The F-4 Phantom II has been well served with decals sheets in 1/72 and 1/48 for years. In 1994, Tamiya presented us with a superb kit of the F-4J in 1/32. Despite the high cost of the kit ($100+), a very respectable number of decal sheets were produced to cover the quite colorful Navy units that flew the aircraft. A few years later, and an equally impressive and expensive F-4C/D was produced by Tamiya. It uses many of the same molds as the F-4J, but has a number of sprues that are peculiar to the Air Force Version. 

What has not followed the F-4C/D, have been any really good decal sheets for it. In fact, over the last five years, less than a handful of sheets have been available, whereas there have been scores of F-4J sheets printed. Helping the modeler to alleviate that discrepancy comes a sheet for the F-4D from Eagle Strike, a relatively new player in the decal market.

This sheet covers two aircraft; both F-4Ds and both Vietnam era aircraft. The decal sheet is well printed and looks to be spot-on in registration. There are enough markings to do both aircraft on the sheet. There are really minimal markings in the way of warning and maintenance stencils with just rescue, ejection seat and fueling info stencils included with the unique aircraft markings. I'm also not too sure about the presentation of the national insignia. Eagle Strike has give what I call 'F-15' style insignia without the dark blue surround. Perhaps a reader can offer some insight to what seems to me to be an incorrect style.

The two aircraft portrayed have a very good history and remarks section devoted to them. The first aircraft on the sheet is from the 13 TFS/432TFW at U Dorn AFB n Thailand, circa 1969. Named 'Believe it or Not', other than the art on the left intake and blue tank tips, it is relatively plain. The instructions tell you to use the kit stenciling. It also mentions that the aircraft would be rather grungy from hard use.

Next is a relatively colorful aircraft from the 480 TRS/366 TRW (I suspect that may be TFS/TFW). This one has wing commander's stripes on the fuselage and wing badges on both intakes. It is named 'The Saint' and has green and white trim on the tail and canopy. The remarks also state "It is very likely that a complete but faded factory service data was carried at this time." It also shows that the front of the aircraft had fresh Dark Green paint on it.

Both subjects are from the 66-87xx serial batch. It was my understanding that these aircraft carried a 'towel rack' antenna on the spine. Again, any additional information on this would be very much appreciated.

Overall, a very nice sheet and one that will definitely be used by this reviewer!!

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!! If any of you manufacturers or shop owners want to send products for review and building, please contact me.