McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai Phantom II - JASDF Special Marking Blue (Fine Molds)
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/2/9/2/1546292-10105-71-720.jpg)
The Fine Molds F-4 Phantom II series is now my "go-to" choice for Spooks in the gentleman's scale.
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/2/9/3/1546293-10105-95-720.jpg)
I've added some shots to show the sprues etc.
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/2/9/4/1546294-10105-92-720.jpg)
I do wish there had been a folding wing option...
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/2/9/5/1546295-10105-19-720.jpg)
Note the upper fuselage section - gets rid of a nasty seam as on all other F-4 kits in this scale.
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/2/9/6/1546296-10105-74-720.jpg)
No metallic blue decals for the drop tanks - will have to match with paint. That should be fun...
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/2/9/7/1546297-10105-22-720.jpg)
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).
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/2/9/8/1546298-10105-18-720.jpg)
Outer wings and tailplanes features tabs that ensure precise alignment.
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/2/9/9/1546299-10105-84-720.jpg)
The tailplanes even interlock with each other.
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/3/0/0/1546300-10105-22-720.jpg)
Separate pieces for the lip around the exhausts - very thin and more to scale than other kits.
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/3/0/1/1546301-10105-31-720.jpg)
The main fuselage is reinforced with internal bulkheads.
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/3/0/2/1546302-10105-37-720.jpg)
Options for open or closed canopy.
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/3/0/3/1546303-10105-92-720.jpg)
Not sure about this stuff - injection moulded seat harnesses, etc. We'll see.
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/3/0/4/1546304-10105-34-720.jpg)
The first decal sheet - stencils anyone?
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/3/0/5/1546305-10105-29-720.jpg)
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.
![Album image #15 Album image #15](/albums/img/3/0/6/1546306-10105-85-720.jpg)
Getting started on the cockpit. Both flat and 3D instrument panels are provided - for use with decals or painting.
![Album image #16 Album image #16](/albums/img/3/0/8/1546308-10105-21-720.jpg)
I chose the decals.
![Album image #17 Album image #17](/albums/img/3/0/9/1546309-10105-70-720.jpg)
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.
![Album image #18 Album image #18](/albums/img/3/1/0/1546310-10105-29-720.jpg)
Nicely done intake tunnels. When assembled, it's difficult to see any seams.
![Album image #19 Album image #19](/albums/img/3/1/1/1546311-10105-98-720.jpg)
Fuselage together and starting the paint job. Underside is FS36375 and the top is FS36320 and black.
![Album image #20 Album image #20](/albums/img/3/1/2/1546312-10105-42-720.jpg)
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.
![Album image #21 Album image #21](/albums/img/3/1/4/1546314-10105-54-720.jpg)
Stickering has begun! As expected, the metallic blue areas needed a LOT of decal solvent, but eventually they snuggled down nicely.
![Album image #22 Album image #22](/albums/img/2/2/7/1558227-10105-70-720.jpg)
Stencil heaven.
![Album image #23 Album image #23](/albums/img/2/2/6/1558226-10105-37-720.jpg)
I think she's finished. I'm finished anyway - the decals put up a fight.
![Album image #24 Album image #24](/albums/img/2/2/8/1558228-10105-70-720.jpg)
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.
![Album image #25 Album image #25](/albums/img/2/2/9/1558229-10105-36-720.jpg)
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)
McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai (Revell) | Album by Navy Bird (1:72)
![Album image #26 Album image #26](/albums/img/2/3/0/1558230-10105-13-720.jpg)
![Album image #27 Album image #27](/albums/img/2/3/1/1558231-10105-57-720.jpg)
![Album image #28 Album image #28](/albums/img/2/3/2/1558232-10105-81-720.jpg)
![Album image #29 Album image #29](/albums/img/2/3/3/1558233-10105-70-720.jpg)
![Album image #30 Album image #30](/albums/img/2/3/4/1558234-10105-38-720.jpg)
Commenti
24 7 September 2023, 12:12
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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
Album info
I love these JASDF anniversary and retirement schemes. This one is especially lovely.