We'll - I've been at this for awhile, but might as well bring it into the conversation. I'll also preview here what I've got lined up next, as a "new start" for the Corona group build.
Here are a few pics of the work done on the IDF Kurnass 2000 and the Japanese EJ Kai. I've got to do just a smidge more clean up work, put the aerials on, and they're ready for paint stage.
Here's what the Kai will look like - this is a set of dry-transfer stencils. I bought the 2 ocean blue paint set from GS.
Here's where they sit this morning:
You'll notice putty lines - man, these Hasegawa kits that are designed to be built into a variety of versions from the same set of molds are not the best kits for good fit and no seams! Too many unusual part options, and horrible configuration part breakdown. I'll be glad to get back to an old Italeri F-4 kit, or perhaps the newer Academy or Airfix...
And here's my "preview of the next build in this series - I'll make it a separate post once I break open the box... I just love this ugly duckling!
That's not ugly. It kinda looks like a Ju87a with 2 wings.
FFL
Personally I think the Japanese and Israeli Phantoms are the best-looking ones! I was considering joining Kurt in building a 1/48 EJ, but similar to your experience with the 1/72 I was turned off by the multi-part molding. Looking forward to seeing these. I also really like the use of the egg cartons, clever little modeling life hack. CFL
I've been using egg cartons for decades! Doesn't everyone...??!!
Casey - BUILD THE EJ!!! Don't fear the kit - the Phantom will love you for it!
@greg.kittinger strong argument but no thanks. I do have a 1/72 Academy Phantom in my stash, J model I believe. If I ever find a scheme I like i may build that.
I have never built an F4, so, no I have not used egg cartons.
A few items to be finished before ready to lay down base coat: I masked the interior of the intakes in prep for inserting some sponge to block them up. I need to paint the area around the cockpit, give the models a wash to rinse off all the putty/sanding dust, then shoot some blue/green on the windscreen and mask off the canopies and apply, add the blade aerials on the spine (and the IFR probe on the Kurnass), then ready for base coat.
I'm getting the metal on the stabs and back end, while masking the canopies. I used a new technique to add some straps to the pilots and seats - tool some .7 tape, ran over it with a grey pitt pen, and created the strap around the back of the headrest and the shoulder straps. Laid in the face curtains (kit supplied - not PE this time). Just need to add the HUD and I can put the canopies on.
You'll notice I didn't mess with the back of the RIO's console - once the canopy is on, it's really hard to see anyway... (and with 36+ Phantoms waiting to be build, I am looking for stuff NOT to add!)
Come on, come on git with the painting already I wanna see those bluebirds of yours.
finished the metal paint work, and have the metal masked, the canopies masked, the white metal IFR probe on the Kurnass. Just need to put on the nose probes and stick the sponges in the intakes, and ready for primer/paint!