The Phabulous Phantom was THE American combat plane of the 60's.Produced in prodigious quantities worldwide, it saw a great deal of action inthe Mid East and Southeast Asia. While the Israeli's had a great deal of successwith it against it's foes, in Vietnam, the US wasn't doing quite as well untilafter the development of specific training to allow it to take advantage of itsbrute power. 

The first USAF Phantoms were actually loaner Navy F-4Bs. Thevery similar F-4C first entered the USAF inventory with the 4453 CCTS at McDillAFB in mid 1963. From there it was introduced into other units and ratherquickly replaced other types. It was also sent to Vietnam still wearing its gullgrey and white paint scheme. This proved less than practical over the densejungles of SE Asia and a more appropriate scheme of greens and tan wereeventually used on all subsequent versions.

The F-4D was the next version and had a greater number of USAFspecific equipment installed. This relegated most of the F-4Cs to the bomberrole while the F-4Ds were tasked with air to air interception duties. Inaddition to the Sparrow and Sidewinder, the F-4D was capable of firing theFalcon missile. This missile proved to be a dismal failure and after a brief andfrustrating trial period with the 8th TFW, it was basically eliminated from theinventory.

These early Phantoms went on to lengthy duty with the Guard andReserves after they were in time supplanted by the F-4E in regular USAF service.The final F-4D was flown to the boneyard in 1991 following the F-4C by a fewyears. Interestingly enough, neither the F-4C or F-4D were modified to drones aswere the F-4E/G version. Just about all the F-4Cs and most of the F-4Ds havebeen cut up for scrap. As of 3 January 2000, only 11 F-4Cs were in the AMARCinventory.

This kit was initially released in 1995 and it has taken me thislong to finally be able to afford it. Plunking down major money for a model kitis not something one does everyday and it was with some trepidation that I didso, especially after reading the less than sterling reviews about the kit's fit.Well, I have built the Revell big scale Phantom and really wanted something withmore detail. This kit definitely has that. There are all the bits and pieces todo a pretty accurate version of either the F-4C or F-4D. There are differentchin sensors, tail caps, and interior bits for whichever version you shouldchoose to build.

Also included are drop tanks for the wings, though no centerlinetank is included. Amongst the other goodies are a full missile suite of AIM-7ESparrows and AIM-9E Sidewinders. There is also an ALQ-87 jamming pod. Inaddition, there are TERS for the wing stations as well as bombs for those racks.Also included is a MER for the centerline in place of the drop tank. Not surejust how many aircraft were so equipped in Vietnam when the plane was assignedas a mud mover, so I'll have to do some searching the reference material forthat.

This kit has several bits that are screwed together, includingthe metal landing gear. There are also metal wheels and rubber tires. The metalgear have plastic coverings on them for the detail. I have not had any weightproblems with my Revell RF-4C, but maybe the Tamiya kit is a lot heavier andthey thought the metal gear was needed.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet!! If any of youmanufacturers or shop owners want to send products for review and building,please contact me.