[timbo]

Any opinions on the FM Phantom??

I've been looking at getting one, but have not seen any in the flesh. What are your favorites?

[flyXwire]

I have both "Showtime 100" and Gen. Robin Olds F-4 "Mig Killer" and am pretty pleased with both.

[timbo]

Are there any major quality/production differences between the CDC and the FM ones?

[flyXwire]

My main gripe(s) on both are the super huge gaps by the 1) jet intake covers, 2) above the main landing gear struts and 3) the starboard side wing/fuselage join area. I need to take some
pictures to illustrate these areas more clearly. I mean these areas do require some fixing (perhaps apply some type of epoxy putty to seal those nasty gaps?)!!!

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by timbo

Are there any major quality/production differences between the CDC and the FM ones?

No -- the only difference is that CDC models tend to have sticker decals, whereas the newer FM stuff (released in the last 1-2 years) seems to be 100% pad-printed. Mold-wise they are identical I believe and share the same flaws, such as those Fly notes below in regards to the gaps. That said, I think they are great models, and some of FM's finest... see mine here:

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

[STARMAN 352ND]

I have 4 FM Phantoms in 1:48 scale to date and i have been very lucky so far not to get any that have
water slide decals..Their all Pad printed which is the way i like them.
My favorite ones in the bunch has to be Robin Olds "Scat XXVII" and Randy's "Showtime 100" Phantoms.
The other's i have are Wild Wessel and Richthofen 71 40th annv (Red).
I will be adding others as time goes on.
JP

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

My main gripe(s) on both are the super huge gaps by the 1) jet intake covers, 2) above the main landing gear struts and 3) the starboard side wing/fuselage join area. I need to take some
pictures to illustrate these areas more clearly. I mean these areas do require some fixing (perhaps apply some type of epoxy putty to seal those nasty gaps?)!!!

Note that the gaps are not as bad on some particular models as on others. It varies a lot. The best would be to be able to examine the model in person before buying, but of course that's not possible when buying on-line. I have 3 CDC and 1 FM F-4s, and the main difference is the amount of decals on the CDCs versus the FM, plus the newer FMs have missiles with markings versus the unmarked ones from CDC (and that does add realism to the model). I like all of mine (including the rare Royal Navy FG-1) but the best of them is the FM "Showtime 100." I was lucky to get that one when they were still $56.00 at Joe Pilot.

Of course, these models all have plenty of visible screw heads (mostly recessed) on the bottom, but I personally don't mind that too much. Also, the tail anhedral is not quite as pronounced as it should be, but again, that's not too noticeable (unlike on their F-16s which have perfectly horizontal stabilizers, when they should have a slight anhedral. Much more noticeable IMO).

FVD

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by timbo

Any opinions on the FM Phantom??

I've been looking at getting one, but have not seen any in the flesh. What are your favorites?

Timbo - Having collected a lot of Armour F-4's (plus the British FG-1, which is rare, but very flawed because of it's matte or satin finish paint combined with water-based decals which have "silvered") over the last few years or thereabouts, I can say with some certainty that the newest offerings (within the last year or thereabouts) are definitely the best, as far as overall quality combined with historical accuracy is concerned. Especially the issue of the huge (originally intended to represent the 600-gallon, centerline belly tank most F-4's carried) underwing external ("drop") fuel tanks that were seen on most of the older Armour/FM offerings. That and the aside of the horizontal tail surfaces not being "drooped" enough (needs more anhedral), the F-4 Phantom is one of the better Vietnam-era jets Armour/FM has offered, in my opinion! Good luck & let us know what you pick up! John

[Armour Addict]

Hi folks...

these are my favourite Phantoms (plus Showtime 100 of course) from my collection:

AA