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British Phantom FG1 1/32 build


spindrift007

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Thought I would post the start of my build of my favourite aircraft in my favourite scale. If there is much interest I will continue until (hopefully) the completion of the project. I am using the Tamiya J kit as a donor and also have parts of a C/D kit as well if I stuff anything up. I’m very lucky to also have the Wild Hare conversion kit that I am using as reference. The decals will be used from that set as well as a pair of MB seats as there are two sets in the WH kit.

I have been using Frank Mitchell’s excellent “how to build an FGR” series . I would not have attempted this without it, so thanks to Frank for spending the time putting it together and posting.

After reading through the guide I thought the intakes look harder than the rear end of the airframe for the FG only Srey engines. I was sooooo wrong.

So far I have completed the major surgery on the airframe and the intakes have been widened. The intakes were quite easy really (due to Frank’s images), and so was the front end surgery . I was feeling very confident and started the rear end. That has been a nightmare so far. Don’t seem to be able to get the right shape for the engines. As I said before I have a spare lower airframes if I need it, and I might!

My plan now is to attack the engine area with both top and bottom parts of the airframes attached together. So the cockpit will need to be installed. Black Box F-4C Box cockpit will be used. I know that the J cockpit would be better to use for an FGR but I only have one J cockpit which will be used with the Wild Hair conversion (FGR2). Most changes are to the rear pit and I have moulded two new side walls ( from the BB F-4J cockpit) and done some surgery to both left and right consoles.

Any input about the rear end would be appreciated, I know it looks a mess at the moment!

 

fgr1a.jpg

 

fgr1b.jpg

 

fgr1c.jpg

 

fgr1d.jpg

 

fgr1f.jpg

 

fgr1e.jpg

Edited by spindrift007
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Looks like a promising start mate. If you like, I can move your thread over to the brand-new Phantom Group Build. It runs for the rest of the year, and can be moved back here if you don't finish it in time. Just let me know.

 

Kev

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Hi Chris,

I intend to do this as a Phantom FG.1, 43 Sqn, RAF, XV571, Checkerboard Spine.

 

 

Image of intended scheme

 

The Wild Hare kit has 11 schemes to choose from! The WH conversion will be used to make an FGR2 in standard camo colours.

 

 

Nice choice. Thats the one I would have done.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Have done some work on the cockpit as I need to glue airframe together to get the rear section sorted. The front tub and rear are simlar to a J (for an FG1). I only have a spare C cockpit available so I have made the rear side walls from a J cockpit I have for another project and converted the right console. Not finished as yet, still have to do some work on the consoles.

 

frontpaint.jpg

 

rearpaint.jpg

 

side1.jpg

 

side2.jpg

 

side3.jpg

Edited by spindrift007
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That's the same scheme Frank did his in as well - looked terrific in person!

 

Cheers,

 

Doug

 

Hi Doug,

I have seen Franks build of an FGR2 in a simlar scheme but not an FG1 with the cheackered black and white spine.

Edited by spindrift007
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  • 2 weeks later...

Having major problems sorting out the rear airframe for the sprey engines. The plastic strips and cutting did not seem to work for me. I decided to try another approach. I have made a resin part from my WH set. It was made using a one off plaster of paris mould. Its dimentions are from the rear lower airframe to the two access bays. The width stops at, but includes, the rear weapon troughs. I have cut out the original area and hope to slot in the new part. Needs a GOOD clean up as my moulding skills are not great, but I think it will work. There are a lot of concave pits on the surface of the resin that I will need to fill somehow ( any advice would be great).

I will post some images later.

Small note: This thread should be called FG:1 NOT FGR:1. The R is only used for the RAF Phantom (FGR:2). Something else I have learnt !

Edited by spindrift007
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Having major problems sorting out the rear airframe for the sprey engines. The plastic strips and cutting did not seem to work for me. I decided to try another approach. I have made a resin part from my WH set. It was made using a one off plaster of paris mould. Its dimentions are from the rear lower airframe to the two access bays. The width stops at, but includes, the rear weapon troughs. I have cut out the original area and hope to slot in the new part. Needs a GOOD clean up as my moulding skills are not great, but I think it will work. There are a lot of concave pits on the surface of the resin that I will need to fill somehow ( any advice would be great).

I will post some images later.

Small note: This thread should be called FG:1 NOT FGR:1. The R is only used for the RAF Phantom (FGR:2). Something else I have learnt !

 

 

Hi Spindrift,

 

 

Could you elaborate on the problems you are having? I'm pretty far along on my conversion, and have not run into any problems, yet. So far, it has been pretty straight-forward, my only problem being that I did't twist the inserts enough, so it has a bit of a squared off look, which i think I can correct with some Aves putty. Thanks,

 

Lee

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