For a good 20 years, the Hasegawa 1/48 F-4 Phantom II series was the epitome of the type in this scale. Recently, other manufacturers have done their interpretation of the aircraft in plastic and for the most part, these are very nice kits produced to modern standards. Despite its raised panel lines in some boxings and engraved in others along with the somewhat less detailed cockpit, the Hasegawa kit remains a favorite of some and a viable building alternative. Especially if one can find it on sale somewhere.

One of the best things you can do for a standard kit is to spruce up the cockpit. Seats and belts are usually what folks consider, but adding more accurate instrumentation and interior details is also a great way to help things out. This is a 'zoom' set which takes care of only the cockpit. It includes not only the expected instrument and console faces, but also some additional interior boxes, rudder pedals and a gun sight. Though you have printed instruments, Eduard also provides the old time acetate instruments for those who'd rather go that route. The set comes with full instructions and is really worth the effort of installing.

October 2020

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