Colin M 1:72 Fujimi Phanton F-4K

[colin m]

Well, this kit launched itself at me today, at the Telford show. It's a kit I've wanted for quite sometime, so I'm in.





Despite its age, 1987 I think, it's a nice little kit so I think it will be straight oob.

[rickoshea52]

Good find Colin and welcome to the GB.

[colin m]

Good find Colin

It was a 'moment' Rick. The look on my face told the wife I had seen something and was going in. She grabbed my bag and I fought my way  through the crowd. Then it was mine. All mine.......

[colin m]

Right then, kick off. The box. 1:72 RN Phantom.
[ATTACH]272475[/ATTACH]

Some of the box contents. Not bad detail for a 1987 Kit.

[ATTACH]272476[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]272477[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]272478[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]272479[/ATTACH]

Like most builds, we start with the cockpit. And this, is just about all the components for the 'pit. 1:72, don't you just love it.
[ATTACH]272480[/ATTACH]

Which builds into this. The kit provides some decals for the office. I wasn't going to use them, but thought, well why not, the cockpit will be closed so not much will be seen.
[ATTACH]272482[/ATTACH]

I used the kit seats and thought I'd try something different with the seats. The yellow and black ejection seat 'handles' can be awkward to paint in 1:72, so I tried using thread instead.
[ATTACH]272483[/ATTACH]

My thread was too big and probably my scale too small. Hence it didn't really work, maybe 1:48 would be better.
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They don't look that bad in real life, honest..........
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Moving on, the fuse was connected up and placed on the wings. Look at that gap............
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The cure.
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The result.
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And that's where I am after two days on and off work. 1:72, a lovely scale.................................

[papa 695]

Nice start Colin I think the thread looks effective .

[Guest]

Great start Colin. Looking very good

[colin m]

Nice start Colin I think the thread looks effective .

Such a well bought up young man - I wish I could agree with your comment. However, I do think a better (read thinner) thread might work, so I don't think the idea is dead just yet. I'll try it again, in 1:48.

[colin m]

A touch more done. Starting with canopy making. Not my favourite pastime, but at least in 1:72, there isn't much to do. Oddly though, no raised detail, all lines were recessed on the canopy. Fujimi give the option of open or closed canopy, mine will be closed, clean lines.

[ATTACH]273102[/ATTACH]

Then the kit supplied exhausts were given a few layers of Alclad. The pictures don't show it too well, but they are quite well detailed.
[ATTACH]273103[/ATTACH]

Further Alclad was applied to the metal area under the tail. I've tried to replicate the burnt metal here, not too successful in this small scale.
[ATTACH]273104[/ATTACH]

Then the top coat was applied. Humbrol Extra dark sea gray. The white underside has already been done, but I forgot to photo this. It's white, that's all really.
[ATTACH]273105[/ATTACH]

After the top coat was finished, a bit of post shading was applied. Well diluted paint and a low pressure was needed here, remembering those panel lines are really small in this scale.
[ATTACH]273110[/ATTACH]

And what is really nice is, it all fits in my spray booth, unlike a certain 1:32 He 111 monster, which could maybe just about fit a wing in !

[ojays]

A touch more done. Starting with canopy making. Not my favourite pastime, but at least in 1:72, there isn't much to do. Oddly though, no raised detail, all lines were recessed on the canopy. Fujimi give the option of open or closed canopy, mine will be closed, clean lines.

[ATTACH]273102[/ATTACH]

Then the kit supplied exhausts were given a few layers of Alclad. The pictures don't show it too well, but they are quite well detailed.
[ATTACH]273103[/ATTACH]

Further Alclad was applied to the metal area under the tail. I've tried to replicate the burnt metal here, not too successful in this small scale.
[ATTACH]273104[/ATTACH]

Then the top coat was applied. Humbrol Extra dark sea gray. The white underside has already been done, but I forgot to photo this. It's white, that's all really.
[ATTACH]273105[/ATTACH]

After the top coat was finished, a bit of post shading was applied. Well diluted paint and a low pressure was needed here, remembering those panel lines are really small in this scale.
[ATTACH]273110[/ATTACH]

And what is really nice is, it all fits in my spray booth, unlike a certain 1:32 He 111 monster, which could maybe just about fit a wing in !

Definitely like the exhaust staining, enjoying this build a lot.

[Guest]

I think your doing really well in this scale. Superb cockpit and awesome looking exhausts

[papa 695]

It's coming along great Colin

[flyjoe180]

Nice work Colin, you are motoring through this one.

[colin m]

Well it was all going so well. I thought the kit decals were a bit old, a bit thick, but went with them anyway. Some were fine, others just wouldn't settle and some silvered. What a pain.
Here am I removing two of the worst offenders. And of course this is why we don't throw spare decals away do we.
Unfortunately the big red decal on the fin is a bit rough too, but I can't replace that with any spares.
[ATTACH]273869[/ATTACH]

Look how thick the decals are. The model should be covered in those little instruction / warning signs. I think their thickness is one reason why the little ones like to silver.
[ATTACH]273870[/ATTACH]

Repairs done, but not impressed with the decals. However, I should remember that sometime this year, this kit and its decals could turn 30. Yes, 30 years old, I can't complain really can I !
Oh yes, some other bits and pieces as well.

[ATTACH]273871[/ATTACH]

And here it is, just sprayed in home made satin varnish. Homemade, well I've lost my normal satin varnish, so out with the gloss and matt, 50:50 mix seems to have worked.
[ATTACH]273873[/ATTACH]
I'll probably go with a grey filter next, but all the pics on line do show the roundels etc as being quite bright and clean. So, maybe I'll leave it and see how it looks tomorrow.

Colin M..

[flyjoe180]

Looks like you've recovered those decal issues nicely Colin. The exhaust area is looking good.

[colin m]

The exhaust area is looking good

Cheers Joe. It's a very noticeable bit of the Phantom, one many people seem to spend a fair bit of time on. In a larger scale, you could go to town here - I would.