As mentioned in an earlier review of the F-4F set, Air Doc is a new player in the ever expanding aftermarket decal business. There are many similarities between the two sets. You get two decal sheets, one of which is dedicated to stencils, and RF-4E stencils are quite different in color and style to the F-4F. There are also four instruction sheets showing 11 specific aircraft that include a number of special schemes (though unfortunately, not the one with the big cat on the belly. However that would probably take at least a full sheet just for that one marking!). You also get a four view of each of the Norm 83 camouflage schemes; one for the A and the other for the B.

These sheets are also printed by Cartograf and every superlative I mentioned about the earlier sheet is equally relevant to this one. They are crisp and in full registration. Having used Cartograf decals, I can tell you that they not only work well with setting solutions, but do a super job on their own in terms of conforming to the kit.

Doing a credible RF-4E is not an easy task in 1/48. For some odd reason, Hasegawa has totally ignored the recce versions in their rather extensive 1/48 Phantom offerings. Why this is will be a mystery to us all. Testors did an RF-4B/C that can be used, but is not really the kit of choice. However, as with the prior sheet there is a full rundown of mods needed to the kit as well as a listing of aftermarket accessories that can be used to properly build a recce F-4 with the Hasegawa kit.

It is another super sheet and one that I wish was also available in 1/72, but perhaps in the future.

Review copy courtesy of NORTH AMERICAN HOBBIES, where you can get your sheet. Thanks for your support

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