I’ve been on business travel the past few weeks traveling through Japan. Just wanted to pass on to Phantom Phanatics out there, that the JSDAF still have plenty of F-4s on their flightlines in Okinawa and Misawa. It was awesome to see a flight of F-4s today fly over and then enter the break. [:)]
That’s cool. I wish I was there to see that. Maybe one day. Bryan
Yeppo, big Phan of the Japanese Phantoms myself… Have modeled a few aswell!.. Have seen a couple since I have lived here also… Still an awsome looking bird!.. Korea also still operates them!.
Here are 2 of mine…
F-4EJ Okinawa, Squadron: 302 Hikotai… Wing: 83 Kokugun
In the background, my Nyutabaru Base, Squadron" 301 Hikotai… Wing: 5 Kokudan
With grey and brown camo…
Chris in Japan
These must be the best looking Phantoms that ever took to the air, right?
http://www.vogue-web.ch/f4/152278.html
http://www.vogue-web.ch/f4/151461.html
http://www.markwaki.com/pages/images/Close%20Ups%20&%20High%20Res/F-4B%20VF-111%20NL201SHR.jpg
http://www.markwaki.com/pages/images/Close%20Ups%20&%20High%20Res/F-4B%20VF-51%20NL110SHR.jpg
http://www.vogue-web.ch/f4/151461.html
Of course they’re from USS Coral Sea CV-43. [^][:D][8D][bow][tup]
Those are nice kits Aus,
Are they hasegawa…? And if so how did you find the build?
Any comments would be nice as well as your opinion as to the best phantom in 1/48 scale to build.
Thanks,
Tank
Thanks for the comments… They are in fact 1/72 scale… Yes they are Hasegawa. Knowing Hasegawa, then I am guessing that thier 1/48 versions would be exactly the same. Only bigger!..
Seriously though. I am a Hasagawa man through and through. Not only for the fact that I actually live in Japan, hence getting Hasagawa cheap. But I have always found Hasagawa no 1 in quality… A little sparse on weaponry. But I dont like using alot, so I dont mind.
I am currently doing a version of the old Australian RAAF F-4, and for that project, I decided to put the trusty Hasegawa back on the shelf, and try the Tamiya version… Although I enjoy any model I do. I must say that although as fun as the Tamiya F-4 has been. I will honestly say that I do indeed prefer the Hasegawa version… But in saying that, I have only built the 1/72 USAF No1, and JASDF No2 F-4 Phantoms of the red line “C” series of Hasegawa kits… These can be described as the poor cousin in Hasegawa kits compared to thier more advanced special scheme boxes. For the price. They are great kits to build and to collect… I have modelled every single jet used in Japanese JASDF history (except for the T-33), so I have basically modeled most Hasegawa 1/72 kits. Although I have a T-33 sitting on the shelf waiting. And yep, its a Hasegawa!
If you want to do an F-4, stick with the No 1, and No2 in the red line C series, and you will have some great kits to work with!.. If you need help getting them, then I will be mor than happy to help out!
Chris in Japan
I have always loved the Phantom and enjoy seeing it in real life or in pictures. I attended an employee/guest open house at Boeing about 6 months ago and they had two QF-4E’s from Tyndall AFB, FL, on display. They were painted in the standard SEA camouflage colors but it was high gloss instead of flat. They were immaculate, without a trace of oil, soot or weathering. The Lt Col pilot of the one bird said he alternates between flying the F-4 and the F-15. Some days one, some days the other. I was rapidly turning green with envy. The only downside of the visit was that cameras were prohibited, so I didn’t get any pictures.
Darwin, O.F. [alien]
Thanks Aus for the info…I too have enjoyed each of the hasegawa kits that I have built thus far…They’ve included a Bf 109 and a Spitfire trop…however I have an A-7 corsair and a junkers stuka 87 waiting in the wings…
Talk with you soon,
Tank
Speaking of Phantoms everyone,
Check out this link to IPMS Stockholm’s magazine website for the F-4 in British service.
It has nice camo and paint profileshttp://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2000/04/stuff_eng_profile_phantom.htm
Tank
Yardbird,
I believe Tyndall AFB pulled about 6 QF-4s out of the target line, saving them from being shot down and redid the liveries for various periods in USAF service.
I’m jealous you got to see two of them live. [:D]
Chris,
I saw your F-4EJ down on the flightline in Naha, Okinawa. They also had a few in the hanger just lined up with canopies up. My favorite ones were the Phantoms in the “ready hangers” loaded with Sidewinders and drop tanks, ready to do business if needed.
Really!.. You can never get sick of them!.. I guess what attracts me to them are a few different reasons. Firstly, I just think its great that Japan still use them in service… Secondly. They are not overly marked, and the colors make them look crisp and attractive… Although close up, thier paint looks a bit shonky…
Chris in Japan
I see the Phantom in the pattern here at Tyndall AFB several times a week. Nothing beats the whine of the big J-79 engines. It is a sound I will miss when the last Phantom departs Tyndall AFB. It will be like a part of me has died.
Berny13,
Fear not, the USAF is keeping at least 6 QF-4s in flying condition. [:)] They have already been pulled from the “target line” and have been repainted in various liveries from various period of USAF service to include two in SEA patterns. Not sure if they’ll stay at Tyndall or not, but the J79s aren’t going away that quickly. [8D]
I have 2 Japanese Phantoms done, and have decided to just keep the Okinawa version, and re-do the grey and brown camo bird of the 301… I am interested in doing it as another country’s bird. So if you guys have any ideas, and or photo’s of what you like let me know!.. Any country I will have a look at!.. Although I am swaying towards a low-vis American Phantom… Interested in your idea’s guys!..
Chris in Japan
Chris,
How about a low-vis USAF F-4E or a F-4G Wild Weasel? Shouldn’t have to do too many mods to make it a “G”.
Yes. I just had a look at it, and I love it. Exactly what I was looking at doing!.. I have only one problem… I can do either the WW, or the SP… But I only have the decals for the green/grey, green/tan camo scheme’s… I would need to get my hands on decals for the low vis…[:(]
Chris in Japan
Chris,
Now I can see why you don’t care for my latest project. The F-4 is one beautiful plane, including in Japanese colors. I want to share my favorite F-4 photo that I took at their demo at Ellington Field in the mid 80’s. Those are some good looking models you have, I might add.
Eddie
I used to see the Oregon ANG in their F-4C all the time and the sound! I love the Phantom! I build plenty of the models and can just hear the scream of those engines!
Eddie,
Great shot of the Phantom makin’ vapor! [:D]
Doesn’t Germany still fly them? I know they have some at Holloman AFB.