I’m cheap, so I cut out and painted the seat belts myself using the Tamiya tape. At 1/72 scale, nobody is going to look at closely to discover my switch-aroo
I added the TER Mk.82 bombs with the extended fuses. I ran a wire from the top of the fuse to the rack for realism - but it’s so small, most people won’t see it unless they looked for it.
Hands down, best 1/72 modern aircraft kit I have ever built - yes, even better than the Hasegawa F-4 1/72 limited edition kits - and here’s why:
* Details - this kit has it in spades. The only kit that has this much attention to detail is Arma Models IMHO.
* Ease of assembly - it just comes together like a Tamiya - thoroughly well engineered, fit and finish is immaculate, almost as idiot proof (and I need that) as a Bandai Star Wars kit!
* Decals - Phantoms have a LOT of decals, and this kit has it - they make it easier by consolidating a lot of them (so some stretches of carrier film will show up). The decals are nice and thin, and conform well to the kit.
Unfortunately, the only downside to this kit is the lack of pilots, seatbelts and armaments. The missing pilots is forgiveable - the cockpit is so beautiful, it would be a sin to close the canopies. However, the lack of armaments forced me to use spares from my 1/72 Hasegawa missile and bombs kits. The lack of detailed belts also forces you to either scratch build one, or buy their PE painted belts - and when you all these all up, it really makes this affordable kit, less affordable.
That aside, I really loved this kit. Like a Tamiya, it was a pure joy to build and assemble. Like an Arma Models / GWH / Meng / Eduards, the details are stunning. And for the idiots who can barely read the manual like me, the assembly is as fool-proof as a Bandai.
CaptGPF
