This one looks very much like a re-issue of an older sheet, or at least an upsizing of a previous 1/72 sheet. It  carries marking for three RF-4Cs and now we actually have a decent 1/48 kit on which to use them from Hasegawa. The first two are in wrap-around SEA schemes of FS 34079, 34102 and 30219 from the early 1980s, while the third is in the final Hill Grey II scheme of FS 36118/36270.

The initial aircraft is from the 192 TRS, Nevada ANG when participating in 'Photo Finish 1981' a recce meet that was held every few years. It carries a white fin tip and rather fancy fin markings. Please note that this aircraft and the other aircraft on the sheet do not have the more rounded camera access bay, but the original, more chunky variety so keep this in mind when using this sheet.

Next is from the 165 TRS, Kentucky ANG as seen at the 'Best Focus Meet' in Denmark during 1982. It also has a white fin tip with a colorful rudder. Both this unit and the previous one are currently flying C-130s.

Finally, the boss bird from the last dedicated tactical recce unit in the USAF, the 67 RW at Bergstrom AFB. Though the instructions state it has the more rounded camera bay doors, I can assure you from photos I have of this plane that it carries the original camera doors. I also don't believe that it participated in Desert Storm as it carries no mission markings.

August  2005

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