1/32 Tamiya F-4D

by John McCormick

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Just finished up this 1/32 scale F-4D by Tamiya.  It built up into a very impressive kit (if I do say so myself)!  I won't go into the pros and cons of this kit, as they have been extensively covered by others much more qualified than myself.  One thing I will say is that removing all the raised panels was not a highlight of the kit!
 
I used a Verlinden update set for the cockpit, and I was very pleased with both the fit and level of detail of the set. 

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Overall, the fit of the kit is very good.  However, the tail section was a bit tricky.  It's designed so that the horizontal stabs are moveable.  If assembled that way, it would have been a nightmare to paint the bare metal areas.  In the end, I decided to glue the stabs in place after painting was completed.
 

I know the model is probably overloaded, but I couldn't resist arming this beast to the teeth!  Instead of using the supplied outer wing tanks, I used KMC outboard wing pylons and the 2 MERs that came with the kit.  The Snakeyes are from Tamiya's F-14A 1994 kit, and they were generously donated by members of ARC's discussion forum:  Sean Holliday, Larry Hawkins, and Brian Walker.  The centerline fuel tank was supplied free of charge by Kevin Smith.  I wish to thank them all for their generosity!  Additionally, I shortened the tail fins of the Sidewinders, as they were much too big. 

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I used Model Master enamals for paints, and Future was used as both the gloss coat and the finishing solution for the decals.  The decals are AirDoc stencils and Aeromaster stencils.  After a water based black wash was applied, a final coat of Testors Dullcote lacquer was used to finish things off.  RBF tags are from my color printer, and the FOD covers are from CAM.  Hope you enjoy!

John

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Photos and text © by John McCormick