Fine Molds 1/72 F-4N Phantom II 'VMFA-531'

The initial F-4 to enter fleet service was the F-4B. This version was also used in a slightly modified form by the USAF as their F-4C, the main difference being the use of lower pressure tires, which required a bulge in the upper wing and gear doors for the wider tires. This feature was later used on all subsequent F-4 versions. The B is the model that was used in the Navy's initial years of the war in Vietnam. Later, the upgraded F-4J joined in the war effort. Post war it was decided to upgrade extant F-4B airframes. These were given more powerful engines, a different avionics suite and other changes. The biggest visual cue was the addition of intake mounted ESM antennas. In many ways this upgraded aircraft was superior to the newer J airframes. Several N models were later converted to QF-4s for use in test programs and as targets.

This is one of a continuing series of F-4s from Fine Molds. The kit is highly modular, resulting in a considerable number of smaller sprues. This modular design has eliminated a number of areas where in past kits there have been seam issues. For instance, the upper spine is a separate insert so no seam to deal with and it keeps all the detail intact. The hot section aft and around the exhaust are also separate pieces, so this really cuts down on not only seam issues but makes painting this area a lot simpler.

The modular design also makes it possible to cater to the cockpit differences between USAF and USN/USMC F-4s with separate side consoles to deal with these alternatives. Decals are provided for these areas or you can paint them. As with most F-4 kits, the nose gear well attaches to the underside of the cockpit before being trapped by the forward fuselage halves. The kit also provides full intake trunking back to the first compressor stage. Since this is an F-4N, holes will need to be opened in the intake sides for the ESM antennas. As a note, by leaving these items off, a late F-4B can be built. Don't forget the holes in the bottom of the intake for the strike camera.

The aft upper fuselage is a single piece with engine intake/exhaust stages installed to help brace the assembly. Once the appropriate holes have been opened in the upper spine, that can be attached, followed by the forward nose section. The wing assembly is pretty standard and holes for the pylons and drop tanks will need to be opened along with others in the upper wing and just outside the speed brake housing. The gear doors and upper wing are the proper 'flat' style of the F-4B/N series.

At this point, the hot section pieces and the tailplanes are installed. Personally, I'd leave all these items off until after the area has been painted. The fin is attached at this time as well. Then attention turns to the landing gear, doors and speed brake. The latter can be posed open or closed. Also provided are separate engine cooling doors. Landing gear is very nicely done and all the doors have positive attachment points.

While weapons pylons are included, this is not true of weapons. Taking a cue from Hasegawa, Fine Molds offers a separate weapons set for the missiles. The last steps involve building and installing the ejection seats, followed by the transparencies. The builder is offered either a closed option or one with the two canopies open.

Instructions are very well done with paint references in a number of companies. Only downside of the instructions is that the majority of it is in Japanese, a problem when buying direct. Two light gull grey over white markings options are provided. One is the box art plane with the dark blue fin from VMFA-531 while the other is VMFA-323, both on the USS Coral Sea during 1979. Decals are well done and you are provided a full stencil suite.

These kits are the new darling for 1/72 F-4 builders and their positive reputation is well deserved. I built their F-4C a while back and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It wasn't a quick build, but the end results were very pleasing.

May 2025