Search the Community

Hi folks, I finished this yesterday having started it just after Telford last year. I wanted to build a model of the F-4J that the RAF received in the 80’s as it’s a conversation subject all day long. I’ve done more research than is probably healthy and picked up a kit at last years SMW show knowing full well what it was going to be. I managed to bag a set of decals from the States and at last years Salisbury show I picked up the F-4J(UK) Aeroguide book, which for an old publication has been invaluable. Anyway the kit has had much written about it, so I won’t duplicate what’s known but it’s a first for me; the Tamiya kit that is. Prior to building whilst researching I knew I wanted the centre line tank with a ballast sparrow and aquisition round. I wanted to be different from the other blue builds so I found a 3D parachute on the internet, so ordered one. Again research showed that the crew could and some did put the pins in the seats on the taxi back to the line. So I wanted to depict a cab taxiing back with everything cleaned up and the rear crewman putting his pins in. Refuelling probe extended for checks after shut down. It ties in quite nicely that I found back in the day that 74 Sqn did indeed mount a challenge to fly 74 sorties in one day, trying to out do 56 Sqns efforts some time earlier. They did succeed. So this is my take on a cab going back to the line for a quick turn around to be available to go again. Reading Tug Wilson’s book they did the same at Akrotiri with parachute still attached for the same reason. Any comments or if you see if blatantly missed something speak up. Thanks for looking. Steve.

Well, it's been a long haul but I'm finally calling this done, Tamiya's 1/32 F-4J finished as ZE352 74 Squadron RAF 1988. I bought the kit originally to do an FG1 conversion but with a kit being announced shortly after receipt decided I didn't need the pain of all that cutting and filling. As we all know the UK J's were delivered in a funny colour so I wanted to emulate that but also wanted to do a scheme that was a bit out of the ordinary, ZE352 in 1988 seemed to offer this, she was bit worn and tired, had a replacement panel in RAF Barley grey and some zap graffiti. So this is what I was aiming to achieve: I added some aftermarket - GT Resins F-4J cockpit and seamless intakes, Eduard exhausts, Yellowhammer decals and used some old Reheat ejection seats that I have had for ages as I wasn't so happy with the GT ones (detail was a bit muzzy). Painted in Xtracolour X127 for the Flint Grey and some assorted greys from the paintbox for the rest. I apologise for naff pictures, I'll try for some better ones if the sun ever comes out again. These are from earlier in the build; The hot section was painted with AK Interactive True Metal paste and some Baremetal foil. The red lines are to simulate the RTV106 sealant commonly seen. All comments good and bad welcome Dave