Weathering continues with dark grey and brown pastel chalks and the depth of the dirt and grime is built up until you get the effect you like…
Adding all the small bits
Principal among these are the landing gear units. One of the things I love about these ZM F-4s is the quality of the engineering so the gear legs just slot into place precisely and at the correct angle – happy days!.
Centreline tank next…
And the wing tanks…
Inner pylons (again!)…
Playing catch up here, they are painted now and just need the decals and weathering…
I think they look nice on the finished model…
And finally – the cockpit…
There’s always more to do in the cockpit and on the canopies to finish off any F-4 and it’s worth spending that little bit of extra time to add those final touches like:
- Canopy mirrors (included in the kit)
- Wiring behind the seats (from ASK lead wire detail sets)
- Painting clear blue inside the front windscreen (Tamiya Clear Blue mixed with X-22 Clear varnish)
- Canopy locking hooks (from the Eduard PE set added earlier in the build)
- Scratched travel pod on inner starboard pylon.
All these F-4 features really stand out on the real aircraft and I think are an absolute must (except the travel pod) to obtain an authentic look to any F-4 model (IMHO).
I did hit a couple of snags at the final hurdle – not too hard to overcome but unexpected. The first was that the locating slots for the very delicate clear centre section of canopy needed to be opened up slightly to allow the section to fit snugly.
The second was that after adding the reflector gun sight above the main instrument panel, the front screen wouldn’t sit snugly over it. I cut back the mounting for the clear gunsight and the windshield fitted as it should.
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