Vince Pedulla Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I just finished the first (of what I plan on being a series of four) of the recent Academy F-4 kits. A really nice model that goes together without drama (unless you make your own!) I screwed up a couple things, including putting the wheel wells in upside down! I especially loved the one part fuselage and many options this kit offers. Between this and the new F-4C or D kits, a wide variety of Phantom versions an be made. I did not like the different colored plastics! Very toy like and un-nessesary. I hope future versions are molded in grey plastic only. The model was painted with Model Master Acrylics and weathered with oils. I think I may have overdone the weathering, as I was still in a "Skyraider" frame of mind. I will be more restrained on the next kit. Alclad paints used to replicate the multi-toned metal areas around the exhausts. Built pretty much out of the box. I did add the Eduard photo etch zoom set for the cockpit and Eduard resin wheels, which are much better detailed than the kit parts. The canopies have a very faint mold line running down their centers, easily removed in about 30 minutes. Markings are from the fantastic Furball Decals Marine Rhinos set. These decals went on very well and almost didn't need setting solution! A few of the stencils came from the Furball set, but the majority were from the extensive Academy decal sheet. Just a note..there is nothing wrong with the Academy decals, I just have a soft spot for Marine birds. The missiles are Academy, with the CBUs from the Hobby Boss A-7D kit. My only criticism might be that the Sparrows don't have hollowed out exhausts. I didn't bother adding them on this kit. The Sidewinders, on the other hand, have beautifully hollowed exhausts. There are a wide variety of missile marks included. One more detail replacement set came from the Master Model turned brass pitots. More links here: http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0059.jpg http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0062.jpg http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0067.jpg http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0073.jpg http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0075.jpg http://www.modelerv.com/Phantoms/F-4B/1024/DSC_0081.jpg In conclusion, a well detailed model with nice, restrained panel line & rivet lines, and a large number of left over parts that hint on future versions coming out! My first project of 2014 will be a conversion of the Academy F-4D kit to a Marine F-4J. I will be posting a build log here! Vince Pedulla ModelerV Studios www.modelerv.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stephen Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 That is superb and I don't think the weathering is overdone at all. Stephen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aigore Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 That's one gorgeous phantom! The weathering is just right i my mind : D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nicholassagan Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 AWESOME! I love those colors on this one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Turned out great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jess Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Very nice!! mine awaits in the stash. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sharkey Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Purrrrttyyy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jinxter13 Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 (edited) Ssssweeeeeeeeet!!!! :thumbsup: , Ya just can't go wrong with a Phantastic Phine Phantom II Edited January 2, 2014 by #1 Greywolf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Woody_ Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 I just 'bookmark' my next purchase :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swcustoms1 Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Hey Vince it is Steve your f-4 looks just amazing. I hope I will get to see it in person if you bring it to IPMS Spacecoast. I will see you around soon. Steve W. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 Outstanding model Vince. Very nice finish. I think I am going to have to get me a Academy Phantom and build it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 (edited) Superb job! The weathering is AWESOME! Very well done. Love the choice markings too. Edited January 4, 2014 by Crazy Snap Captain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
balls47 Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Yessir, Nice job on your Academy Phantom. I'm assuming this is a 1/48 scale kit. Weathering is a personal thing with each modeler. If you like it, it's great. I weather models, but usually just to make the panel lines, rivets, etc. to pop out. But, I do mostly USAF stuff. Due to the nature of their aircraft, missions, etc., their airplanes don't get nearly as dirty as stuff like your F-4. So, your weathering is just fine. I can't wait to try one of those Academy F-4 kits. You mention that your are gonna make an F-4J out of one on their F-4D's. I have one question about Academy's F-4D's. Is the Academy F-4D kit equipped with the "Herpes Mod?" I like doing F-4D's of the old 906TFG. They had the "Herpes Mod." I have used the Hasegawa Kit that had the "Herpes Mod." But, if the Academy kit comes equipped with the "Herpes Mod," I might give that one a try. Again, great job on your Academy F-4. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vince Pedulla Posted January 4, 2014 Author Share Posted January 4, 2014 (edited) Erroneous post Edited January 5, 2014 by Vince Pedulla Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vince Pedulla Posted January 4, 2014 Author Share Posted January 4, 2014 Yeah I figured that the Marines, operating from forward air bases in Nam, would have "dirtier" aircraft than the Navy or Air Force. This kit has so many extra parts and options that it appears nearly ANY short nose Rhino can be modelled. I'd have to check on what the Herpes mod is, but the kit includes two noses, four rudder tops, very ECM antenna and even the "fence" (Loran?) antenna. The main difference between the F4B kit and the C and D versions are some cockpit parts. I've just started the F-4J using the F-4D kit, and biggest challenge (besides fitting the True Details resin cockpit, which is NOT designed for this kit!) is going to be modding the small plates which hold the launching gear hooks. I hope that Academy does and F-4E and the long nose Phantoms, including the RF-4! I'm doing my part, having bought four kits, so far! I'll get back to you on the Herpes mod! Vince Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott R Wilson Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 My only criticism might be that the Sparrows don't have hollowed out exhausts. I didn't bother adding them on this kit. [/b] Sparrows of that time had white styrofoam plugs in their exhausts that were pretty much flush with the rear of the missile body. NOT having the Sparrow exhausts hollowed out is accurate! Scott Wilson Phormer USAF Phantom Phixer Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rodney Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Vince, Your F-4B came out great! I love the finish and choice of markings. I considered purchasing the Furball decals just for that jet. Rodney Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vince Pedulla Posted January 6, 2014 Author Share Posted January 6, 2014 Sparrows of that time had white styrofoam plugs in their exhausts that were pretty much flush with the rear of the missile body. NOT having the Sparrow exhausts hollowed out is accurate! Scott Wilson Phormer USAF Phantom Phixer That's awesome info. I was stressing a bit on trying to hollow those out. Thanks Scott! Vince Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shaka HI Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Very nice. I actually purchased this kit based on your thread. Hope mine's look 1/2 as good when I get to it... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Check Six Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Nice work you've done on the Phantom ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmel Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Very nice job! I really like the markings. Jake Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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