1/72 Monogram F-4C/D

by Rick Reinbott 

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This is my Monogram 1/72 F-4C/D Phantom II.  It represents the F-4D flown by Captain Richard “Steve” Ritchie of the 555th Tactical Fighter Wing, the “Triple Nickel”.  Captain Ritchie was the only U.S. Air Force Pilot who shot down five MiG-21s during the Vietnam War to become an ace.  He shared four of these victories with Weapons Systems Operator (WSO) Captain Chuck DeBellevue and one with WSO Lawrence Pettit.   

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I purchased this model about 15 years ago at a flea market for $1.00.  I finally got around to putting it together around 5 years ago and, although there were some issues with the fit, the kit went together reasonably well and built into a nice model of an early F-4.  I used Model Master Paints for the standard SEA camouflage pattern of Dark Green, Medium Green and Dark Tan over Camouflage Gray.  The model was airbrushed freehand prior to my obtaining a regulator, so there was some overspray of the colors.  Also, I used the kit decals; however, they were not very good.  About a month ago, I took it out of my display case and gave it a light acrylic black wash and some drybrushing to represent fading from the hot, humid climate of Southeast Asia .  Paint chipping was done by using a silver artist pencil.

Cheers,

Rick

Photos and text © by Rick Reinbott