[John Youngs]

I'm looking to pick up the Armour, limited-edition JASDF 302nd Hikotai F-4EJ Phantom that was issued a few years back but is no longer available from retail sources in Japan (that I'm aware of, anyway). I'm asking your opinions (those of you that have or have had this model) on this model as I acquired the British Royal Navy FG.1 Phantom several months ago and was severely disappointed in what (potentially) could've been one of Armour's best F-4's ( )! They used matte paint; on top of that, they used water-slide decals throughout, and after a period of time, these decals would "silver" as the glue underneath would separate from the matte finish. And if you look at virtually all of the known photos of the exact, original, individual plane, you'd quickly see it flew almost exclusively with underwing fuel tanks; Armour chose to use no tanks - instead, they equipped it with those tacky twin-sidewinder missile assemblies - and nothing else. In my humble opinion, it became one of the worst F-4 efforts they've come out with to date, albiet on a "limited" scale ( )! A good-looking model from a distance, but again, in my humble opinion, very flawed throughout, up close; it's only saving grace being the accurate portrayal of the RR Spey low-bypass turbofan engine exhaust nozzles.
My point in all of this, is to see if the Japanese F-4"EJ" Phantom is (1) any good - paint, decal/pad-printing markings...??, and (2) underwing fuel tanks...?? Any other details, either positive or negative, in terms of opinions, would be appreciated very much!! I'm perfectly capable of overlooking basic "flaws" such as seam gaps, etc; however, if the plane has nothing but water-slide decals, and/or poor paint or underwing armament or external load depictions, I'd like to know before I try & spend the $$$ to acquire one. If that's the case, it's time to "think plastic"... Let me know your opinions, please!! Many thanks for any considerations on this matter!! - John Youngs, Tacoma, Washington -

[flyXwire]

John, which one of the FM released JASDF F-4EJ you mention above has the paint scheme pictured below? Sorry, I couldn't be more help on your inquiry about this particular diecast. Thanks.

[John Youngs]

FlyXwire - Herein are a few photos of the plane I'm referring to - see attached photos - not sure of the stock number. And, is there more than one Armour JASDF F-4 model?? I'm only familiar with the one in the following photos... - Thanks! - JY
PS: I realize that the tanks are the "wrong" size - I can live with that, given the F-4's lifting power in real life - I'm more concerned about decals & overall fit & finish!

[Armour Addict]

Hey John,

the only F-4J from FM/A I know of is this one: B11D750 F-4EJ Super Fantom '98 Japanese Self Defense Forces.

It is nowhere to be had except in Japan.

Some Pics are attached.

BTW, I am looking for one, too...

AA

[STARMAN 352ND]

I'll keep my eyes open for them...
JP

[John Youngs]

[quote=Armour Addict;99012]Hey John,
the only F-4J from FM/A I know of is this one: B11D750 F-4EJ Super Fantom '98 Japanese Self Defense Forces.
It is nowhere to be had except in Japan.
Some Pics are attached.
BTW, I am looking for one, too...

AA - Many thanks! As always, you delivered again!! Finally got my B11D750 F-4EJ JASDF 302 Hikotai Phantom - all tampo-printed graphics, too!! - JY

[TopHat]

JY - - you gonna remove those tanks? They look awkward on an otherwise beautiful bird....

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by TopHat

JY - - you gonna remove those tanks? They look awkward on an otherwise beautiful bird....

TopHat - Probably not - yes, they do look awkward since they represent the 600-gallon centerline belly tank that's supposed to go underneath the centerline of the fuselage; however, given the collector value (which would most definitely go down if those tanks were removed), I'd just as soon leave them as they are. If I want a better detailed model, I'll go with a Tamiya 1/32nd or Hasegawa 1/48th scale plastic model. Also, while yes, they do look funny perhaps; nevertheless, the real F-4 looks awkward as well, with 10 or 12 thousand pounds of bombs attached... - the lifting capability of the F-4 is legendary; as such, these tanks really don't look TOO out of place - historical accuracy put aside for the moment... - JY