McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai Phantom II (JASDF Special Marking Blue)

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September 7, 2023
The Fine Molds F-4 Phantom II series is now my "go-to" choice for Spooks in the gentleman's scale.
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September 7, 2023
I've added some shots to show the sprues etc.
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September 7, 2023
I do wish there had been a folding wing option...
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September 7, 2023
Note the upper fuselage section - gets rid of a nasty seam as on all other F-4 kits in this scale.
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September 7, 2023
No metallic blue decals for the drop tanks - will have to match with paint. That should be fun...
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September 7, 2023
Fine Molds have done a great job with the design of these kits so that they can produce just about any variant (except the British Spey-powered planes).
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September 7, 2023
Outer wings and tailplanes features tabs that ensure precise alignment.
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September 7, 2023
The tailplanes even interlock with each other.
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September 7, 2023
Separate pieces for the lip around the exhausts - very thin and more to scale than other kits.
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September 7, 2023
The main fuselage is reinforced with internal bulkheads.
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September 7, 2023
Options for open or closed canopy.
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September 7, 2023
Not sure about this stuff - injection moulded seat harnesses, etc. We'll see.
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September 7, 2023
The first decal sheet - stencils anyone?
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September 7, 2023
The blue metallic ink is beautiful - but the printing process to make it results in a thick decal. Hopefully this does not create any problems.
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September 7, 2023
Getting started on the cockpit. Both flat and 3D instrument panels are provided - for use with decals or painting.
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September 7, 2023
I chose the decals.
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September 7, 2023
The inside of the intake ramps - these seams will show so they must be filled. Not sure why Fine Molds made these as two piece assemblies.
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September 7, 2023
Nicely done intake tunnels. When assembled, it's difficult to see any seams.
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September 7, 2023
Fuselage together and starting the paint job. Underside is FS36375 and the top is FS36320 and black.
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September 7, 2023
The metallic area around the exhaust is composed of separate pieces from the fuselage. The fit was perfect. Note the thin lip around the burner cans.
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September 7, 2023
Stickering has begun! As expected, the metallic blue areas needed a LOT of decal solvent, but eventually they snuggled down nicely.
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September 25, 2023
Stencil heaven.
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September 25, 2023
I think she's finished. I'm finished anyway - the decals put up a fight.
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September 25, 2023
I had to mix the blue on the front of the drop tanks to match the decal. I used Gunze H88 Metallic Blue and H35 Cobalt Blue. Maybe 50/50? I didn't keep track.
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September 25, 2023
The JASDF always have the best anniversary schemes. Check out my other 301 Squadron Phantom here:

McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai (Revell) | Album by Navy Bird (1:72)
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September 25, 2023
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September 25, 2023
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September 25, 2023
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September 25, 2023
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September 25, 2023

Comments

24 7 September 2023, 12:12

Bill Gilman
Getting started on my next project! In my opinion, the Fine Molds F-4 Phantom II series has eclipsed the venerable Hasegawa kits. Both are still great kits, but Fine Molds have produced a real winner. I love this JASDF retirement scheme but I was a bit worried about all those decals. The metallic blue areas are a bit thick (probably due to the printing process) and required a lot of decal solvent to conform properly to the model surface. Eventually they did, but it was a struggle at times. I will have to somehow match the metallic blue colour when painting the drop tanks as that obviously cannot be a decal. Hopefully I can get something close. Cheers, Bill

7 September 2023, 12:37

Bill Gilman
She's all finished! Cheers, Bill

25 September 2023, 20:04

Spanjaard
very nice result

25 September 2023, 20:21

Album info

I love these JASDF anniversary and retirement schemes. This one is especially lovely.

F-4EJ Kai Phantom II (JASDF Special Marking Blue)

30 images

1:72

Completed

1:72 F-4EJ Kai Fighter (Fine Molds 72838)

1:72 Martin Baker Mk 7 Ejection seats ( F-4) (Verlinden Productions 439)

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