From the folks at www.platz-hobby.com comes their final new sheet in 1/72 and they have picked a favorite, the F-4EJ kai Phantom II. Those wondering what to do about a kit have no worries as Hasegawa does a very nice one. Since Japanese F-4s are not a huge seller in the US, finding one should be pretty easy

The sheet commemorates the final use of the F-4EJ Phantom by 8 Squadron (which used to fly F-1s) and perhaps by all of the JASDF. This special plane was painted overall semi-gloss black. While the instructions show it as a dark blue, that is more to allow markings to be seen as anything else. The sheet is quite comprehensive and includes the now very popular notion of doing data stencils in blocks rather than as individual markings. I'm all for it. The instruction sheet shows placement of a these on all parts of the aircraft and even includes some for intake covers.

It is a great sheet and since black aircraft seem to have a considerable following, you can add something a bit more esoteric to your collection.

My thanks to Platz Hobby for the review set. You can get this on-line at www.platz-hobby.com once it has been entered into their database. Ask your local shop to start carrying the line as they have a number of other sheets in their catalogue.

October 2009

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