1/48 Academy F-4B Phantom II

Gallery Article by Vince “ModelerV” Pedulla on Sept 5 2014

 

      

I just finished the first (of what I plan on being a series of several) of the recent Academy 1/48th scale F-4 kits. A really nice model that goes together without drama (unless you make your own!) I screwed up a couple things, including putting the wheel wells in upside down!

 

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I especially loved the one part fuselage and many options this kit offers. Between this and the new F-4C or D kits, a wide variety of Phantom versions can be made. I did not like the different colored plastics! Very toy like and unnecessary. I hope future versions are molded in grey plastic only. The model was painted with Model Master Acrylics and weathered with oils. I think I may have overdone the weathering, as I was still in a "Skyraider" frame of mind. I will be more restrained on the next kit. Alclad paints used to replicate the multi-toned metal areas around the exhausts.

Built pretty much out of the box. I did add the Eduard photo etch zoom set for the cockpit and Eduard resin wheels, which are much better detailed than the kit parts. The canopies have a very faint mold line running down their centers, easily removed in about 30 minutes. Markings are from the fantastic Furball Decals Marine Rhinos set. These decals went on very well and almost didn't need setting solution! A few of the stencils came from the Furball set, but the majority were from the extensive Academy decal sheet. Just a note..there is nothing wrong with the Academy decals, I just have a soft spot for Marine birds. 

The missiles are from the Academy kit, with the CBUs from the Hobby Boss A-7D kit. My only criticism might be that the Sparrows don't have hollowed out exhausts. I didn't bother adding them on this kit. The Sidewinders, on the other hand, have beautifully hollowed exhausts. There are a wide variety of missile marks included. One more detail replacement set came from the Master Model turned brass pitots. In conclusion, a well detailed model with nice, restrained panel line & rivet lines, and a large number of leftover parts that hint on future versions coming out!

Next up-an F-4J Conversion!

Vince “ModelerV” Pedulla     www.modelerv.com

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Photos and text © by Vince “ModelerV” Pedulla