Here
is my model of Hasegawa's F-4EJ. This kit looks good OOB, but I
wanted to put some extra effort into detailing it. First I tackled the
cockpit, trying to achieve the very busy look of this particular area of the
aircraft. I scratch built the side wall details from sheet plastic and
various pieces of rod. The canopy sills were also enhanced with very
thin sheet plastic. Oxygen hoses from coiled wire were added and the rear
instrument panel detailed to show the exposed wiring and gauges. The only
after market parts that were added were a pair of Verlinden Martin Baker Seats.
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The
next Item I wanted to improve was the inside of the exhaust nozzles. The
kit's samples were smooth on the inside so I added strips of plastic and scored
them to simulate the details in this area. Looking at a few photos of the
actual aircraft, I found that the appearance was better without the belly tank,
so I set about scratch building the pylon that
would be evident with the tank removed.
On
to the paint shop. The model was painted with lightened Gunship Grey, with
a dark blue splinter camouflage pattern. Hasegawa refers to this blue as
blue-black,
I mixed Insignia Blue, Black and White to create this particular shade.
Next a coat of Future and then decals. This was the toughest part of the
build, as the decals had yellowed a bit and I had to bleach them by taping them
to a window to expose them to sunlight. Somehow this resulted in decals
that did not wish to be removed from the sheet. People who know the
F-4EJ are aware of the myriad of stencils that adorn this aircraft. Two
and half days of swearing later, this part of the project was complete.
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The
aircraft was weathered with an acrylic wash and some pastels, given a final coat
of Future and was allowed to dry for two days before a light coat of Testors
Dull Coat was airbrushed on. Droptanks, Sidewinders and the landing gear
were added when the model was dry. The final touch was to add the rear
view mirrors and the spring-like ejection sequencing wires to the canopies.
Hope you like the model.
Fernan
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images below to see larger images
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