I’m looking for a good (preferably not testors) version of the RF-4C Phantom in a decent scale.
I’ve only been able to find 1/72 so far. any suggestions on kit? I’d like to get it finished by father’s day.
I plan to paint and designate as 186 TRG version, a sqdrn my dad was with
http://www.amv83.net/asm/Sig/usa/50th%20years%20Mississippi%20153TRS-186TRG%20Magnolia%20Militia.jpeg
http://www.topedge.com/panels/aircraft/sites/kopack/ms-rf-4c.html
Hasegawa makes a decent 1/48 RF-4C, I was thinking about picking up that kit myself and trying to model one of the RF-4C’s I used to watch at Zweibrucken Air Base in Germany while I was in High School.
I searched a few places and the best I could find was a Hasegawa RF-4B, I wonder how much work it would take the make the “B” into a “C”? You might send Berny a PM, he is the Phantom expert here, and he could probably answer any questions you have about it.
hmmm… did some poking around, can’t find the 1/48 kit anywhere, only the 1/72. I could have sworn I saw one at my LHS, but I could be mistaken.
Hasagawa makes the best in 1/48 scale. Their RF-4C is hard to find, maybe they will re-release it again as it seem that they stopped producing it for now. I found one on Ebay 6 months ago.
I saw that too on Hasegawa’s site in its item list last night, but know where to purchase it.
I’ll try to contact Bernie and find out how difficult a possible conversion would be. Thanks
semper fi
Revell made a 1/32 RF-4C.
if the pickings come down to /72, ESCI also make a RF-4C/E kit no.9029
decals include for three acft: one version being RF-4C of Alabama 160th TRS, 187th TRG. I don’t have any idea if any markings match-up between this 187th TRG and your Dad’s 186th TRG.
A few differences that I am aware of:
The F-4B has:
Non slatted stabilator
Non slatted wing leading edge
Skinny wheels/tires, hence no bulge on top or bottom of wing
Catapult bridle hooks under the leading edge wing root
indexer lights on nose gear door and only one landing light.
Considerable difference in the rear cockpit.
About the last dozen recce Phantoms for the Marine Corps were produced using “J” airframes, so they had slatted stabs, long exhaust cones, fat tires, bulged wing top & bottom.
Bernie can undoubtedly give you even more details.
Darwin, O.F. [alien]
Revell 1/32 RF-4B here…
http://www.oldmodelkits.com/index.php?detail=6977&cat=Military20Aircraft&manu=Revell&scale=1/32
I built this kit back in the early 90’s came with parts to build as F-4B, F-4C and RF-4B
Air Master
thanks guys!
If that Revell came with RF-4c options then I guess that is going to be my best bet.
I wish I had taken more photos of the Phantom myself. They retired the last one from the group after they came back from D. Storm. They where at one time a refueling Group.
If i knew f-4s where going to be this hard to find I would have bought all i could as a kid. I remember they where as plentiful as the F-18s are now.
brian
would this version work as well?
1/48 HSG09685 RF-4E Phantom II IDF
I also found this one in 1/48
1/48 HSG09696 RF-4E Phantom II AG51 Immelmann Special
I figured since the German and US versions had the same under-nose camera, it could work? I know Japan’s version was a lot different.
Yardbird78 mentioned a few of the differences from the RF-4B and USAF versions. If you can find the F-4C/D/J kit and with the RF-4B kit you can kit bash the two to make a RF-4C. If the RF-4B is the thin wing, just graft the nose from the RF-4B kit to the F-4C/D/J/ kit and with a few modifications you will have a good RF-4C.
The RF did not have AIM-7 launchers so you will have to fill in all the launchers. When I did the conversion, I used the AIM-7 missiles super glued to the aft launchers and sanded smooth. Then I filled the gaps in with putty and sanded smooth.
Another way is use the RF-4B fuselage and the upper wings from the other kit. Using the lower wing from the RF kit add the under wing bulges, gear doors, and speed brakes from the other kit. There will also be several items needed to convert it to a RF-4C but using parts from the other kits will make it much easier
If you want to do it in 1/32 scale get the Tamiya 1/32 F-4C/D kit and I will send you the RF nose and most of the items needed to convert it to a nice looking RF-4C.
Bernie you have a PM, thanks everyone for your help so far!!!
also anyone I was looking for aftermarket parts and found this:
Eduard Accessories EDU32148.
Would it work for a cockpit replacement for the RF-4C?
Greatmodels has it listed as exterior so I dont kow if they have the wrong photo or wrong description.