Travel pod…
I noticed on many Spangdahlem F-4C’s that they carried a travel pod/canister on the starboard inner wing pylon and thought it would be fun and a bit different to try and add this to the model. I understand that the travel pods were made from converted napalm canisters and so I needed something like that for this last-minute mini-project. The pod isn’t available in the kit, nor elsewhere as far as I know, although I think Bandit (resin) may be looking to create one which would be great.
Digging around in the spares box I found a couple of ‘pods’ from the old Kitty Hawk Jaguar kit (now crashed and burned, see FN for the story on that one!) and used one of these. I think the back end should be more rounded than what I have made up but it’s good enough. I just assembled the pod and added the front end from one of the bombs, filled and sanded it all to shape. Some of the surface detail is good and so I kept that, just adding a strip to the underside that is visible in photos, painted it all up and weathered it a bit. A few images do show the front nose cones of these pods to have been badly worn back to the bare metal and so I have tried to show this using pencil graphite applied with an ordinary HB pencil.
Seats…
The kit seats are good and only needed some Eduard pre-painted F-4 seat belts and harness. In fact I only had a set for the F-4B and although not strictly correct for an Air Force F-4, they are fine to my eye…
Using the canopy support rams included in the kit ensures that the canopies sit at exactly the correct angle for an F-4. Remember, on all F-4s both front and rear canopies sit at almost the exact same angle when fully open.
And that’s that, all done!
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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