Furball Aero-Design 48-012: USMC Rhinos

Here is another superb set from Furball Aero-Design. This set includes markings for 18 USMC F-4 Phantoms from the Vietnam era. The vast majority of these aircraft are F-4Bs with a few F-4Js thrown into the mix. Those J models are all early planes and do not include the ESM antennas along the outside of the intakes. Some of the B models have the APR-30 system. F-4Bs did not have slotted stabilizers, though the F-4J did. Some B models were retrofit with these items, but I do not think that any of the ones on this sheet were so equipped. Locating a photo is the only sure way to know.

All of the aircraft are in the light gull grey over gloss white scheme with those planes on the sheet after 1972 having the upper light gull grey in a gloss. The sheet is superbly printed by Cartograf and offers enough insignia and 'Marines' markings for two planes. Two different colors of upper fuselage and wing walkways are provided. Not all planes had this feature and the instructions will let you know which has what. Some of the options are heavily stenciled while others have almost none. The set includes the more common stencils and any others will need to come from the kit decal sheet. These markings are designed for the Academy kit, but will probably fit other 1/48 Phantoms from Monogram and Hasegawa and perhaps even the ESCI kits.

In terms of units that are included, we have three aircraft from VMFA-115, all from the 1970/71 time period. Two of these have white tails and all are F-4Bs.

Next are two planes from VMFA-122. Again, F-4Bs and this time from 1970/72.

The third unit is VMFA-232. These are all F-4Js with the plain tailed aircraft serving in Vietnam during 1972 and the red tail planes at Iwakunit in 1974.

There is one option from VMFA-251, an F-4B based at Beaufort in 1970.

With the VW tail code is an F-4B from VMFA-314 at Chu Lai in 1968.

Another single option is from VMFA-323. This F-4B was based at DaNang in 1966. 

The first of two short-lived Phantom II operators is the F-4J from VMFA-334 at Chu Lai in 1969.

The other is an F-4B from VMFA-513, this one at Cherry point in 1968.

The next three F-4B options are from VMFA-542 based at DaNang in 1966,68, and 69.

The final option is an F-4B from VMFA-531 based at Cherry Point in 1968.

The instructions have notes on each option, a stencil placement diagram, and there is a full load-out diagram included to help you arm your Phantom.

December 2014

Review sheet courtesy of http://furballaero-design.com. You can get yours now at this link.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.