When all the decals are on and the model is left to fully dry overnight, I sprayed another gloss coat mix to seal the decals in and make sure none of the decal carrier film shows through. Leave, again for about 24 hours and then it’s time to lay down a flat varnish. I like Tamiya’s Flat Clear XF-86 as it gives a really nice flat finish. If you are careful with your trigger finger lay down more on the upper surfaces and less around the lower rear where the airframe tended to get oily and took on quite a shiny/satin finish.
When all is dry, attention can be given to weathering and panel line enhancement. I’m using pastels for all the weathering on this project, save for just a few scratches around the airframe that I’ll do later using an ordinary graphite pencil. I have created several videos in earlier builds and in the Techniques Bank showing how I apply pastels so take a look if you want a steer on that.
Just before this though, I painted in the small areas of flat black on the antennas forward and aft.
Choice of stores…
You do get quite a choice for Wild Weasel F-4Cs, although if you choose the Spangdahlem option as I did, very few were actually carried day to day. Mostly it looks from photos that a combination of tanks was common, as was a luggage pod on one of the inner pylons. Some pics show no stores or tanks at all but, as ever you just decide what you like and add them – plenty in the box to choose from.
Guess who forgot to assemble and paint the inner pylons? Feeling a bit of a twit here, so these need assembling and painting and that, along with the final assembly and finishing will come soon in the final part of this project.
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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