BASIC BUILD
Huw Morgan assesses FineMolds’ stunning 1/72 US Air National Guard F-4C Phantom in this straight-from-the-box build.
McDonald Douglas’ pugnacious F-4 Phantom II arguably broke the mould when it was developed, with brutish power from its J79 engines allowing it to carry heavy ordnance over long distances.
From an equally impressive perspective it also overcame fierce inter-service rivalry, being one of the few US Navy aircraft subsequently adopted by the US Air Force, and was utilised in the fighter, interceptor, ground-attack, tactical reconnaissance and air-defence suppression roles. More than 5,000 machines were built, and the type served with numerous countries worldwide; several still operate the type today, namely Greece, Turkey and Iran.
Above: There’s refined detail in both obvious and less visible areas, such as the interior of the nosewheel undercarriage bay (left), which featured integrally moulded cables and pipes. The one-piece ‘tub’ (right) has openings to allow for different side consoles, depending on which variant of Phantom is being built.
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