Cloud in the Wind Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 Greetings Spares Box enthusiasts. Since the Platz/F-Toys F-4 kits are so few and far between, I might have to source my F-4 kit and decals separately. Much as I would have preferred to built the Platz - What's up with them anyhow, nothing's in stock? - F-4 kit, I can't find it anywhere. Does anyone have a decal sheet that might have come from that kit or know of a source where I can look for a Jolly Roger set from VF-84? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nebbor Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 (edited) You didn't state B or J model but UpRise has B model decals in 1/144: https://uprise-decal.ru/urxx1 And MYK design has them for the J model: http://www.myk-design.com/tank/144/A-438_F4_VF84.html Edited August 30, 2022 by Nebbor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted August 30, 2022 Author Share Posted August 30, 2022 I found the MYK set but it isn't available for sale via their link or the various dealers I've hunted. Similar situation with Uprise, however I wasn't familiar with their set. Again, the sellers links aren't listing this set as available. And while I suppose I could write to Dimitry and ask to send direct post, I'm not sure the likelihood of my getting it shipped while the war is on. I'm already out a set of stencils (though not from Uprise) I happened to order a week before the invasion. Tough luck so I'm gonna write that set off but it has me leery all the same. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nebbor Posted August 30, 2022 Share Posted August 30, 2022 So what model are you after: B or J? I can look around here in EU for availabilty when interested. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted August 31, 2022 Author Share Posted August 31, 2022 Thanks Nebbor, I really appreciate that. I might prefer the J, if we can find it. Meanwhile I'm trying to get some straight research on the differences between the E model and the J (or B) and if those show up on the 1/144 scale kits. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nebbor Posted September 8, 2022 Share Posted September 8, 2022 I found a Tomytec VF-84 F-4N in stock here: https://www.ruten.com.tw/item/show?22213412511385 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted September 8, 2022 Share Posted September 8, 2022 12 hours ago, Nebbor said: I found a Tomytec VF-84 F-4N in stock here: https://www.ruten.com.tw/item/show?22213412511385 🤪 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted September 9, 2022 Author Share Posted September 9, 2022 (edited) Hey Nebbor thanks a lot for your help searching. I spun off that search and found a Sova-M F-4J kit and decal sheet from yKraft as well. Purchases are on their way so wish me luck that I got good sellers. I haven't built the Sova kit before, but anything's better than the mountain of work I was about to get converting the awful Academy F-4E. I have in my stash. What's up Dutch, you didn't like the Tomytec version? haha You purist you. 😄 Now let's get some building before I jump down the VF-17 F4U rabbit hole. The F-14 is done (https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mate.php?id=69465&p=albums&album=88234) and the FA-18F is on the bench. Edited September 9, 2022 by Cloud in the Wind Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted September 9, 2022 Share Posted September 9, 2022 I don't mind TomyTec so much, I have a couple of their P-3 kits, but did you see the price? $5,900!!! 😠 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nebbor Posted September 10, 2022 Share Posted September 10, 2022 (edited) That would be 5900TWD, around 188USD. Still pricy though. Edited September 10, 2022 by Nebbor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 @Cloud in the Wind, You may want to research Liliput Air Force from Japan. They offer a short nose F-4B/C/D/J/K/MN/S nose conversion for any of the numerous F-4E kits available. BTW, I just noticed that they have an announcement that decal prices increase 3 Nov, tomorrow! They have numerous F-4B/J/N/S decal options, but sadly no VF-84. Alternately, you could buy a Sova-M F-4J kit for about $15 plus shipping from Hannants.co.uk. You would still need the VF-84 decals, though. Sorry, can't be of more help. Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 (edited) Oh, BTW. My Chinese 1/144 decal order arrived today, (I totally forgot about this order.), including a double F-4J sheet with markings for VF-84 Jolly Rogers [AE] and VMFA-451 Warlords [AA]. I will be using the Warlords portion, so you are welcome to the Jolly Roger's portion (inside red line). No instructions came with the decals, but you can probably figure it out. K/r, Dutch Edited November 4, 2022 by Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted November 4, 2022 Author Share Posted November 4, 2022 Thanks so much for the offer Dutch. You're great. But, I wish I hadn't missed your note from earlier this week. I actually did find and purchase the Sova-M kit and pickup up a set of Ykraft decals too. There's quite a bit of flash on the Sova parts, so I'm gathering my breath before diving in. Tracking my project on scalemates (https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mate.php?id=69465&p=projects&project=130138). I also just found a F4U kit from AFV. Should come in a couple weeks! That'll be next. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 2 hours ago, Cloud in the Wind said: Thanks so much for the offer Dutch. You're great. But, I wish I hadn't missed your note from earlier this week. I actually did find and purchase the Sova-M kit and pickup up a set of Ykraft decals too. There's quite a bit of flash on the Sova parts, so I'm gathering my breath before diving in. Tracking my project on scalemates (https://www.scalemates.com/profiles/mate.php?id=69465&p=projects&project=130138). I also just found a F4U kit from AFV. Should come in a couple weeks! That'll be next. I was thinking of picking up several Sova-M F-4J kits from Hannants. Is the kit plastic really that bad? How is the canopy? Is it clear? How about the decals? Otherwise, I will get several 1/144 F-4E cheap and scab on the Liliput F-4B/C/D/J/K/M/N/S nose. It's about the same cost. Thanks for the heads up. Sorry I couldn't help this time. Ooh! I just saw your SCM albums. VERY nice work! K/r, Dutch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted November 4, 2022 Author Share Posted November 4, 2022 There was a time when I felt that I could judge, but I think I've realized that I have a fairly limited experience. Still, I had pretty poor opinions of the Academy F-4E kit having built out a couple Trumpeter and newer Revell 144 kits. That kit looks much improved in comparison to the Sova-M. Maybe it'll come together well and the flash can be forgiven. But these pics might better explain why I'm "taking a breath" and gathering strength before beginning. Of worthy note are the main gear bays ... a lot of work ahead to clean that up. Note also that the tail parts are completely sealed, I'll have to drill those slots out. The canopy is almost completely devoid of detail. For comparison I placed the Academy frame beside. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 Yikes! Thanks for sharing these photos. I am so glad I removed the Sova-M kits from my Hannants cart before placing my order earlier today. I have 4 of the Liliput Air Force 3D printed short-nose conversions coming, so that should do fine on a Otaki/LS/Academy/Revell F-4E/F/EJ Phantom. Just the canopy alone is enough to warn me off. The plastic looks soft, is it? The missiles look absolutely awful. I am sorry for suggesting the kit now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted November 5, 2022 Author Share Posted November 5, 2022 I haven't put a knife to it yet. The sprue didn't get marked when I pressed it with a fingernail. Soft I think I could deal with, but if its brittle, well then I think I'd have to throw in the towel and I'll look forward to hearing about your lilput conversion. Still, its next on my bench, I'll let you know. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dutch Posted November 11, 2022 Share Posted November 11, 2022 Hey! i just found 1/144 RetroKit F-4J slotted stabilizers and intake ECM bumps on eBay. Might save you alot of trouble. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted November 11, 2022 Author Share Posted November 11, 2022 (edited) Good price on that, but I'm going to pass. I've sunk enough down the Phantom rabbit hole as it is. You know, in my notes from my Squadron/Signal reference book, I thought I'd commented that the F-4J didn't all have the slots or the RWR receivers right away. However, now double checking, the pics from this squadron seem to all have 'em. I suppose I could make the receivers out of putty. Have to test it out. I've started both the Sova and the Academy kits together. The panel lines on the Slov are attractive, even if I'm going to have to re-scribe them once I sand and prime. So far, they are both kind of pigs. I don't know what I'm going to do about the cockpits. :sigh: And I am definitely working toward having the F-4E with wheels up. My terrible F-15 is shown that way too so it kind of puts 'em in the same class. BTW, I picked the AFV Club F4U kit last week. So I'm kind of biting at the bit to roll these phantoms off the workbench and make room for something a bit more pleasurable! Edited November 11, 2022 by Cloud in the Wind Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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