This is another 'reduced' sheet from the 1/48 sheets recently produced. Frankly, I like that this is done as there are just not enough 1/72 sheets done in the US. This one covers a pair of F-4J Phantom IIs. We are lucky to have a number of very nice kits available to us for this aircraft. The most readily available will be the Hasegawa and Fujimi kits. Monogram also did an excellent F-4J if you are not squeamish about raised panel lines. Nearly as nice is the ESCI kit that has been reboxed in the past by AMT and Italeri. A word on the Hasegawa F-4. You need the more recent and more expensive F-4J. There are two earlier moldings, neither of which are close to modern standards.

The first of these is from VF-31 in 1972. It is in the light gull grey over white scheme. Though it carries a kill marking, this aircraft was not the one that earned it. This marking was applied to all the squadron's aircraft during the cruise.

The other is a 'white bunny' VX-4 plane. It is overall white and carried no national insignia. Oddly, there are insignia for both planes on the sheet. Perhaps a bit more research is needed into the markings of this plane. It could have had insignia at some time while carrying this scheme.

The sheet provides full markings for both aircraft. It also includes the fuselage walkways and the anti-glare nose panels, a very nice touch

Review copy courtesy of . Thanks for your support.

 December 2005