For all you Phantom Phantics, Fox one has given us another reason to build another F-4 model or two.  Fox one continues to offer well-researched subject matter pertaining to specific a/c during specific missions and time periods.  Hasegawa is the recommended kit.

      The black & white instructions are on two standard (8 ½ X 12) sheets printed on both sides.  The drawings show the left side of each a/c, with specific area enlargements to show specific decal placement.  Each drawing has a written description of the mission or time frame it depicts, as well as the markings.  The other page of instructions has the two smaller overhead views.

      The decals are on two sheets also.  The main a/c marking are on one sheet, & the other contains the common markings.  Three styles of “MARINE” decals are provided, so be sure to use the right one for the a/c your are building.  One set of national insignia & intake warning triangles are provided, but no maintenance stenciling is included.  All three a/c are in the standard paint scheme of the time, gull gray over white.

     First is an F-4 J from VMFA-334 “Falcons”.  This unit flew the F-4 for only four years, but was the first Marine unit to get the F-4J.  The modeler has a choice of an aircraft from November of 1968, or from the spring of 1969.  The only difference is some special writing & a drone kill marking on the left splitter plate of the later a/c. 

     Secondly is an F-4J from VMFA-232 “Red Devils”, one of the oldest Marine squadrons, dating back to 1925.  This a/c is depicted on a BARCAP mission on 22 July 1972.  All the markings are standard for the time period  

     The final offering on the sheet is the CO’s a/c from VMF-333 “Shamrocks” while it was deployed aboard the USS America during the latter part of 1972.  Again the modeler has a choice of 2 a/c.  The decals cover the markings of the a/c flown for the only all-Marine crew scoring an air-to-air kill flying a Marine a/c.  A SAM on the way back to the ship shot down the first a/c, Buno #5526.  The second a/c, Buno #5852, was the CO’s replacement a/c, now having two Mig kill markings on the left splitter plate. 

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that averages thousands of visits a day, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.