We all know that the F-4 was the best fighter of the 1960s and early 1970s. If you don't believe that, you need to get professional help! :o)

This particular sheet covers three aircraft. An F-4B and two F-4Ds. Well, actually an F-4C and F-4D. To my knowledge, the 57 FIS never flew the F-4D and the serial number of the aircraft on the sheet is certainly not that of an F-4D but an early F-4C.

First to the Navy bird. This is the beautifully painted bicentennial bird of VX-4. It is resplendent in red, white and blue with a large eagle's head painted on the nose. You get none of the garish markings, only the eagle's head and fuselage/tail lettering. Unlike several kits of this plane, the lettering is in the proper gold color and not white or yellow as I have seen elsewhere. You also get no diagram of the paint scheme. This is really an unforgivable overlook on the part of Microscale for this. You'll just have to find pictures of the plane when you get ready to paint the wings. The design was on both upper and lower surfaces.

Next is the F-4D (sic) of the 57 FIS based in Keflavik, Iceland. When they had the F-4C models, they were painted in SEA camouflage. It wasn't until the F-4E that they were painted in ADC grey. The markings on this aircraft are for a William Tell meet, hence the large black and white checkerboard tail and stabilizers. A small bicentennial marking is on the side of the intakes.

Finally a 'normal' F-4D from the 23 TFS/52 TFW at Spangdahlem in Germany. It is also in standard SEA camouflage and sports a Mig Kill on the splitter plate.

Printing of the decals is typical of early Microscale sheets. That is to say it is good, but not as crisp as modern decals. It is still one that will provide several nice schemes for your 1/48 F-4.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet.

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