johnnymac Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 I started this a couple of weeks ago. It's the 4th big Phantom I've done the past 4-5 years, and I intend finishing it in SEA camo like it's predecessors. I started with scribing some of the missing panel lines that are unique to the recon versions, such as the photo flash cartridge ejection doors on the rear fuselage and additional panel lines on the vertical stab. I tried to highlight them with black pastelle so that they showed up better in the photos, but I wasn't too successful. The photos don't do the rescribing justice, and I am pleased with the results (I don't mean to sound cocky, it's just that there have been so many times my scribing has been awful, that I'm an expert at spotting bad scribing! ) I cut out the auxiliary air intakes on the bottom of the fuselage, and the doors were reshaped and detailed slightly. I don't think I'll detail the insides of the intakes very much, as you can't see much of them on the finished kit (as I learned on an F-4G I did last year). I've also cut out the outside trailing edge flaps so that they can be repositioned in a slightly down position common to Phantoms on the ground. I'm using the old style centerline fuel tank. The kit tank needed to be modified, as the mounting pylon is too thin and doesn't mount over the "bump" on the centerline like it's supposed to,but on top of it instead: I Dremeled out the part of the pylon that mounts over the bump, then I used sheet plastic to make the pylon wider. The 2 small fins were from a Tamiya F-4EJ kit. The result is that the tank now will mount flush to the bottom of the fuselage as it should: Next up: the seamless intakes! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmel Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 A 1/32 Phantom!! All that could make it better is if you were doing a late-model Guard jet. Jake Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted March 10, 2008 Author Share Posted March 10, 2008 A 1/32 Phantom!! All that could make it better is if you were doing a late-model Guard jet.Jake Sorry Jake, but it's SEA camo or BUST (I probably shouldn't use the word "bust" when referring to a plastic model ) !! Besides, it's going to be part of a set: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jester292 Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Sharp work! I'll love watching this. Keep it up! Aaron Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Impatient Pete Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 WoW! Those Phantoms look great! I started an RF-4B project using the revell kit and I will be paying close attention to this one. If you are interested, I have patterns to make intake ducts out of thin (.005") sheet styrene. Let me know if you are interested. That scribing looks good. What did you use? Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeeBee Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 I shall be watching this, your other F4s and it is nice selction look great!! Once complete with the RF4 they will look great together Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 WoW! Those Phantoms look great!I started an RF-4B project using the revell kit and I will be paying close attention to this one. If you are interested, I have patterns to make intake ducts out of thin (.005") sheet styrene. Let me know if you are interested. That scribing looks good. What did you use? Pete Pete, I'm not sure what you're talking about in regards to the intake ducts. Could you be more specific? The scribing was done "freehand" using the tip of a straight pin in a pin vise and a small ruler. Somewhat crude, but it did the trick! Will your RF-4B be an early model without the bulged wheels? If so, I'm curious what you'll be doing to remove the bulges on the tops and bottoms of the wings. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PlasticWeapons Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Pete, I'm not sure what you're talking about in regards to the intake ducts. Could you be more specific? The scribing was done "freehand" using the tip of a straight pin in a pin vise and a small ruler. Somewhat crude, but it did the trick! Will your RF-4B be an early model without the bulged wheels? If so, I'm curious what you'll be doing to remove the bulges on the tops and bottoms of the wings. Oooo....ahhhh....I know what Pete's talking about. Hey Pete, can ya shoot me a PM? I might be able to learn something from it (with Monogram Hornet intakes in mind), LOL. Ryan F Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Impatient Pete Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Pete, I'm not sure what you're talking about in regards to the intake ducts. Could you be more specific? The scribing was done "freehand" using the tip of a straight pin in a pin vise and a small ruler. Somewhat crude, but it did the trick! Will your RF-4B be an early model without the bulged wheels? If so, I'm curious what you'll be doing to remove the bulges on the tops and bottoms of the wings. I don't want to hijack this sweet thread, so I'll post a link to the topic on LSP where you can see what I'm talking about- http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.ph...10672&st=30 I won't be making the mods to the thin wing B, as many of the RF-4B's had the thicker wing of the J. Without getting too much into it, some of the B's were pretty much C's. They featured the thicker wheels, wings, and the engines of the J's. The pits were different from the J's though. So no, I won't be removing the bulges- Ryan, consider yourself PM'd! Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted March 16, 2008 Author Share Posted March 16, 2008 I don't want to hijack this sweet thread, so I'll post a link to the topic on LSP where you can see what I'm talking about-http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.ph...10672&st=30 Holy Moly! That's some serious scratch building. Well, I'm almost embarrassed to post these photos, but I'm using the compressor faces that came with the kit. I used Model Masters Metalizers; aluminum for the fan blades and stainless steel for everything else: I bought a set of Seamless Suckers which I started working on. There were a few air bubbles in the grills which needed filling: I also modified the vari-ramps by removing the excess horizontal plastic inside the vents, thinning the walls, and adding the vertical piece that goes down the center of each vent. I used a piece of photo etched sprue for that: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Impatient Pete Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Well, I'm almost embarrassed to post these photos... Oh please! Your work is fabulous! I told you I will be taking notes and I mean it. I like those splitter plate vents-I'll have to write that down More! Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 I've made very little progress over the past few weeks; work's been crazy busy! I got both seamless intakes installed into the fuselage halves. It required some minor surgery, as the intakes are too long (this has nothing to do with the seamless intakes themselves, the kit parts are too long). I needed to trim the fuselage by about 3/16" so the length is more accurate: I'm modifying the inboard pylons by adding the extra "bracket" that is often added to this style of pylon. I scratch built it using some reference photos I had. I'm guessing that they're not entirely accurate, but I'm OK with them, so if any of you have close up photos of these brackets, please don't post them! You'll just make me redo them, and I don't want to!!! :) The wings have been assembled, and I finished the flap modification. I added a small piece of triangular plastic to correct the shape of the inboard flap (I copied the Tamiya kit for this), then I added a piece of quarter round plastic to the outboard flap so that when I glue it in place in the down position, there's a nice transition: Lastly, I assembled the AN/ALQ-119 ECM pod. I modified the shape of the nose as it's too round. I'm not sure if I'll use it or not, as I think the Trumpeter A-10 pod is more accurate (that's what I've used on my other F-4's). Perhaps I'll initiate a trade: I'll be starting the cockpit shortly. I bought the Verlinden RF-4C set to enhance the kit parts. I find that Verlinden sets are "hit-or-miss" depending on the subject. At first glance, it appears that this set is a "miss". More to come! Impatient Pete: Thanks for the cockpit template! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmel Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 I'll be starting the cockpit shortly. I bought the Verlinden RF-4C set to enhance the kit parts. I find that Verlinden sets are "hit-or-miss" depending on the subject. At first glance, it appears that this set is a "miss". Unfortunately, I think you're right. I used it a couple years back and wasn't too impressed. I can't remember the specifics of why I didn't like. I remember the seat's shape is wrong at the top of the parachute pack, requiring some work to correct. Excellent work. I'm really enoying it. Jake Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted April 8, 2008 Author Share Posted April 8, 2008 Rusty!!! What did I tell you?!!! DON'T POST PICS OR I'LL HAVE TO REDO EVERYTHING!!! Oh, the PAIN!!!! OK, OK, I'm over it. I dare say, I may have just got it right after all. Seriously, thanks for the post. I appreciate the pic; it looks like my efforts are not in vain. Johnny! STOP!!!Back up! Pylon shape issue...with the adapter---- Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 Looking good. Keep it up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Texas Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 HI Your doing a great job. Texas Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted April 13, 2008 Author Share Posted April 13, 2008 Unfortunately, I think you're right. I used it a couple years back and wasn't too impressed. I can't remember the specifics of why I didn't like. I remember the seat's shape is wrong at the top of the parachute pack, requiring some work to correct. It's not only the seats, which I can actually live with (at least, I have with 2 other Phantoms!). The set gives you parts to update the kit's cockpit tub, rather than supplying a brand new tub. The pieces they supply are not that detailed, but more importantly, the kit tub is WAY too deep, particularly the rear tub. See photo below showing the kit tub (top) compared to a Tamiya F-4 tub (bottom): Without any adjustment, the guy in the rear cockpit would need a snorkle to sit in his seat! I was tempted to use the Tamiya tub, but the sidewalls supplied in the Verlinden set (which are quite nice and the highlight of the set) wouldn't fit. So I ended up chopping off the bottom of the rear set tub and installing a new floor that was not as deep as the original: The result is that the rear seat sits a little higher. It's still not high enough, but I will add some sheet plastic under both the front and rear seats to bring them up to a more desirable height. Also, the Verlinden set supplies photo-etched parts for the cockpit sills that are missing on the kit. However, the photo-etched sills are about 1/2 the width they should be, so I ended up scratch building sills using sheet plastic. I used the Tamiya kit for reference, and also the templates supplied to me by Impatient Pete (thank you Pete!): Well, that's it for the weekend. I would love any constructive criticism that you would like to unleash! