1/48 Academy F-4N with Quinta 3D decals and printed cockpit corrections plus Aerobonus Kh-31 missile and launcher representing a proposed SST to meet Navy requirements. After trials the Navy opted for a different path but the F-4N was carrier aircraft for the trials.
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*WIP On The Workbench
2026 is off to a busy start.
Academy 1/48 F-4N target carrier: main subcomponents assembled. Some adjustments needed to get cockpit seated. Intakes and underside where forward section joins the main body were a bit problematic, but gaps filled with stretched sprue. Biggest issue was the spine panel for USN/USMC F-4s that do not have the boom IFR receiver was too small and had to build up the area with a Plastruct patch. A neat trick with AK pens: I’ve started using the aluminum pen along seams and areas that require extensive work (like the spine patch here), as they show every (formerly) hidden flaw and don’t fill in engraved detail as primers can. Dries fast and gives immediate feedback. Began painting some parts w/International Orange (FS 12197) using some of my Model Master stash.
MA-31 (Kh-31/AS-17): Separated from 3D blocks, primed and painted International Orange. Weapons cart built/modified with test panels and painted. Next - mask and prime/apply metallics.
Atlantis 1/40 TALOS: Launch stand assembled, cleaned up flash/ejection pin marks. Next: prime/paint/detail
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Looking great, looking forward to seeing more. I have that kit in my stash I think so I’m going to be following you closely.
I’m in the middle of a Hasegawa F-4 build right now and it has been a bear. The seams along the top spline destroy the details when fixed. I much prefer how Academy did it without having a spline seam.
I will give your AK pens a try, sounds like a great idea!
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Fuselage spine seam gave me fits too - reason why I have only 1 Hasegawa 1/48 F-4 in my stash today (RN) after building this.
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