Airfix 1/72 Phantom FG.1 (F-4K)

[VegasAWACER13]

Well, my bright idea to pre-shade this didn't work. Should've just pre-shaded in white prior to primary colors. After free-handing the gray it was too difficult to mask over using tape (having not painted the whole thing gray). I briefly tried masking with poster tack but I hate that technique so I quickly abandoned that and just free-handed the green. The result was the pre-shaded gray looks decent but it just didn't work on the green. All good. You live, you learn. I tried something that didn't work and learned something. I'm still happy with the result. I'm getting better free-handing camo and that's a win.

The camo colors are very dark and while I selected the correct ones, it's one of those times the scale effect shows and slightly lighter shades would've probably worked better. It almost looks like European One. But I'm still happy with it. I need to wait for this to dry and then I can start masking to paint the bare metal exhaust areas.

 

[BarleyBop]

Nice!
I can see how that freehand stuff will be useful if I ever get the hang of it. You are well on your way!

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Omg. Finally finished painting this thing (and all the many accessory parts). This build has taken substantially longer than expected. Pretty happy with the paint. I needed better/darker metallic paints for the exhaust section. Vallejo aluminum is way too white and Vallejo steel was only a hair darker (they're pretty much the same color). Mixed up some darker stuff for the burner cans and the secondary metallic parts and added some exhaust staining that came out okay (and that you can't see in this pic), but I wasn't going to redo it. Spent too much time on this one already. All good. Lessons learned for next time.

Had an unforced error with some metallic overspray I had to correct. Not sure how that happened but what can you do? Just fix it. I also tried using NATO black for the nose cone. Really happy with that. Nice scale effect over straight black. I have a Lancaster in the stash and I'll have to use NATO black for that too.

So happy to be ready for clear coat and decals.

 

[blakeh1]

Looking good

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Not done yet but almost. Just put down the last layer of matt varnish on the airframe and peeled off the masks. Need to put the finishing touches to the wheels and decals on the missiles (which also still need clear coat and a wash). Got the bags done as well. Feels like it's been going on forever but the end is in sight!

 

[BarleyBop]

Oooh! Very nice! Really liking the camo scheme.

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Oooh! Very nice! Really liking the camo scheme.

Thanks! I think the look of the camo is nice too. I was tempted to go with the all black test jet scheme, but I'm glad I did this one.

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Another shot. Not sure why I configured it for final approach but it seemed like a good idea at the time…

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Finally got this thing done. As usual, everything did not go as planned, but I'm pretty happy with the results. There a couple things I wish I could have a do-over on, but you never get perfection. The kit itself is marginal. As with the last Airfix box I had, overall, good design, but poor execution. I thought originally I might build it twice so I could do the other paint scheme, but it takes too much work to get this kit looking decent. Poor fit of the major parts and the landing gear attachments are awful. Anyway, glad to get it finished and on the shelf. The RAF F-4 was a good looking kite. It's inspired me to build some more. Maybe the Vietnam F-4C/D or the JASDF F-4EJ. Back to WW2 for now though!

 

[BarleyBop]

done

Nice! I'm no jet expert, but REALLY like what you did with this.
An all around top-notch build!

 

[Jantk14]

Very nice!

 

[Edbert]

There's a lot of modelers who start their jets by building the underwing stores first.

They are all masochists!
(lol)

 

[Wig41]

Really great job and you should be proud of it. I would be! We all want perfection and we know we'll never get it but we keep building cause the challenge is there.

 

[Rockin' Rob]

When you can take a mediocre kit with fit issues and make it look like that? You're getting a nod from me!

 

[BarleyBop]

Oh, I forgot to mention the great photos!
Up close and personal like.

Extra credits for those!

 

[Littlemarten]

Brilliant job with a mediocre kit!

 

[Tommergun]

Came out great! I cant stop staring at the underside, looks so good.

 

[VegasAWACER13]

Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone. Much appreciated. High praise from this group!

Came out great! I cant stop staring at the underside, looks so good.

Thank you! All the SANFUs were on the underside, so that's really good to know!