Not sure exactly what to say about the F-4 Phantom. After writing numerous decal and kit reviews of the aircraft, finding new things to say about it is becoming more and more difficult. This particular sheet is for mostly F-4E Phantoms with an F-4C tossed in just to have something different. There are common markings for two aircraft and enough insignia for all four. 

Being a Microscale sheet, the common data placement is very well documented and should you decide to use all the data, you'll be spending some quality time putting on decals! All of the aircraft featured are in standard four color SEA camouflage of FS30219, FS34079, and FS34102 upper with FS36622 lower surfaces.

The first aircraft is an F-4E from 90TFS/3TFW at Clark AFB in the Philippines. This one: 67-0275 has two Mig Kills on the splitter plate. The 90th TFS went on to fly the F-4G Wild Weasel and when Clark AFB closed, moved to Alaska and is now flying the F-15E Strike Eagle

Next is an F-4C from the 36TFS/3TFW when it was at Kusan in Korea. This aircraft also has a single Mig Kill on the splitter plate. The 36 TFS is now flying the F-16C and still in Korea, though no longer with the 3rd TFW.

The F-4E next is another 3TFW bird from the Philippines. It is shown in markings carried during a 'Gunsmoke' competition. This aircraft also has a single Mig Kill on the splitter plate.

Finally, an aircraft from the 45th TFS/ 1st TFW when it was at McDill AFB in Florida. The 45th TFS then became a reserve unit flying A-10s out of Barksdale, Louisiana. Not sure if the unit is still around, but if it is, it's now flying B-52s! The 1st FW is now in Langley AFB, Virginia and flying the F-15C Eagle.

Any of these schemes would make a great looking F-4, however, finding a kit for it might prove to be a bit of a problem. Ten years ago, the shelves were full of 1/72 F-4 Phantoms, with those from Fujimi and Hasegawa being the best. Over the last few years, there has been a real dearth of Phantoms in this scale. Apparently the 'thrill is gone' for most retailers and the companies that produce the kits don't export that many any more. 

About the only way to get these kits is to find one that has been sitting on the shelf for a while, grab one from a vendor at a swap meet or order them direct from Japan. The Japanese Air Self Defense Force still flies the Phantom and is still producing F-4EJ kits for home consumption.

Revell of Germany also makes and F-4F kit that can be built as an F-4E, and if it is like their recent RF-4E kit, should be quite nice.

For the F-4C, the older Monogram 1/72 kit is quite nice if you can find it. Otherwise it is the Fujimi and Hasegawa thing all over again!

Review copy courtesy of me and my now empty wallet!

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