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