Tamiya 1/48 F-4s

[Buckmeister]

Someone on another forum said the Tamiya USA people at IPMS were saying work is ongoing on “other variants” of the F-4, but that the F-35s derailed the effort for a while.  Might we see a Tamiya 1/48 F-4E someday?

[BillS]

Haha! That was me. Here’s the exact conversation. Me: “ I’ll bet you guys never get asked if you’re going to do an F-4C or D”. Tam guys chuckling: “Other variants were being worked on but the F-35 had to be done.” So, at least they admit there was an effort. What that turns in to remains to be seen but I’m betting we’ll see “other variants” sooner rather than later.

[habu2]

Yeah, right after their F-16D kit.....  😂

[RichB63]

My (totally groundless) prediction for what Tamiya has in store for us next: a “carrier launch scene” F-4N with extended NLG strut, a new wing with dropped high lift devices, deck crewmen and a printed cardboard base, similar in concept to their latest Tomcat release. Of course I’m hoping for something more substantial like a C/D or J.

 

Edited August 8, 2023 by RichB63

[Buckmeister]

My bet is an F-4C.  Then a J, then maybe a launch scene like that.  

[stalal]

The F-4B kit has the clear parts for F-4C/D or F-4J, it seems. But you never know with Tamiya. 

[Buckmeister]

Not sure about any specific J parts, but for sure my F-4B has some F-4C or D parts in the box.  I didn’t notice it until it was pointed out in a FaceBook group, but the F-4C or D landing light that is in the nose gear forward door is there, and the Air Force type bottom ejection seat pad is in there too.

[RichB63]

The inclusion of additional parts that hint at future variants, while encouraging, represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the scope of new tooling required to produce an F-4C/D or J, much less a long nose version like the E.

 

But, clearly, Tamiya have left the door open. And this fact was further reinforced with information gleaned by @BillS over the weekend.

 

Here’s hoping!

 

Edited August 8, 2023 by RichB63

[goondman]

14 hours ago, habu2 said:

Yeah, right after their F-16D kit.....  😂

And P-47N

[RichB63]

3 hours ago, Buckmeister said:

Not sure about any specific J parts…

There’s at least one hint at accommodating an F-4J, and that’s the inclusion of a second option for the cooling air intake at the base of the vertical stab, a feature of the J and other variants equipped with more powerful engines.

 

Part Q3 below:

 

Edited August 8, 2023 by RichB63

[BillS]

I “feel”other versions in the works. if we concentrate as a group, we can “will” it!

[okthree]

23 hours ago, habu2 said:

Yeah, right after their F-16D kit.....  😂

 

9 hours ago, goondman said:

And P-47N

… and 1/48 F-14B

[goondman]

11 hours ago, okthree said:

 

… and 1/48 F-14B

Truth

[Buckmeister]

F-14B maybe. But when was the last time Tamiya did a new version of an existing kit 15+ years later?

[RichB63]

14 minutes ago, Buckmeister said:

F-14B maybe. But when was the last time Tamiya did a new version of an existing kit 15+ years later?

There have been a few…in 1/48: F-14D and Late A, P-38 variants, new tool Spitfire Mk1.

 

Edit: May have misunderstood the question. If so then disregard, although the Spitfire might still apply 🤔

 

 

Edited August 9, 2023 by RichB63

[phasephantomphixer]

I would guess it to be the C/D next (chuck out the least popular type early on) sure wish they had

made a 1/32 B/N though!