I recently finished a smaller scale version of this plane, which was meant as a “starter kit” to help me learn things. Now I’m building a better quality kit (Revell) with a larger scale (1:32)… F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel.
(Click to enlarge)
Build options
The instruction booklet has 28 pages, with a handy table that names each part on the sprue (e.g., part 138 is the anti-sway brace).
There are two different home stations for this kit. The paint scheme is the same, but the decals are different:
- 561st Fighter Squadron, Nellis AFB
- Boise Idaho Air National Guard 190th Fighter Squadron
I’m opting for the Idaho configuration considering this site has some reference photos from that particular configuration.
The kit also has two options for what goes under the aircraft. I’m going for option “A” which includes…
- Travel pods on both wings
- AGM 45 Shrike (starboard)
- AIM 7E Sparrows on both wings
- Centerline drop tank
- ALQ 119 jamming pod (port)
- AGM-78 anti-radiation missile (port)
There are also other options for the build…
- Landing gear visible vs. closed panels
- Closed canopy vs. open canopy
- Ladder for the canopy
Comments about paint
The instructions tell you which paints to use, and for those murky options like “neutral gray” that could mean any number of shades, kits will reference the federal standard colors used on the actual aircraft. This kit uses:
- Gunship gray (FS 36118)
- Neutral gray (FS 36270)
There are websites that will tell you which specific names each paint manufacturer (e.g., Vallejo, Model Master, Testors) match that ID. I really enjoyed using Tamiya acrylics, so I wanted to use the same brand. Through Amazon.com and Tamiya’s website, you can only by spray cans of those colors.
My local hobby store was no help in finding Model Master colors that match, but they recently started carrying Mission Models acrylics, which have the good fortune of being pre-thinned acrylics, meaning I don’t have to mix thinners and paint!
Next steps
After watching several aircraft models builds on YouTube, I have a sense of how to sequence the steps (which differ a bit from the instructions). For example, it’s easier to paint and weather the main fuselage without the landing gear and missiles in the way.
I have my Trello board loaded up, so next it’s time to work on the cockpit interior.
