VMFA-333 F-4J PHANTOM QUESTION

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hello all,

I recently acquired a 1/48 Hasegawa F-4J Phantom kit with the “Showtime 100” decal set. After doing a bit of research, as well as being slightly influenced by my Irish blood, I decided to commit the “Showtime 100” decals to my stash and begin searching for VMFA-333 1/48 decals. During this particular hunt, I came across two sets that would suit my needs: Fox One decal set and the Cam Decal set. The thing was, the Fox One sets were only available on eBay as an auction item, and the Cam set could be found online via a handful of retailers.

After a handful of attempts of trying to purchase the Fox One VMFA-333 decal set whenever it pops up on eBay–and losing every time to ebay snipers–I decided to purchase the Cam Decal set.

While both sets are nearly identical, the Fox One set has one thing that the Cam set does not: Pilot and RIO name decals that go on the bottom edge of the canopy. And this is why I’ve come to seek your collective wisdom.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions/ideas as to how one can create an acceptable substitute for these? I have a few ideas myself, but thought I would consult folks who are a bit more skilled than myself.

As always, thanks and happy modeling!

2

I’m like you. Although I can offer no opinion of either set, Im a fan of the VMFA-333 livery. I builth the 1/72 AM kit that came with those, now…im waiting for some good financial fortune to spring for Tamiya’s monster 1/32nd

I’ve been wanting to build that kit for ages…

3

I’d forego the canopy rail names and call it done.

4

yeah, what Glenn said

If you get to looking at very many Aftermarket decal sheets, the names on the canopy rails will really surprise you

Everything from a real name or pilot nickname,to a completely made up name, just to provide something for that area

I can’t think of it, because I didn’t use it,but, one company had “world’s greatest” or something like that as the rail name on a Phantom

5

Get a tiny brush and paint it on or fake it. No one cares or ill notice. You have a long way to go on this build; don’t fuss over a 1/4" decal.

6

You could also buy some clear decal paper and print your own decal for the canopy rail. Put YOUR name on it!!