It has been a long while since I've reviewed a sheet from Hi Decal and this one is a beauty. It is for the RF-4C and while this is the 1/72 sheet, they also do the same one in 1/48. The sheet covers no fewer than seven aircraft.

1. RF-4E, 33TFS, IRIAF in 2001. It is one of few survivors and was repainted after overhaul in gull grey and light blue.

2. RF-4E 62 TFS, IRIAF in 1985. This aircraft was supplied to Iran from the US to continue spying on the Soviet Union. Probably lost during the Iran/Iraq war. In sand, dark green and brown over black.

3. RF-4E, 62 TFS, IIAF in 1977. Delivered direct from the construction lines in St. Louis and painted in the standard desert scheme with light grey undersides.

4. RF-4C, 165 TRS in 1986 during 'RAM 86' photo meet. Euro I camo scheme.

5. RF-4C of 123 Esc, Spanish AF in 1993. Note the new IFR probe eventually used on all Spanish RF-4Cs. This has the later 2 greys camo scheme. It was the last flying Spanish AF RF-4C with its last flight in Feb of  2003.

6. RF-4C of 123 Esc, Spanish AF in 1989 after delivery from 165 TRS. Still in Euro I camo scheme.

7. RF-4C of 123 Esc, Spanish AF in 2002, painted in special Farewell scheme, with a black spine and fin on one side and a gold one on the other.

The kit for this in 1/72 and 1/48 are by Hasegawa and Revell, though there are older kits by ESCI or Italeri in 1/72 that could be used. The instructions are first rate, providing accurate color information as well as a drawing of the Spanish air refueling probe so you can make one. The sheet provides enough insignia to do three aircraft.

Thanks to Hi-Decal for the review sheet. If your favorite retailer doesn't carry them, tell them to do so!

April 2007

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