Eagle Strike 48-001 for F-4B/N/J

SHEET:	Eagle Strike 48-001 F-4B/J/N Phantom II
PRICE:	$11.00
UNITS:	VF-121 / 202 / 301
REVIEW & PHOTOS :	Chris Ishmael
NOTES:	CAG - Bicentennial

Like the P-51, the F-4 is sure to keep the aftermarket decal makers supplied with plenty of subject matter.

Judging by the sheet number, this is their first offering, and they could not have chosen a better subject to start with. The instructions are b/w line drawings, showing a left side profile for each a/c, and any additional views necessary for decal placement. All three a/c are in the gull gray over white scheme with full color markings that the F-4 spent most of its service life in. The decals are on two sheets, with the main squadron markings on one sheet, & the other sheet has the common markings. Only one set of common markings are provided, but there is no maint. Stenciling at all. The printing is sharp, & the colors are spot-on. Separate red stripes are provided for the national insignias.

The first a/c is the CAG F-4J from VF-121 "Pacemakers", the west coast training squadron. To Eagle Strike’s credit, they included a corrected set of the red "swoosh" mark on the fuselage, with much cleaner black trim.

The next a/c is the beautifully marked CAG F-4N from one of the two East coast reserve fighter squadrons, VF-202 "Superheats", based out of NAS Dallas. This unit had the distinction of making the very last trap aboard a carrier for the F-4. The Texas flag on the rudder & the squadron badge are carried over from their F-8 days, & would be applied on the units F-14 in the future. Eagle Strike included extra red, yellow & blue decal material to cover the areas over the RHAW fairing & pitot tubes on the tail that the main tail decal does not cover.

The final a/c is the CAG F-4B from VF-301 "Devil’s Disciples", one of the 2 West coast reserve fighter squadrons based out of NAS Mirimar. This a/c has a special bicentennial marking on the fuselage side, consisting of the Bicentennial ‘Pretzel’, inside a red arrow with red, white & blue lettering. It is highlighted on the instruction sheet. A row of multi-colored stars at the base of the vertical tail completes the CAG markings.

As the case with many F-4 squadrons, VF-202, & 301 transitioned to the F-14, but were de-activated due to budget cuts in the 90’s. VF-121 was de-activated in 1980.

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