Tamiya British Phantom FGR.2 conversion from F-4J kit 1:32 – build guide

Special Feature Article with Phil Fisk

A note from Geoff C.
I recently saw this magnificent build from Phil F on social media and he has very kindly agreed to share his build notes with us all – thanks Phil!

For me, a scale model of the mighty Phantom in British guise is the holy grail as far as I’m concerned, and yet, we still wait for one of the manufacturers to bite the bullet and create one. And so, in the absence of a British Phantom, FG.1 or FGR.2, in 1:32 scale it is up to you, the modeller, to try and convert one of the American versions into the version flown by the UK’s Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) and RAF.

I recommend a visit at any time to the British Phantom Aviation Group website and especially if undertaking a project like Phil’s.

I know from my own knowledge that any conversion will be a major undertaking that’s likely to involve:

• New British spec cockpit
• Enlarging the intakes
• Widening and deepening the rear fuselage
• Making new exhaust cans to represent the Rolls Royce Spey turbofan engines fitted only to the British variant of the F-4
• Sorting out decals and stencils
• I’m sure the list goes on!

(Photo: Here’s a nice image from Dennis273 showing Phantom FGR.2 XV464 ‘B’ 56 Squadron, RAF Coltishall 19th May 1979. Note that this aircraft is similar to that depicted by Phil and demonstrates perfectly, that slightly rear-down sit of the British Phantoms especially. Courtesy Dennis273)

I’ll let Phil do the talking below but just take a quick look at how it all turned out…

Simply magnificent work! Congratulations Phil.
Over to you…

The build…