Great! No need to modify the tails, then. Yes on the RHAW fairings – the kit supplies them and my best research photo shows VMFA-232’s -Js fitted with them in August 1973 (the photo is of the last Marine Phantom to leave Viet Nam, Bu. Aer. 153796).
A third and final round of filler is now on, basically touching up areas where the previous sand back took some parts too deep or uneven. With this operation completed, my next job will be to rescribe a fair few of the very fine recessed panel lines, including giving the model a thorough wash to coax away sanding dust. From that point there’s not much construction to do (small dressing parts now) before it’s time to get some paint on her. Canopy masking will be fun, as I’ve become a bit dependant on die-cut sets lately. And that can’t happen until those resin bang seats are finished and installed, either.
I’ll be away for a couple of days, but should be logging some progress next week.
O that is just beautiful mate!!! I built the same kit years ago as Showtime 100, Randy Cunningham,s bird. Enjoyed the build immensely but pales in comparison to yours. WELL DONE!!!
Echoing Richie, O, that is one stunning build! To get a result like that from the old Revel-Monogram molds is just superb modeling! My helmet is off to you, sir!
I’ll add your build to the roll of honour, you may take the badge of your choice!
Thanks for the kudos everyone! I really appreciate it.
berny, thanks a bunch! Coming from someone who has spent so much time around the real thing, your compliment really means a lot!
Cheers gang!
So, the semester’s over and now I have my evenings to work on the VF-84 & 111 jets. I’ll show progress on those as it comes, then I’ll get all three photographed and posted when they’re done.
Very true, and in 72nd scale the difference of the two is almost negligible–at least minor enough to be re-shaped w/o too much fuss.
I have the kit now and went ahead and got the Aires resin exhaust set as well as some Eduard pre-painted pe for it…gonna do the Old’s bird (post Operation Bolo)…this is a very nice kit in this scale and really has a nice cockpit w/o any AM…the decal sheet is almost worth the price by itself…
Thought I’ll post some update photos and where I stand at the moment.
Decals are from CamDecals and are on most of the aircraft. Need to do a “Sludge” wash on the landing gear and put bare-metal foil on struts. Finish up on ordinance and canopy.
Currently getting over a flu/virus and then I can keep going.
Wow, Gabe, what can I say? There are some seriously beautiful Phantoms happening, and I’m so glad I launched this GB!
You have a clean presentation but with enough variety of tonality for the model to have that “real” feel – I’m really looking forward to seeing her on her wheels and properly attired with underwing things!