Tamiya 1/48 McDonnell Douglas F4B Phantom II

[BarryW]

How often have we said that ‘no kit is perfect’ or ‘all kits have issues’, well this is about as perfect a kit without issues that I have ever found.

The design and engineering of this kit hits new levels of excellence. I used to think that the 1/32 Tamiya Mosquito was the closest you could get to perfection but I was wrong….

My sanding sticks and filler were almost redundant with this build and the only significant use of them was on the drop tanks. The designers managed to follow panel lines to almost eliminate the need to sand seams, every part, without exception fits perfectly and the designers made sure that parts could not be glued the wrong way around or on the wrong side of the plane. Amazing, with every piece just clicking into place. Joy, sheer joy.

I built a model of a Marine aircraft that was based in Da Nang in 1966.
The pictures











So what is wrong with kit? Why is it only ‘close to perfection’
Well, the answer - it’s not 1/32 scale!

 

[minitnkr]

Beautiful result.

 

[Andy the Sheep]

A high standard build, Barry.
A good, even an almost perfect, kit doesn't always turn into a nice model without the work of a fine modeller.

 

[Jim R]

You've made a superb job of this superb kit. Maybe you'll grow to love the smaller scale

 

[Ian M]

A very nice result. I do like a spook. It is one of the few paraffin burners that I could have gone all SIG over.

 

[Andy T]

I've heard great things about this kit and you've made a superb job of it.

Having built the P38 that was released just before this I can imagine how easy assembly was. The lightning just fell together as the design & engineering was fantastic.

Question is, if they brought this out in 1/32 would you build it again? I'd guess at a resounding yes.

 

[BarryW]

I've heard great things about this kit and you've made a superb job of it.

Having built the P38 that was released just before this I can imagine how easy assembly was. The lightning just fell together as the design & engineering was fantastic.

Question is, if they brought this out in 1/32 would you build it again? I'd guess at a resounding yes.

Absolutely yes. What I would love is a Fleet Air Arm version in 1/32!

 

[papa 695]

A very nice result. I do like a spook. It is one of the few paraffin burners that I could have gone all SIG over.

Why not make the suggestion then Ian. We’ve not had a SIG for ages.

 

[papa 695]

Nice work Barry, I’ve got the same kit in the stash.

 

[langy71]

Simply stunning Barry, you can't beat a spook, I'd heard great things about the moulding and build up of this kit, and you've done it proud.. top quality indeed...

 

[Airborne01]

Oh, Yum!!!

 

[yak face]

Great job barry , we all love a phantom and the classic gull grey and white is always a winner .

 

[Mickc1440]

Wow Barry that's a fantastic looking model

 

[boatman]

YES Barry a brilliant build an yes ive always loved the phantom why i remember the very first time i see one on the ground back in late 60 's to early 70' at RAF COLTISHALL battle of britain airshow an i was amazed at all the warning an important signs all over it was like readin a book an i gave up after half an hr or so an dint read them all by far
very well done
chrisb

 

[tr1ckey66]

Awesome result Barry

 

[Ernie]

Most awesome build! The finished model looks fantastic.

 

[rickoshea52]

Why not make the suggestion then Ian. We’ve not had a SIG for ages.

We had a GB on this subject back in 2017 - due a repeat surely!

Welcome to Rick's Phantom GB

I would lust like to say welcome to all the members that have accepted the challenge and have joined this GB. I will just say that I hope you all have a great time. I now hand you over to Rick, the Host for this GB. (don't panic Rick, Polux and I will be here to help). Oh! And try to keep...

www.scale-models.co.uk

 

[JR]

Of course The Committee all agreed it's


Congratulations Barry .

 

[outrunner]

Very, very nice Barry.

Andy.

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Nothing left to say, another stunner from your bench, Barry!