Next new sheet also covers two F-4S Phantom II's. Also one in TPS and the other in overall light gull grey. Hasegawa is the kit of choice for these aircraft (at least, that is what the instructions say).

First up is from VMFA-321 of the Marine Reserves. One of the longer users of the F-4, flying it from at least 1974 until the late 1980s.  This one is in the tactical paint scheme in the non-standard colors of FS 15237, 16320, and 36375, and I've a bit more to say about that below.

The other is from VMFA-333 and is in an overall 16440 gloss gull grey. I know it says 36440, but by the time these planes went to the overall scheme, they were in a gloss scheme. Mostly because it was a lot easier to maintain. Over time it did dull to a semi-gloss, but when new was pretty shiny.

Because of the two different schemes, you get insignia and basic data for both. What a deal.

Now on to the VMFA-321 plane. The color illustration does not do the 'non-standard' aspect of this paint real justice. As you can see from the image, it is really a blue. Well, it was really a blue in 1987 when this photo was taken. The reference for the sheet may have been photographed at a different time. You can also see a few other differences from the sheet in that the tail codes and pitch forks are in really dark grey/black. Also note that the majority of numbers and letters are slanted back. The latter is also in a blueish color as are the data markings and all. There are differences in the insignia colors as well. Anyway, you get the idea. All this is not to say the sheet is wrong, it is just that they probably depict the same plane in different time periods when the schemes were different. By 1991, this aircraft was serving with VMFA-112.

July 2005

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