Metallic back end…
It’s definitely a good idea in my view to get the main metallic painting done now, ahead of decaling to avoid any conflict with applied decals. If you look carefully at photos of real F-4s you will see that the demarcation lines for the metallic areas on the rear fuselage as well as the stabilators are unique and anything but straight. So, just some careful masking is done using Tamiya masking tape cut into strips and small blocks of various sizes speeds up the process. Some old bits of previously used tape fill in the wider areas that need protection.
What paints/lacquers to use?
Well, clearly these days you have a lot of choice, given the number of paint manufacturers out there. I used some AK Xtreme Metal Dark Aluminium and Aluminium on another project I’m working on and the results are very good so that’s what’s going on here. The Dark Aluminium first and a few subtle highlights using Aluminium for the brighter areas seen in photos. Plenty of further weathering to the back end will come later, but this’ll do for now so that we can get on with the mammoth task of decaling this F-4C.
The stabilators will have dark inner sections added later using graphite powder along with other weathering and staining.
The finished result looks better than it does in the photos, much smoother and not at all grainy that the camera has picked up in the photos and so we should be, finally, ready for decals in the next part.
Decals
The ZM decals are superb and probably the best on the market for me – equally as good as Cartograf/Airfix. They go down really well just with a little Micro Set (first) and Sol (after) applying the decal, just leave a few minutes before applying the Sol to get the best from the process. The Sol really helps draw the decal down over raised and into recessed details.
The bench always looks like a bomb site during decal application although I do like to think of it as organised chaos LOL.
You do get a lot of stencils to apply, okay, maybe not as many as in, say, the ZM F-4EJ Kai project I did for SMN a while back, but plenty to keep you busy for a few hours…
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Howard Kilburn says
Looking forward to seeing this come together Geoff particularly in SEAC camo… just about my favourite camo scheme ever
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – I’m following this project with great interest.
Your previous two Zukei-Mura Phantom builds are testaments to what a great product they are.The level of detail is fantastic.
Digits-crossed for a British version at some point!
As Always,
Paul.
Geoff Coughlin says
Nice one Howard – yes, looking forward to getting to the panting stages :) G
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff , good to see another Zoukei Mura Phantom on the bench,
Hope you’re enjoying the build as much as I do,I’ve just finished My 5th ZM Phantom , also a F-4C. Ioved Your method of painting the cockpit tub ,definitely try that on the next one. Looking forward to the build and especially the classic paint scheme .
best wishes as ever, Steve.
Geoff Coughlin says
Excellent Steve and thanks for your interest and comments – soon will be at the painting stage :) Cheers, G
Howard Kilburn says
Loving this build Geoff, can’t wait to see it in camo, also enjoying seeing yr use of Perfect Plastic Putty…. certainly useful on my Spit XIV laminar flow designs conversion… I, m an absolute tyro with conversions but nice to push the boundaries occasionally
Regards H
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff, great job with the colour scheme ,and I’m really impressed with the results You get with the Hataka paints, great stuff.
If You do suffer with the Blu-tack marking the paint, try using a very slightly damp microfibre cloth ,and wipe over the affected area, the marks usually come straight off.
Look forward to the next update,
All the best, Steve
Howard Kilburn says
Beautiful camo work Geoff
Geoff Coughlin says
Great tip! Thanks Steve
G
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Howard! Cheers, G
Steve Piggott says
Hi Geoff ,great job on another Phabulous Phantom ,really like Your method of detailing and painting the cockpit, and the overall finish and weathering ,great stuff. If I may be so bold,I think the ZM F-4’s are the most complete models out of the box, and quite possibly the
best Phantoms on the market. Look forward to Your next project ,and of course Your next F-4 ,
All the best, Steve
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Steve,
Many thanks for that and I agree – really love the ZM F-4s – their whole approach to the build and detail is very enjoyable and that’s what it’s all about for me – having fun and enjoying the process as well as developing skills.
Cheers for now
Geoff
PS – love to see your work in SMN Steve – do drop me a message via the contact form if interested… G
David Muscroft says
And the pictures……. Excellent to say the least, with an interesting twist. The ‘dusk’ shot, I’m guessing that the sky background was a different shot to the previous ones ? And the warm light on the aircraft, maybe late evening sunlight adding the golden glow? Thats my best guess anyway, and I’ll be adding these thoughts to my photo-techniques bank !
I reckon theres some helpful hints here for the ‘how to photgraph your models’ techniques pages !
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi David
Yes very perceptive – the evening sunset worked well I think to create a different look.
And thanks for your great TB entry on photographing your models! Part 1 is in and Parts 2&3 coming in the next few weeks.
GC
Geoff Coughlin says
A nice comment from Roberto – very helpful :)GC
Hello,
Over the last few days I’ve read the post on the construction of the Zoukei Mura 1/48 F-4C Wild Weasel IV. A very interesting post, by the way, because of the use of Hakata paint, which I also own. The Zoukei model is an absolute must for any Phantom II enthusiast.
One of your sentences caught my attention: I am still trying to research the nose art Super Cocks etc and will update when I have found out more. It does look good though…
After a search, I found an image of the nose of the “Super Cocks Swiss Salmar” aircraft on the following site: https://wildweasels.org/f-4c-3/
In the middle of the page you will find a partial picture of the nose art.
Greetings from Central Switzerland
Roberto Alessandro Cattelan