Search the Community

Continuing with the F-4 theme after the recently announced F-4 airframe data and VF-154 sheets, here are three "small" sheets covering USMC F-4 Phantoms in the Vietnam War. 32-032 three F-4B Phantoms of VMFA-323 Death Rattlers 32-033 two F-4J Phantoms of VMFA-232 Red Devils 32-034 one F-4J Phantom of VMFA-212 Lancers Each sheet will also include a set of the full airframe data (sheet 32-031). Estimated release in March. now available at: www.AOAdecals.com As mentioned, all three will also include airframe data:

This sheet provides the extensive F-4 Phantom airframe data (including panel numbers/labels) for either an F-4B or F-4J. The airframe data included is the painted (open stencil) type of markings commonly seen in the 1960's into the early 1970's on USN/USMC F-4B and F-4J Phantoms. Includes placards for the landing gear, speed brakes, speed brake wells, auxiliary air doors, wing external fuel tanks, and main and nose gear doors. Also includes markings for all pylons, bomb adapter racks (inboard and outboard pylon types), and LAU-7 rail markings. Note that this is not the printed (full letter) style of airframe data - check references for which style of airframe data was applied for a specific F-4. Expected Feb/Mar Now available at: www.AOAdecals.com

This will be somewhat limited release due to the nature of the subject since it will require a conversion set to make an F-4B out of a Tamiya 1/32 F-4 Phantom kit. As usual for AOA the subjects are from the Vietnam War with six options (3 different aircraft) for VMFA-115 Silver Eagles and two options for VMFA-314 Black Knights. It will include national insignia and the most common data stencils/markings (not complete F-4 airframe data). (The eagle markings look dark grey in these images but they're being printed in silver metallic.) Now in stock. Price $24 www.AOAdecals.com

This F-4J Phantom scheme I wanted for probably 15+ years for myself and finally decided to do it and release it as a simple "low budget" sheet that features only the squadron specific markings. Although VMFA-334 Falcons has been covered before, the falcon insignia in particular was somewhat lacking in any scale until now. Also in order to keep cost down, only one aircraft is covered, although it can be represented either from Vietnam or later in 1969 when -334 were in Japan. (edit...) Contrary to what I initially planned, included will be national insignia and intake warnings as well as a few other common markings (similar to what was provided on my earlier F-4J VF-143 sheet) Now in stock. Price $11.50 Printed by Microscale www.AOAdecals.com

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the folks from Sierra Hotel Models while attending the IPMS Nats. Great folks all; Michael, Patrick, Casey and Rich. Unfortunately Erik was unable to attend so maybe next time. Here are some photos of their “revised†Intake/Ramp set for the latest tool Revell F/RF-4C/E/F. I say revised because they have replaced the engine “face†with a newly tooled piece.The new piece is totally redesigned with blades set for the proper direction of rotation CSIDG “bullet†fairing and support struts. The detail is IMO totally awesome see for yourself. I have included a couple of pictures of both the new on left and the original offering. Exhaust Nozzles and AB Section in next post

In my bid to build a “more†accurate F-4 Phantom II cockpit than is currently available several interesting facts have come to light. The latest being that the Tamiya cockpit floor depth is too shallow by about 4 scale inches while the side consoles are correct; both with respect to the canopy sill. Out of that comes the issue that nearly all ejection seats available are sized to sit at the proper height when installed in the Tamiya cockpit and will sit too low in a cockpit with the correct floor depth. So I dug out all of the Phantom ejection seats I have in my stash and here is what I have found. Aires has an Mk 7 seat without harness in their F-4J cockpit set and available separately. Quick Boost has the Aires Mk 7 seat with harness. Otherwise it is the same as the Aires seat. Paragon has an Mk 7 seat that the height is sized to fit the Revell cockpit or a correct depth cockpit. Reheat Models has an Mk 7 seat that like the Paragon is sized for the deeper cockpit floor. Eduards Mk 7 seat appears to be better sized to fit the deeper cockpit but is “made†for the Tamiya kit. Verlinden does an Mk 7 seat that is sized to fit the Tamiya cockpit. TAC Scale Mk 7 sized to fit Tamiya True Details has an Mk 7 seat that is sized to fit the Tamiya cockpit. AMS Resin has an Mk 7 seat (USN/USMC and USAF versions) sized for the Tamiya cockpit. AMS Resin has an H5 version also made for the Tamiya cockpit. Other than Aires I have not included the seats that come in other AM cockpit sets as the cockpit except the Legend set are designed for the Tamiya kit so the seats are sized to fit them. Here are photos for comparison; in the second “lineup†I have included the Tamiya seat. IMO it appears that the Paragon, Reheat and Eduards seats are better suited for the Revell cockpit or a scale depth cockpit while the others are best suited for the Tamiya cockpit. Disclaimer; I make no attempt to extol the virtues of one over another only show the height differences. Barry

