We all like F-4s (if you don't, see your specialist and get proper treatment). This sheet is for the RF-4C at the end of its career with the USAF. All three planes are in the Hill Grey II scheme of FS 36118 and FS 36270. No recommended kit is provided, but most of us will go for the Hasegawa or Fujimi version. There is also an RF-4C done in this scale by Italeri and I believe that ESCI did one as well. If you want to get really old, then drag out the IMC kit! The drawings are a bit misleading as they show the more angular nose on the right side views and the smoother nose on the left side insets. The photos and other research shows that they all carried the more angular nose. Also a bit misleading is that all three show the older centerline tank. By the end of their career, the F-15 style centerline tank was pretty well standard, if it was carried at all. You should also know that the 192 TRS planes were, for the most part, capable of carrying Sidewinders as perhaps were the other two. This Sidewinder self-defense upgrade was made on many later RF-4Cs as they went through overhaul at Hill AFB.

Since this is a 1/72 sheet, there is room for all the insignia and quite a bit of common data markings and the slime lights for all three aircraft.

OK, on with the aircraft on the sheet. First up is the 192 TRS, Nevada ANG. The decals are for the 1990 time frame, while the accompanying photo was taken in Sept 1991. You'll see that the Red 1 is gone from the photo. You'll also note that the aircraft is very clean and with a semi-gloss paint. The demarcations between colors are very sharp with little or no overspray. Some areas have been masked, such as the anti-glare panel.

Next up is the boss bird of the 26 TRW based in Germany. This plane is as shown right after returning from detachment in Turkey to help with Desert Storm. You'll note the little mission markings are Kodak logos! This aircraft is a bit more worn and has pin striping between the nose antiglare area and the rest of the airframe. Demarcation lines are still very tight.

The final one is the Wing Commander's plane from the 67 RW at Bergstrom AFB in Texas. It is exceptionally clean and carries the colors of the remaining squadrons on the tail. This photo was taken at Phan-Con 1992, held at George AFB in March 1992, in conjunction with the imminent retirement of the 35 TFW's E and G models and the closing of the base. Note the difference in the forward demarcation lines that go over the intakes in these three images. There is no exact standard pattern so you really need a photo of the plane you are doing. You can also see that the drag chute cap and the 'arrowhead' reinforcements on the stabs are in 36118. Note also how clean the nose wheel and strut is on all three planes.

Review copy courtesy of  ME!!