The nose cone is a perfect fit…
It’s also useful to protect the twin antennae on the leading edge of the fin during all the work that’s to follow – they’ll get knocked off if you don’t!
The upper fuselage insert dropped a bit while it was taped up and so the edges need a little sanding to get a perfect join – silly really and my fault! All you need to do is add some small balls of Blu-Tack or similar putty under the insert at regular intervals and press down before gluing to get an exact alignment and you shouldn’t get this issue. I should have remembered this risk from my previous ZM Phantom builds – what am I like!? In the photo you can see a long strip of masking tape down the length of the insert – this is just to protect the nice engraved detail during clean up.
The end result is decent enough…
The antenna is added beneath the nose – the instructions are really clear on which part should be used for each version on offer in the kit – nice touch.
I’ve decided to build the Spangdahlem AB Germany aircraft, option 3 in the kit. Even the small differences in the tail cone parachute housing have been included and, again, the instructions are really clear on what to use for which version selected.
Engines and wings
It’s good to be moving on and the engines are simply assembled and set aside to dry thoroughly before adding to the lower wing centre section…
Time to measure and cut!
This isn’t as big a job as it may seem when faced with removing a section of the lower wing and adding the new camera panel insert. Study the steps in the instructions carefully…
Arabic
Bengali
Bulgarian
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Hungarian
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Maltese
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Welsh
Yiddish
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