Subject: Re: 1/144 Hellenic RF-4E Phantom
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "S K Loh" <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:22:09 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: S K Loh 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 9:49 AM
  Subject: 1/144 Hellenic RF-4E Phantom

  HI Steve,

  Attached is my article on the above. 

  Best regards,

  SK Loh 

   

  "1/144 HELLENIC RF-4E Phantom" 

  by "S K Loh"
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here

  Depicted here is a Hellenic RF4-E Phantom converted from the 1/144 Revell F-4E/J Phantom II kit. The Revell kit is almost identical to 1/144 Academy kit that I have used so far. It suffers the same flaws i.e. the scoop-like gun fairing and the drop tanks guide holes are a tad off from the main landing gear position. In addition, the canopy appeared somewhat "bubbled" (this I realised after fixing it into position).

  I decided to modify the F4-E kit into a RF4-E when I chanced upon a picture of a Hellenic RF-4E S/N 7519 from 348 TRS "Matia" (Tactical Recon Sqn) which carried the first special anniversary markings in 2005. I had to scratch-built and reshape the nose and the camera housing to make it resemble an RF4-E as best as I could. I added scratch-built AIM-9 missile and pylons as well as a centerline drop tank. The main drop tanks were repositioned inward close towards the MLG as usual. Unfortunately S/N 7519 suffered some maintenance setbacks and was grounded. A second special marking RF-4E S/N 7487 was commissioned to commemorate the 30 years of HAF RF-4E with 348TRS as well as 50 years of F-4 Phantom in May 2008.  There are many bigger scale model kits scale in the market that carries this decal marking.

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  It was quite a challenge to create the decals especially the artwork on the vertical fin and on the front side of the fuselage. Glad it turned quite alright.  

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  As for the paint scheme, the RF-4E carried the 'Norm 83" Luftwaffe colours as they were ex-Luftwaffe Phantoms and HAF operated with its as-is colours. I pre-mix the shades to depict this colour scheme. Light weathering was done with a light wash.

  I had wanted this kit ready in time for the Greek Independence Day on 25 March but was held back as I had problem with my airbrush and compressor that require some corrective maintenance. That explains the a little rougher than normal paintwork as it would be tough to do a complete re-work given the size of this kit. 

  Enjoy!!

  "S K Loh"

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