I know "another" F-4 Phantom topic though not a completely new topic I though it needed its own topic and thread. First two photos are of my cockpit based on the Navy version then the USAF version. I am modifying the Tamiya cockpit to the primary structure common to all versions of the F-4 Phantom. The goal is to create a single basic cockpit tub that will accommodate equipment and additional structure necessary to allow a "plug & play" approach to the Phantom cockpit. I am hoping to be able to use the same basic cockpit structure with hopefully minor adjustments to fit the Revell "new" tool Phantoms as well. Though I knew from personal work experience that the Aft Bulkhead in the Forward Cockpit also served as the Forward Bulkhead for the Aft Cockpit I had been working the Tamiya cockpit as molded. I simply could not get the Aft cockpit Radar Scope to sit at the proper angle. This condition affects either the USAF or USN style cockpit so the answer was to do as the original designers did and use the same canted bulkhead for both cockpits. Here is what the difference is. Here is my third iteration TAFN Barry

Well I did not get anything done on my F-8E Crusader project while I've been off for the past two weeks but I did jump into mastering an F-4B (early) Cockpit in conjunction with Derek B's F-4B Conversion. First are shots taken with Harold's MB H-5 Ejection seat then without. I have adjusted colors and contrast to try and show details. I also had trouble getting the camera to focus on the left hand console. I will get better photos when I pull it apart. All pieces are temp installed and require final fitting and tweaking. Parts are designed to convert a Tamiya kit cockpit in this case I've used a C/D as that will be the basis for Derek's conversion. This does require modification of the kit tub. It is not done but I am very interested in your feedback. Derek has indicated that this will be offered as a seperate kit for those with CE or CAM F-4B conversion sets. I know that he has not decided on a set including the tub or just the pieces required to convert the kit tub he is seeing this for the first time also! Once I take it all apart "again" I will get some photos of the modifications needed to convert the tub. It really boils down to how accurate you want it to be and how much effort you are willing to put into to it yourself. Let me hear from you! Barry

I'm all fired up for this one. Here is the history behind the build: In January 1965, VMF(AW)-122 returned after cross-training with the US Air Forces 40th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Yakota AB, Japan. Reformed at MCAS El Toro, Calif. for the transition to the F-4B "Phantom". In the interim phase, the squadron flew F-8Bs. On July 1, 1965, VMF(AW)-122 was redisignated a Marine Fighter Attack (VMFA) squadron. The "Crusaders" served as a replacement training squadron until the first TRANSPAC to the Republic of Vietnam in August 1967. During operations from Da Nang Air Base, the "Crusaders" flew their first combat sorties September 1, 1967. During the next five months, the squadron flew 2,540 sorties and delivered 4,800 tons of ordnance. During the Khe Sahn siege which followed the Tet Offensive, they accrued 745 flight hours on 629 combat sorties and dropped 1,300 tons of ordnance in February 1968 alone. On September 1, 1968, VMFA-122 rotated from Da Nang to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The "Crusaders" redeployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1969 reporting to the Marine Air Base, Chu Lai. The look and configuration: Scans from Squadron/Signal Pub. USMC Phantoms in Combat#6353, painting by: Lou Drendel. Posted for illustration purposes only under Fair Use: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html Time period photo at MCAS El Toro 1966 In country photos Gun Pods are not Vulcan as stated.They were the HIPEG (High Performance External Gun) It was a twin-barreled, high-speed 20 mm aircraft machine gun pod. What I'll use: Tamiya F-4J Cutting Edge: F-4B airframe conversion sets for F-4J 32180 and 32187 Cutting Edge: Mk5 ejection seats w/o belts Cutting Edge: AIM-9B set 32015 DMold: F-4 seamless intakes 32001 AMS Resin: HIPEG 20mm gun pods; 32047 x1, 32048 x2 Wolfpack Design: hard wing flaps down set 32024 + scratch built Inboard LE Flaps Master Details: Aircrew some combination of torsos and heads. CAM Decals: VMFA-122 set 29 Cockpit: Kit with kitbashed fwd instrument panel and radar scope. My vision is to build a in-flight display show a/c shortly after rotation with landing gear retraction nearly complete. Flaps will be down and engines will be in full A/B. I trying to figure a way to create A/B flames and have mounting hidden within flame. Anyone got any ideas? Step One; get started: DMold intakes and CE B wing upper halves fitted. Let's have fun and honor those who flew and maintained this icon of Aviation History. Barry

I have not been happy with any after market Phantom Cockpit. I am not saying anyone's is bad just all have the same problem aft cockpit is too short. The main differences you will see are in the shelves on either side of the aft cockpit. All the current after market kits chop them off thus causing or allowing the rear bulkhead to be slanted to match the seat angle. For the most part the rear bulkhead is actually nearly vertical. I have been kit bashing/scratch building one on and off for "years". I am attempting to make it adaptive to both Tamiya and Revell kits. What you see here is fitted to the latest Revell F-4E kit. I have considered working with Harold to see how it would cast up. I would like your thoughts.