[Mesa]

Boy, today isn't my day. I'm working on different British versions and there is confusion between the FGR Mk. 1 and FGR Mk. 2. Anyway, I'm including a last picture of the 767 Squadron FGR Royal Navy version.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I like what you did to the Royal Phantom..
Great Job..
JP

[stalag8611]

Mesa, that's a fine looking re-do.

[Mesa]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm sorry it took so many posts to get the pictures up. I need to re-size them so that I can do more at once.

[Mesa]

Hello,

I finally have the pictures down-sized for inclusion in a single posting.

You are looking at a Franklin Mint Royal Navy FG Mk.1 767 Squadron Phantom. This diecast is unique, the only known one of its kind. It has been realistically weathered, panel lines emphasized, and the proper fuel tanks added. It also has complete stencils. This is what a FM should look lke! It is almost as nice looking as an expertly assembled plastic kit. The decals and added parts came from an out of production Hasegawa kit. There are five coats of clear varnish to proctect the finish (so you can handle it with joy and not worry).

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by Mesa

Boy, today isn't my day. I'm working on different British versions and there is confusion between the FGR Mk. 1 and FGR Mk. 2. Anyway, I'm including a last picture of the 767 Squadron FGR Royal Navy version.

Mesa - The differences between the FG.1 (Royal Navy) & the FGR.2 (Royal Air Force) were relatively minor. Both share the same RR Spey low-bypass turbofan engines (21,000 lbs. thrust vs. 17,900 for the US G.E. J-79 - in afterburner) and most other similarities. The two different models were even closer togther during the last several years of their lives, as when the Brits decommissioned their only full-size, full-service carrier, the HMS Ark Royal, there was no longer a need for the long, extended nosewheel strut of the FG.1 - all FG.1's after that were re-equipped with the standard-length Phantom nosewheel strut assembly common to both the FGR.2 as well as all of the US models. Some minor differences in cockpit instrumentation & avionics existed, of course - since the mission requirements for both services differed in many respects. But these differences were relatively minor & both versions of the British Phantom were, at least externally, almost identical. Hope this helps clear some things up for you! - JY