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Morne Meyer
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F 4 Phantom Group Build

February 17, 2016 · in Aviation · · 20 · 2.1K

My contribution for the group build will be 's F 4B dressed up in Vagabond decals for VF 84's SEA 1965 cruise. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Aires cockpit set to add some spice to an excellent kit.

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20 responses

  1. Excellent choice, but beware - the landing gear assembly/installation can be a bug-a-boo if you're not careful.

    • Thanks for the heads up Craig! Academy's decal sheet is very comprehensive and most if not all the stencils are included. I think the decaling process will last VERY long. After the Phantom I shall endeavour to build a F3H Demon in the markings of the Jolly Rogers. The two kits will look great next to each other!

  2. Looks like a great choice! I remember the 40+ hours I spent stenciling my Foxhound... in 1/72 no less!

    • I have the Hasegawa F4B in Sundowner markings as well and even that decalsheet is festooned with stencils. I believe the MANY hours of decalling will be time well spent.

  3. Hi Morne,

    This is my weapon of choice for the group build too. Interesting to hear Craigs comments on its fit.

    I intend doing it as it comes from the box, the VF111 markings are what made me buy it in the first place. I,m changing the undercarriage for a SAC metal set, purely because I do this on most of my models, as they travel for shows etc. it makes them that much more robust.

    I,m also including a set of Aerobonus crew on ejector seats, just so i don,t have to spend a lot of time on the cockpit.

    I hear you on the decals, but my bugbear is making vast amounts of ordnance, and this thing drips with them...!

    • Maybe it was just me...I've seen others built with no adverse comments made...and others that DO complain about certain fit issues - that's why I said to just be wary before committing any glue to it. Jus' sayin'...

    • A Phantom fully loaded for war is a magnificent sight! I can't seem to find any photos on the net depicting weapons loads for the VF 84 F 4B I want to build. I assume a typical load would be as depicted on the Academy box art. . Still have to do more research!

  4. Nice kit. I, however, gave mine away. Don't ask why, all I can say is I wasn't in my right mind.

  5. I really enjoyed building my VF 84 Phantom, I bet yours will turn out great. I can't wait to start 2nd Academy kit. Much like how I had to make up markings for VF 84 206, I am now going to have to come up with 204 for my Sundowner build. Just can't bring myself to do 201 like everyone else 🙂

    • VF 111 and VF 84 are my favourite Phantom markings by far. I have a Demon, Cougar and Phantom planned for VF 84. My 1/48 Hasegawa F4B will get the VF 111 markings to go with my VF 111 F8E Crusader. I am sure your Sundowner Phantom will look awesome!

  6. Nice pick, Morne!

  7. It's certainly going to be a colourful group build!

    • The Phantom must be the aircraft that fielded some of the most colourful markings ever. Bicentennial aircraft and those used by the US Navy and other Air Forces around the world.

  8. Picked up mine today. The Revell 1/72 F4F Phantom LL. Might be a while. 103 parts and revell skill level 3. When you've only done Airfix ww2 fighters this will be my biggest challenge yet. Hope it's worthy of a picture at the end. Wish me luck guys.

  9. Great project, Morne. The cockpit is underway.

    • Guten Abend mein Freund! Ich freue mich darauf. Can't wait to get started with this project. Can't wait to see everyone posting their completed models in August!

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