Academy McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II “VF-111 Sundowners” 1:48

Radomes!

Academy have supplied an array of different radomes and chin blisters, so do your research and check references to make sure your airframe had the relevant radome and blister combo; this also counts towards the fairing on the top of the tail section.

Interestingly the metalized area of the Academy Phantom is moulded in one piece and fits perfectly onto the main fuselage, I added the stabilators just to see what they looked like, lovely!

Just before I go, here’s a pic of my modelling space just for interest sake – note the screen so I can check out the SMN reference photos when I need to!

Exhausts

One of the Phantoms most prominent features is the area behind the exhausts, which are unpainted due to heat; there are many methods in which to recreate the finish, I chose 2 of them.

The main area was sprayed with Alclad Steel and some of their heat colours were used, and after studying photos of the real thing I used some AK interactive chipping fluid over the steel and sprayed a mix of dark grey and brown over the chipping effects. A small stiff brush was then dampened and stippled the chipping effect on the exhaust area looking at the photo all the time to make sure not to overdo the look. I did exactly the same thing with the exhausts, which respond well to the effect.

All-moving tailplane

I then masked the entire area and then concentrated on the all-moving tailplane. I wanted to create a different effect here so after masking a coat of Humbrol Polished Steel was sprayed and left to cure. Once dry this was buffed with a lens cleaning cloth to a nice shine.

Painting and decals…