RF using Hasegawa front end: Gene K

Hasegawa has the pods in both scales. In 1/72, the most recent kit to have the pod sprue is this one: See Sprue Y: Eduard has the AN/ALQ-131 to go along with the above . Gene K

That's why I have so many Hasegawa 1/72 Phantoms. Gene K

Too bad the prices for their other re-pops aren't reasonable ... when you can find them. Maybe this one will be different. Gene K.

Really great looking - from where did you order them? Gene K

Are you sure about that? Gene K

More F-4 "enhancements" coming from FM: Google just "upgraded" their excellent Translate app, so I can unfortunately no longer read Japanese like above. I'm assuming the set is colored etch. Gene K Edit: The parts are plastic - sprues here:

Quite an aggressive release schedule -- love it! Hope Sprue Brothers is up to the task. Gene K

When your Dad was in the 4th, it was probably a little after I was in the building next door in the 40th where we were doing the initial Operational Testing of the F-4E in 1966-67. The Aerobonus figure heads are sadly comical (Halloween ghoul?). As RichB63 pointed out, the Academy pilots are much better. I can send you two if you can't source them elsewhere. Send me a PM. Gene K

Jack, Pretty neat that your dad flew the E model at DaNang - I'm sure he'll appreciate your presentation! Can you share his name? As Ben said, for your planned configuration, the ailerons would be neutral (assuming no stick deflection). Note that ailerons do not ever go above the neutral position, only down - spoilers on the opposing wing would go up when stick is deflected (spoilers have less drag than an aileron, thus averting adverse yaw). Trailing Edge Flaps would be 1/2, not 60 degrees, for takeoff (full down for landing - you could model the airaft

Probably, Stefan., thanks. RB10 used to be my Japanese Go To. Gene K

Great point that I didn't consider, JackMan, thanks. I have the Hasegawa RF-4E in "Sea Camo", but the scheme is different than the F-4EJ Kai. The decals are black with no gray background: Instead of the DXM sheet, I have the Hasegawa F-4EJ Kai kit coming to me from Sprue Bros, the intent being to possibly use those decals on the FM kit. Appears from here that those decals do have the gray backing markings: So why the Hasegawa kit instead of the DXM decals? Because the Has kit is only $3 more expensive than the DXM sheet, thus

Yes, a big thumbs up! Based on the FM leader's comments about enticing modeller's to buy many "simple" kits to use for for different markings, this beautiful scheme may just be on FM's future list. AN RF-4E in this scheme would also ... nevermind. Gene K

And that's a good thing! [quote] ... I would say that FineMolds made an excellent introduction of their kit ... . [/quote] I enjoyed your post, Gabor ... and certainly agree! As an aside, the kit's instructions show that sprues can be purchased individually ... BUT only for the Japanese market. Back in the day, there used to be a service in Japan through which you could order individual sprues (they would buy the sprues and ship them to you). Anyone know if this service is still around? Gene K

As ya-gabor's post shows, the decal sheet in the kit is pretty comprehensive (!). Using that sheet, think you could save the cost of the DXM sheet? Aside from some serial numbers and the small unit patch ... . Also, I noticed on the HLJ video that there's a new Vic Hobby special paint set available that includes the Sea Camo colors: Gene K

Well ... since I wasn't as disappointed as some with the previous long nozzles, I'm can't comment as concerns whether or not AM is required. However, I just compared the ZM F-4S and F-4J nozzles to the F-4E, and the F-4E nozzles do have thinner pedals as well as finer interior detail. I think that fact was mentioned in some of the ZM material. Gene K