The air force F-4s could use the hook in an emergency landing, with the runway barrier arrester system. The other difference between air force and Navy F-4s was the hooks for the steam catapault system.

Ah yes the great Monogram J! This kit goes together well, it has some fit issues, but they are of the more common variety. One thing common to ALL USN F-4 kits except the Academy however, is the rear cockpit is 100% wrong, and the front is not quite right. It is based on an Air Force F-4C if I recall correctly. If you use the Academy kit as a guide you could scratch the rear cockpit if you are good at such things. Last time I built this kit I didn't bother and just built it with the canopy closed. Still these kits build into nice models. Sorry you had struggles with the Academy kit, I know lots of very good modelers have, I had a few, but not many. I did find it over engineered and the multi colored plastic is just annoying. I will tackle mine here soon once my Tamiya Mustang falls out of the box so I can paint it 🙂

It's finally done. not very good but done. this will the last plane that i will endure to make

thanks or looking

Tom

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Every model built improves us, and provides some time with the mind turned off and the hands and heart engaged! Great effort and a nice contribution to the group build!