This is a new series from Fox Two's new series; The Modeler's Guide to Aircraft Finish and Markings. It focuses on the F-4B/N Phantom II in service with VF-111. While it doesn't seem like it, the Sundowners had one of the shortest uses of the Phantom of all F-4 units, operating the type for only 6 or so years before transitioning to the F-14. Not surprising they didn't operate the F-14 for all that long either compared to other Tomcat squadrons, flying the type until 1995 before it was disestablished.

The book starts with an introduction, which is basically a history of the Sundowners from WWII to the present. Then it goes into operations that cover several years per section. Those are 1971/72, 1973/74, 1975/76 and the final year, 1977. The next section is on CAG aircraft. Then there is a listing of all the known F-4s that flew with the squadron with notes on several of them. The last section is a set of camouflage views. The plane only flew in the light gull grey over white scheme.

Since this is mostly a picture book, the format is A4 landscape. This provides the opportunity to give the reader large, full page images rather than have the images go across the 'trench' at the center of the book, something that one sees far too often. Not to say that all the images are full page as that is not the case, but it is nice to have that option. Though published in Germany, all text is in English.

 In all, a great book that provides a super reference for both the enthusiast and modeler alike. Well worth adding to your library.

March 2022

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