Built “from the box”, this model depicts an F-4S of VF-301 which was painted to an experimental disruptive camouflage scheme devised by aviation artist Keith Ferris.

Intended to break up the distinctive profile of the Phantom, this “Heater Ferris” scheme was repeated on the underside, complete with painted canopies, to further confuse adversaries.

Kit assembled using liquid cement for major components (wings, fuselage) and cyanoacrylate (“super glue”) for small items (cockpit, undercarriage, ordnance). Super Scale white glue was used to attach the canopies, which were masked for painting with 3M “Magic Tape”.

Cockpit detailed using Humbrol and Gunze Sangyo enamels. Exterior masked with Tamiya and 3M Post-It tapes and airbrushed with Testors enamels,.

Bare Metal Foil for bright metal panels on rear fuselage and tailplanes; Humbrol metalizer sprayed on exhaust areas; panel lines highlighted with draughting pencil lead.

Decals and semi-gloss clear finish by Super Scale.

 Diorama base of wood, painted with Tamiya spray lacquer, detailed with Testors and Humbrol enamels. Diorama figures and equipment from Hasegawa accessory sets.

 Kit was of Hasegawa’s usual high quality and accuracy, requiring no seam-filler.

Complete diorama, including a second F-4J in “Blue Angels” colours, was built for Manawatu Scale Modelers Club end of year competition, 1996.

References included: “TAC Fighters - Air Force, Guard & Reserve Phantoms, Falcons & Eagles”, Motorbooks International, various issues of “Airplane”, Aerospace Publishing.

Richard Cheals (rcheals@newholland.com)