[DADoser]

Quick review: F4E Phantom (1:100 scale)

Purchased at: Walmart (Phoenix, AZ) SKU# 72151 08137

Price: $14.94 and tax

Dimensions: Approx. 7.25 inches in length/ 4.75 inches wingtip to wingtip.

Paint scheme of Dick Coe and Ken Webb - after Oct. 5, 1972 (date in which they got the Mig kill). Paint scheme is well done and very detailed. Phantom is in Vietnam camo w/ shark mouth/eyes. On the tail is JJ 493 (also small AF 68); pilot/co-pilot names are painted beside cockpit; one red star kill marking on both sides of model. All makings are there as reflected on P. 41 of "...And Kill Migs: Air to Air combat from Vietnam to the Gulf War." by Lou Drendel 3rd ed.

Plane fits loosely to the stand - not enough to be a negative, but enough to note. Base is black triangular w/ "F-4 Phantom" in white type on the front. Connecting piece from base to plane is clear plastic.

Undercarriage has full combat load. Gear up only - no gear down option.

Comes with a Franklin mint certificate of authenticity.

Icon review:

Personal take:
For $15 and tax, this is a great model. This is a perfect scale for modern jets. Large enough for a very detailed paint scheme and to be noticed, yet small enough to not take up huge amounts of shelf/storage space.

For several reasons - cost; scale/space; needing to "limit" my choices; etc. - I have stayed away from modern jets (except for a few 1:72 Corgis for prices I couldn't pass up - i.e. TM and a local dealer clearancing out Corgi). But for this price and smaller scale, I could see myself definately being pulled to the dark side of modern jets.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by DADoser

I could see myself definately being pulled to the dark side of modern jets.

You take that back! Jets! Humbug!! I too have given in from time to time to time to time!
Great review Doser! Guess where I'm going tonight.

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by parsig9

Guess where I'm going tonight.

Is that for a diaper run priority or a diecast priority?

[stalag8611]

I have a collection of 28 different Armour 1:100, both props & jets. That's how I got started down this road to perdition, in fact. My first purchase was an F-100 from an online hobby store, since departed I believe. None of them came out under the Franklin Mint logo, and I never got one for less than $18.95 and NEVER in a WalMart. They really are neat, but light on the details, however. If you're short on shelf space they make a good collector choice. As for me, I moved to 1:48, 22 issues there, and I'm now into 1:72, 43 so far and still growing.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by DADoser

Is that for a diaper run priority or a diecast priority?

Um...diapers...


Update: Run over. No diecast to be had.

[PappyB]

I think the phantoms are some of the nicest models in the CDC 1:100 and now FM line -- I paid $30 for this one back in the late 90's, so that's a good deal

http://www.diecastace.com/review_FM_1100_5042.html

Like Stalag, these are the models that got me hooked on this hobby

[flyXwire]

The F-4E long nose variant is my favorite! I know I have a snapshot of one during a visit to Clark Air Base Open House in the Philippines back in the late 70's hidden somewhere. Man, somebody needs to make this in 1/72nd??? Corgi, are you reading this thread?!!

[STARMAN 352ND]

I have checked high and low for these in Wally World and have found zip.
Must only be at certain locations.
JP

[parsig9]

SCORE!!! Doser, you were right! F4-E found at Walmart today along with:

P-51 Jumpin' Jacques
109 Galland
Spitfire Bader
P-38...forget...blue nose
T-bolt Gabby
P-40 Scott
AH-64 Apache

They were burried in the toy section but not where the other military 1/32 21st Century stuff is. They were way down by the Starwars Diecast toys on the bottom shelf faced inwards. I grabbed the Phantom and pulled the others out so they were easy to see. There were like 15 or so total. The long nose threw me a bit at first and this is all decals for sure. I agree that for the $ and as a treasure hunting prize, it's a great find.