Editor at Large CHRIS CLIFFORD gets excited about the Fine Molds 1/72 F-4C Phantom II.
McDonnell’s F-4 Phantom II is a perennial favourite with modellers, and there has been something of a kit resurgence recently, due to fresh products from the likes of Zoukei-Mura and Fine Molds. The latter company started to release a range of newly tooled 1/72 F-4s in 2020, with various boxings of Japan’s F-4EJ, punctuated by US F-4D, F-4J and F-4E models.
Showing its devotion to the type, the firm has also released a same-scale F-4C with three decal options for US Air Defense Command aircraft. The kit features 12 grey styrene runners and a clear frame carrying the glazed parts; there’s also a one-piece upper-rear fuselage. The contents have been tweaked to provide the C-model’s infrared sensor housing underneath, which is more refined than the fairing fitted to the F-4D.
Above: A one-piece rear fuselage, with spine insert, avoids the sanding of pesky join seams.
Above: The forward fuselage halves have integrally moulded air intake trunking sections.
Above: Despite the presence of ejector-pin marks, the cockpit tub will soon look busy thanks to separate side consoles, instrument panels, seats and other items being added.
For many years, Haseg…
