One of the first of the many, last of the first. F-4H-1{F-4A} BuAer no.145317, 1/72.
As far as I can tell145317 was the last of shorter narrow nosed Phantoms one of eleven development aircraft F4H-1-MC[Block2b]. A new feature was the new AAA-4 infra-red seeker which was below the radome containing the APG-72 radar with its 24 in dia. dish. Which was increased to 32 in. incorporated in the next Block giving that telltale drooped nose. as seen on the B,C,D,K,M,N&S. This aircraft was not involved speed or altitude records, it was assigned to Naval Missile Center GMU-7 Point Magu and later NATC being operational till 1965.
I used Fujimi !/72 F-4B Jolly Roger boxing, and Falcon's conversion kit, which also a two seat A-10, a C-130 conversion, the Facon kit supplies a vacuum formed canopy, which on the early F-4's are lower to the fuselage, this didn't work out [for me] I ended up modifying the kits canopy to where I thought looked right. now to the rabbit hole of no available decals, I scraped together letters and numbers to spell out the tail markings, what an eye strainer they are not exactly straight. As reference I used the only photo that I could find of 145317.
Image no.8 shows the first user of the F-4 USN and one of the last, Helenic Air Force.
Image no. 9 and10, represents nine of the alphabet of Phantom and two of what could have been.
Nice brood of F-4’s!
Hi Robert, an interesting and well-finished pair of Phantoms. I know these are 1/72 scale, but there seems to be something of a renaissance in the 1/48 world of Phantoms, with the recent Tamiya kit and the imminent release of Meng’s model.
Robert, @roofrat
As Phormer Phantom Phixer, I know you have placed your heart and soul into these builds. It shows up too. I have several 1/48 scale F-4's in the stash, one I had as a kid and I didn't get to build it before I joined the Army and started wearing funny green clothes all the time. Someday I want to build up "Showtime 100", Robin Olds' "Skat XXII" (or whatever number it was by then) and maybe a plane flown by Steve Richie or Chappie James. If you don't mind, and when the time comes, I would like to ask you some questions about them.
Thanks for sharing these with us.
I definitely clicked on the "like" button. Take care buddy.. stay safe too.
Tanks, I'm definitely not an expert on F-4s, but I'd be glad to help out. The last five years of my military association i was wearing funny green too, in the Army reserve. From funny blue to funny green, now both services can't make their minds up on what to wear. every two years or so they change a uniform.
Robert, (@roofrat)
It does seem that way doesn't it. One week they have a different style of camouflage from the last. So much for things being uniform huh ? 😉
Take care brother.
Tanks back at ya...
Really nice Robert
Thanks guys! Been having a problem down the loading photos, had a few more but they didn't make the trip.
A beautiful addition to your already impressive collection of Phantoms, Robert @roofrat
The F4 has always been an impressive aircraft, and still is.
Amazing all over! There's so much to the Phantoms, learning all these things thanks to your works, Robert!
Nice job on your F-4 and I love your collection of F-4. Right now I am working on a Fujimi F-4, it is going to be finished in a Royal Navy scheme.
Well done, Robert! Two more great looking builds to add to the phlock.
Great additions to an interesting collection, Robert.
What a line up Robert !
Nice to look at and great work.
Great result! The whole fleet looks fabulous. Keep it up! Soon you will need a bigger table 🙂
I have to love someone who has the same phetish for phantoms that I do, and even in my scale! Great build!
Congratulations, a great result on an unusual Phantom
Very nice unusual painting!
I haven't built anything since the end of spring and I'm developing an itch for an F4 Phantom II. If I do finally go the F4 route, I would be happy if mine turned out half as good as yours.
Thank you .
Nicely done Robert, and a nice collection of Phantoms' as well. Gotta tell you I saw the Thunderbirds flying Phantoms at an air show in Wiesbaden, Germany, in the 70's. When they did the bomb burst finale and the lone bird comes in and goes vertical, holy mother to God that was impressive to see and hear.
You're a braver man than me, Robert. Converting to an F4H-1 would be a valuable collection piece to any Phantom collector!
Nicely done. 'Like' button punched.
I would have thought someone would have produced a regular kit of the early Phantom, while they've made kits of lesser produced aircraft. For example, Hobbyboss has a kit of the one off two seat A-10, plus all those limited run kits like Mach2.@georgeswork
More phabulous Phantoms Robert, looking good.
Nice gaggle of Phantoms you have there, Robert. That table shot looks great. “Liked”.