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spooky 01 Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Well guy's, there You have it: John's being a very naughty boy again...!!! Keep up the good work John. I can hardly wait to see this beauty finished. Should You have the time, please post some more pic's regarding Your alterations on the "tub". I also noticed that Revell made a small mistake regarding the depth. I thought about Your solution but wasn't quite sure how that would work out. Of course You can always e-mail me some additional pic's to my personal e-mail adress but I'm sure the rest of us is just as anxiest to see the result... "Check Six....." Spooky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 [quote name='Spooky 01' date='Apr 14 2008, 03:44 PM' post='1359317' Keep up the good work John. I can hardly wait to see this beauty finished. Should You have the time, please post some more pic's regarding Your alterations on the "tub". I also noticed that Revell made a small mistake regarding the depth. I thought about Your solution but wasn't quite sure how that would work out. Well Rudy, unfortunately I don't have any more photos of my mods to the rear cockpit tub. However, I do have a few of the front which I decided was too deep as well: I also added some photo etch to the sills that I had left over from previous Phantom builds: I have started painting the control panels, and I have scratch built the oxygen hoses using guitar strings and copper wire: The side walls have been painted and weathered: Well, progress has been slow due to the fact that we are in busy season at work, but I hope to get moving now that April is soon to be over. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
regevmo Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Those oxygen hoses are looking very good B) Regev. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spooky 01 Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Those oxygen hoses are looking very good Regev. TOTALY AGREE !!!!! Realy looking sweet John. What are the small bands made of ? (Simply small strips of tape, or do You have a different trick for that?) Also a big "thank You" for posting the additional tub-pic's. I can't help but thinking that the seat's still ought to "sit" a bit higher... Is it the photograph's or do You tend to slide some platic sheet underneath them before final installment... Sure would like to hear something about that. In the mean time: Take Your time !!! For some reason You always manage to create a real gem. I sure wouldn't like to read that You messed this one up because You tried to rush things... Finaly; What will be the final livery of the bird? Will it become a beautifull JASDF bird or are You going to stick to a USAF(E) bird. An Alconbury beauty would go nicely with Your Ramstein Sharkmouth E as well. I guess I better stay tuned to find out... "Check Six....." Spooky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 Cockpit looking good there, especially with those hoses. Good job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymac Posted May 3, 2008 Author Share Posted May 3, 2008 Realy looking sweet John. What are the small bands made of ? (Simply small strips of tape, or do You have a different trick for that?) The bands are Tamiya tape, nothing fancy at all! Also a big "thank You" for posting the additional tub-pic's. I can't help but thinking that the seat's still ought to "sit" a bit higher... Is it the photograph's or do You tend to slide some platic sheet underneath them before final installment... Sure would like to hear something about that. I plan on adding some plastic sheet underneath the seats as needed; I'll figure that part out once the cockpit is installed. Finaly; What will be the final livery of the bird? Will it become a beautifull JASDF bird or are You going to stick to a USAF(E) bird. An Alconbury beauty would go nicely with Your Ramstein Sharkmouth E as well. I guess I better stay tuned to find out... I'm sticking with a USAFE bird, as I have AirDoc decals leftover from the "E". The tail code is going to be "ZR", which the instructions say are from the 17th TRS, RAF Wildenrath, TAM 1978. Truth be told, I didn't put a lot of thought into it; I'm just using up decals! I got the cameras assembled and installed. I didn't go crazy with detailing, as you can't see much once they're installed. I used seeker heads from Maverick missiles I had left over from a Trumpeter A-10. Also, rather than paint everything black, I used Gunship Grey: The cockpit is almost complete. Everything got a coat of Dullcote, and the sidewalls are installed. I cheated and used some leftover Eduard photo etch to detail the control panels. While not accurate to a recon Phantom, I like the clear photo instruments, which add a level of detail I can't replicate with paint: Hope to post more tomorrow once the nose is assembled. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spooky 01 Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 Hi John, thanx for the additional info regarding my questions. I also ought to thank You for the tip regarding the camera-lenses. I'll make sure to keep that one in mind once I get to my recce-birds... Sofar she's realy looking sweet & I', sure she's going to go well with Your other F-4's. As for the tailcode "ZR": This was the tailcode worn by the recce-birds which used to be based at Zweibrucken, USAFE Germany. Ohhh my: "memories, sweet memories..." "Check Six....." Spooky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wing_Nut Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Wow John, you've certainly made amazing progress and great results on top of that! I love the oxygen hose, that came out fantastic Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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