Gary's Fujimi 1/72 Phantom FGR.2 'Firebird'

[gweller]

It wasn't really my intention to do a build log for this model but when I mentioned I was building it on another thread a few people showed some interest, so here we go......



Ok this is a relatively old kit, dating back to 1987 and was one of the earlier Phantom releases from Fujimi. As such it does not feature some of the later changes like separate flaps and access panels on the bottom of the wings. Never the less it is a nicely molded kit much fine engraved panel lines. I have heard of them having fit problems around the air intakes and bottom front fuselage but that remains to be seen. I was going to build it keep it very simple and build it straight from the box, but in the end ordered from Reskit replacement exhaust cans, as well as more accurate Sidewinders and Skyflash missiles to replace those in the box. The decals look a bit iffy as well so they will also probably need replacing. So much for keeping it simple and OOB 😉

[gweller]

The first step as ever was the cockpit which has some nice raised details which can be painted or decaled. I ended up using the decals for the side consoles and a bit of imagination to dry brush to instrument panels. I ended up with this, which I think will be ok given that I will be not be displaying it with an open canopy.

[gweller]

As this is an early release in the Fujimi Phantom range it does not feature separate flaps. As drooped flaps seems to be a feature of most FGR2's when on the ground I thought I would cut these out and reposition them. This turned out to be relatively simple, but I still need to do a bit of tidying up on the edges - no big deal I think

[PaulTRose]

Got to love a Toom

[Richard48]

Looking great Gary.Excellent start,I think when i built one i added a length of tubing to slightly push fueslage halves out a tad.Helped the wing fit.There are some great Xtradecal sheets from Hannants and Modeldecal.I did the 64 sqn/228 OCU one with blue tail and scarab marking.Chair pulled up still.
Richard

[gweller]

Looking great Gary.Excellent start,I think when i built one i added a length of tubing to slightly push fueslage halves out a tad.Helped the wing fit.There are some great Xtradecal sheets from Hannants and Modeldecal.I did the 64 sqn/228 OCU one with blue tail and scarab marking.Chair pulled up still.
Richard

Thanks Richard! Good idea to place a spacer to hold the fuz side open, I had to do the same with the Hasegawa Typhoon. Coincidentally I have just ordered the Xtracolour decals and stencils as I have a feeling those in the kit are yellowed with age and also a bit thick. I had enough of a struggle getting the decals on the cockpit consoles to stay put and bed down over the details (even after applying copious amounts of Micro Sol ), so it does not bode well for the rest!

[gweller]

The Firebird kit does not include Sidewinders nor missile rails for them, which is a bit annoying. Sidewinders are easy to get hold of but the rails are a bit trickier so source. For some reason Fujimi decided to include rocket pods instead, but I can't find a single photo showing an FGR.2 armed with these.

[Richard48]

I think the rocket pods were mounted way back in the Phantom service in late 60s and into the 1970s.When they were used as ground attack and strike before Air defence.

[gweller]

Fitting the cockpit inside the fuselage proved to be a bit difficult as the side panels on the rear cockpit are way to thick, so they had to be thinned down. Als the inside of the fuz also required quite a bit of fettling before I could get the cockpit in. I ended up with this, not perfect but good enough as I don't intend to display the model with canopy open. If I were to build another one I think I would probably leave the side panels off altogether as they don't really add much detail.

[gweller]

In some of the reviews I had read over this kit, it was said that there are fit problems between the wing and the lower front fuselage, so I have been doing at lot of test fitting. I was pleasantly surprised to find that in fact the fit was pretty good.

[HAWKERHUNTER]

looks good from here Gary. Nice progress.

[flyjoe180]

Good work Gary.

[Richard48]

Flying along Gary.Yes them side panels are real PITA and b hassle tying to shoehorn them in.Think i didnt bother when i made them.I dont suppose we will see any state of the art ones from say Fine models as overseas users are more popular.Ive still got 6 or 7 of these kits and 2 FG1s and the Fgr2 without RWR in tail which is the earlier one with rockets and recce pod for 2 squadron.Plus ive got a Fujimi RAF Fgr2 in 72nd and Revell one in 48th plus a half finished FG1 from Hasegawa in 48th that i started in mid 90s.Then there are a few others on the shelf so yeah guess i like Phantoms.Keep thinking maybe i should cull most of my stash but will probably regret it and end by buying all over again.
Richard

[Richard48]

Flying along Gary.Yes them side panels are real PITA and b hassle tying to shoehorn them in.Think i didnt bother when i made them.I dont suppose we will see any state of the art ones from say Fine models as overseas users are more popular.Ive still got 6 or 7 of these kits and 2 FG1s and the Fgr2 without RWR in tail which is the earlier one with rockets and recce pod for 2 squadron.Plus ive got a Fujimi RAF F4J in 72nd and Revell one in 48th plus a half finished FG1 from Hasegawa in 48th that i started in mid 90s.Then there are a few others on the shelf so yeah guess i like Phantoms.Keep thinking maybe i should cull most of my stash but will probably regret it and end by buying all over again.
Richard

[gweller]

Yes it's probably a forlorn hope that Fine Molds will bring out and FGR.2 or FG.1. But on the other hand I know they are scheduled to bring out a German Airforce F-4F (JG71 "Richthofen'' squadron) in September, so you never know!

[gweller]

Ok, a few bumps on the road.... being a complete muppet I forgot to cut the slot for the horizontal RWR in the fin before joining the two halves, so that needs to be addressed.

Secondly the small protrusion on the tail end (something to do with the parachute on the real thing?) is broken off in the right side. Not sure if I did it when building or it was a fault in the molding, but either way I will have to fabricate something from scrap.

Lastly I noticed, in time, that the Reskit exhaust pipes I am going to be using will probably foul the rear internal brace on the fuselage. So the next step is to make the pipes up, and see exactly how much from this rear brace I will have to remove.

But yeah, that's what modelling is about right??

[Richard48]

I think the thingy on the tail is the fuel dump vent if my memory serves me correct.I always forgot to open the slot for RWR so you are not alone mate