The F-4 made its first flight in May 1958 and by the late 70’s was the quintessential western fighter aircraft, with over 5,000 built.

The F-4J was an improved version for the US Navy, featuring upgraded avionics and more powerful versions of the GE J79 engine, plus some airframe modifications which enhanced maneuverability.

Flown by the US Navy aerobatic team “Blue Angels” in the late 70’s and early 80’s, the F-4J was replaced by the more agile and fuel-efficient F/A-18.

Cockpit detailed using Humbrol and Gunze Sangyo enamels. Exterior painted with Spraycote (handyman) dark blue enamel – exact shade of blue, plus dries with a very high gloss and flows to a smooth finish (no polishing required).

Bare Metal Foil for bright metal panels on rear fuselage, tailplanes and wing leading edges; Humbrol metalizer sprayed on exhaust areas.

Two sets of decals applied because yellow was rather opaque, then a coat of Testors clear gloss enamel.

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-4S in “Grey” colours, was built for Manawatu Scale Modelers Club end of year competition, 1996.

Richard Cheals (rcheals@newholland.com)