F-4J, VF-102, c. 1977

F-4J assigned to VF-102, CVW-7, c. 1977.
(ERTL/ESCI F-4B/J in 1/48 scale, kit #8213 c. 1980)

Depicts F-4J (F-4J-42-MC BuNo 157281 (MSN 3808) of VF-102 late in its service with that squadron. The Diamondbacks made nine deployments with CVW-7 aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) before trading in their Phantoms in 1981 for the latest thing. Aircraft was later upgraded to F-4S standard and served with VF-101 and VMFA-323 before being retired to AMARC in November 1988.

Kit purchased in 1980 and served in box of doom under partial assembly for 38+ years before being identified for completion. Replaced plain ESCI cockpit with parts from excellent, venerable Monogram kit, and made minor structural repairs and modifications before being painted in MM Acryl Light Gull Grey (FS36440) and Floquil Reefer white acrylic. Decals were laser printed at home.