Impact Decals has released their third sheet and I'm pleased that this one covers one of my favorite aircraft, the F-4J Phantom II. There are three markings options on this one, all in light gull grey over white, all with white radomes and all with a black anti-glare panel.

These planes were with VMFA-451 'Warlords' in the late 1970s before the change to low viz.

First up is 153821 with the older color scheme that consisted of an all white fin/rudder and the large arrowhead markings. This plane has the dark grey intake walk areas and is from 1978.

Next is 153840 with a short-lived mace and chain fin markings. This has the small tail codes and the anti-glare panel goes down over the radome. It has light grey intake walk areas.

The final option is the same plane as the first, but in 1979. This has a much smaller arrowhead marking and has the light grey walk areas.

Now, the sheet provides enough markings for two planes, however, you are somewhat limited if you stick to what is with the sheet. Let me explain. There is one set of serial and modex numbers for 3821 so you can only do either the first or third option with these markings. Secondly, there is only one black intake walk area so in this means that the first option has to be one of your two. Of course, if you use aftermarket walk areas or paint your own, then that doesn't matter. Same goes for the serials and modex. If you use aftermarket letter/number sheets, then you do both variants of the same aircraft.

The markings themselves are superbly printed by Cartograf with no visible alignment glitches. The main sheet is larger than the current 'standard' decal sheet and comes in a very thick plastic zip bag with full color placement instructions. For kits, the Monogram and Hasegawa ones are recommended, but all of the markings, except perhaps the fuselage band, will fit on the old ESCI kit that has been reissued by Italeri.

Regardless of which kit you choose, the result will be a very nice model and a fine addition to your display shelves.

December 2008

Review sheet courtesy of www.impacthobbydecals.com where you can order your copy.

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