Boomstick Posted August 16, 2023 Share Posted August 16, 2023 Using Tamiya's 1/32 F-4C/D, I chose to build Robin Olds' BOLO Phantom. I'm building it inflight, so I couldn't hide the problematic intakes with FOD covers. I went with GT resin intakes and Wolfpack exhaust. Much more work than anticipated. Not quite sure how to mount the burner tubes inside the fuselage, instructions are far from clear on any of it. Now I wish I had gone a different route, a Phantom on the flight line. Oh well, here is some progress. If anyone has used the GT Resin intakes, or the Wolfpack burners please chime in...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted August 16, 2023 Author Share Posted August 16, 2023 Test fitting the gear doors for inflight display, so far promising. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted September 3, 2023 Author Share Posted September 3, 2023 Finally some progress on this project. I originally planned on using GT Resin's slick radome but the fit wasn't great so I modified the kit radome. Also experimented with the crackling effect on the radomes. This is an inflight display so gear doors are closed. I was quite pleased on how little work it took to close up the gear doors. A little work was involved to install the GT Resin intakes but overall they look good....enough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Looking very nice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thadeus Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 Lovelly work. Can't have too many Phantom builds. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Major Walt Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 A great tribute to BrigGen Olds. A true American hero. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 How'd you replicated the cracked skin on the radome? I was thinking of doing that on my build but never came up with a satisfactory solution. Looks awesome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted September 11, 2023 Author Share Posted September 11, 2023 More progress. My first ever attempt at SEA camo. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeneK Posted September 11, 2023 Share Posted September 11, 2023 Lookin' REALLY great, Boom. I think if I were your GIB, I'd raise my seat. Gene K Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 On 9/11/2023 at 9:53 AM, GeneK said: Lookin' REALLY great, Boom. I think if I were your GIB, I'd raise my seat. Gene K Thanks. Yeah, I can't raise him at all because the canopy won't clear his head, so this must have been an oops on the engineering. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 A bit more progress. I need some help figuring out the location of the centerline tank. It's my understanding in '67 they were using the Royal Jet 600 gallon centerline tank? As we all know, Tamiya did not include a centerline tank in the kit. Finding one isn't a problem, I could either use the one in my Academy E kit or use GT Resin's version. If someone could help me out with correct location of the mounting of the tank I would appreciate it greatly. Also, being a BOLO aircraft, it will be carrying the ALQ pod, can I just remove one of the pylons from the outboard drop tank, or is it a different pylon? Any help is appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeneK Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 (edited) 9 hours ago, Boomstick said: ... it will be carrying the ALQ pod, can I just remove one of the pylons from the outboard drop tank, or is it a different pylon? A very different pylon! In USAF 1x1 use, the tank and pylon are an integrated unit, whereas the outboard weapons pylon has a different shape (deeper) and is mounted at an angle. The usual outstanding Tommy Thomason detail is here. There's also a good model discussion here, but it's for the excellent Hypersonic 1/48 version. In 1/32, there's the GT resin set (which I have not seen, but reviews can (of course) be Googled). Hopefully Hypersonic Jeffrey will comment. Unfortunately he doesn't do 1/32. As an aside, you mentioned modelling the kit as being in flight. In that regard, to be technically correct, you should raise the ailerons (that you have drooped - a condition that only exists if there's no hydraulic pressure on the aircraft). Alternately, you could just raise one (as in starting a turn), but then the opposing spoiler should be raised ... not feasible, I think, because your wings are already so beautifully finished. Gene K Edited September 17, 2023 by GeneK Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 1 hour ago, GeneK said: A very different pylon! In USAF 1x1 use, the tank and pylon are an integrated unit, whereas the outboard weapons pylon has a different shape (deeper) and is mounted at an angle. The usual outstanding Tommy Thomason detail is here. There's also a good model discussion here, but it's for the excellent Hypersonic 1/48 version. In 1/32, there's the GT resin set (which I have not seen, but reviews can (of course) be Googled). Hopefully Hypersonic Jeffrey will comment. Unfortunately he doesn't do 1/32. As an aside, you mentioned modelling the kit as being in flight. In that regard, to be technically correct, you should raise the ailerons (that you have drooped - a condition that only exists if there's no hydraulic pressure on the aircraft). Alternately, you could just raise one (as in starting a turn), but then the opposing spoiler should be raised ... not feasible, I think, because your wings are already so beautifully finished. Gene K Thanks for the response Gene. As for the ailerons are just in place to check camo pattern, they will be installed in flight position. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 Beauty paint! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichB63 Posted September 18, 2023 Share Posted September 18, 2023 (edited) On 9/16/2023 at 8:20 PM, Boomstick said: …It's my understanding in '67 they were using the Royal Jet 600 gallon centerline tank? As we all know, Tamiya did not include a centerline tank in the kit. Finding one isn't a problem, I could either use the one in my Academy E kit or use GT Resin's version. If someone could help me out with correct location of the mounting of the tank I would appreciate it greatly. Also, being a BOLO aircraft, it will be carrying the ALQ pod, can I just remove one of the pylons from the outboard drop tank, or is it a different pylon? Any help is appreciated. Hi Broomstick, You’re correct about the Royal Jet tank. There were at least a couple of variations of this tank: the “all welded” type adopted by the USN and a partially welded “nested” design used by the USAF, the latter distinguishable by its longitudinal seal bar. The overall shape and dimensions are identical however. Tamiya does include a USN style tank (all welded variant) in their F-4J boxings. I have a spare and would be happy to send it your way (along with instructions on how to mount it). The outboard pylons present a bit of a dilemma, as GeneK points out. The best options are to go with the GT Resin parts or to modify the USN style pylons that Tamiya include in their USMC boxing of the Phantom. If you choose the latter, I can again help you out with the extra parts. PM me if you’re interested. In any case, keep up the great work on your Bolo Bird. It’s a real stunner! Rich Edited September 18, 2023 by RichB63 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted October 14, 2023 Share Posted October 14, 2023 Any updates on this build? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boomstick Posted October 14, 2023 Author Share Posted October 14, 2023 Just a couple small details left to do! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted October 17, 2023 Share Posted October 17, 2023 Dang, that's a fantastic job! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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