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

[Richard48]

I shall look through my Phantom books from 1980s and see what i can find out.Im sure some rockets were fitted to Navy ones and maybe the Strike squadrons in 70s based in Germany.I dont think the Air defence ones in 80s would have been armed with anything different then winders and Sparrows/Skyflash missiles.Im guessing if winders werent fitted on a normal mission as opposed to alerts they fitted the aquisition winders and the ballast rounds in skyflash bays usually blue and concrete.I shall do some research mate.

[gweller]

Thanks Richard, I'll be interested what you can find out!

[Richard48]

Some Pics

[Richard48]

Ive had a look round Gary and on Britmodeller where ex Phantom fixers lurk.Well the squadrons based in Germany would have been able to use Matra rocket pods and also bombs.The rockets were on a triple ejector pylon.There were the recon squadrons like 41 and number 2 squadron who went onto Jaguars and like most squadrons there ended up as Tornado squadrons.17 squadron were the squadron in Germany who were cleared to use a naughty weapon which produced instant sunshine if you get my drift.Fujimi made a right boob on the first boxing and on a Facebook page im on they said air defence squadrons always carried sidewinder rails unless at say an airshow.Royal Navy ones didnt use the Matra pods on Ark Royal.They had their own 2 inch rocket set up.The Phantoms in the early 70s serving in Germany had some great colourful markings.Early on white undersurfaces with full colour roundels.Modeldecal and Xtradecal do some great sheets and im keen also to do some early tactical Phantoms in the grey and green.I shall look through more books to see what i can glean.
Richard

[gweller]

Just noticed that Hobby 2000 are bring out a re-issue of the Fujimi FG.1 and F-4K with new decals!

[Richard48]

Wow really Gary.Now that is great news indeed.Lets hope they do the later issue ones with better engine cans etc.I think ive sorted the missing rail problem!!.My mate says he will do me a little mould and cast some up.I hope Hobby 2000 doesnt sell them for inflated prices

[gweller]

Just checked on Hannants website and it is around 22 quid, which is reasonable I think, They say it's got decals by Cartograf which is a plus. I wonder what version of the original Fujimi they are re-issuing? Hopefully one of the later models with the separate flaps etc. Good to hear you got your rail problems solved! I'm going to get that replacement set that is for the Airfix kit if/when I get around to building the FG.1

[Richard48]

Thats great.I saw Jadlam has them on preorder as well.They have what Hobby 2000 cal F4k which looks like Royal Navy one without fin RWR.The other boxing is FG1 which has schemes for RAF Leuchars 111 squadron and 43 squadron.Decals look stunning and canopy masks as well.I do hope they are the later boxings with better engine cans and the seperate flaps.Jadlam has them between 21.95 and 24.95 i think.Im tempted to preorder but apprehensive in case its Firebirds early syndrome yet again.Will see what i can find out.

[colin m]

Great work. There's something about the Phantom, lots of people like them, including me. It might be that old saying, 'If something looks right, it probably is'. A Phantom certainly looks right to me.

[gweller]

Work is still progressing.... been painting lots of the boring white bits like the u/c, u/c doors and wells, intakes etc, etc. And somewhere in here are the parts for 4 Skyflash missiles to replace those in the kit.

[Richard48]

Great Skyflash missiles Gary.Where did you source them from?,Im hoping to start one tommorow,Might start 2,Like to do couple at a time.

[gweller]

Great Skyflash missiles Gary.Where did you source them from?,Im hoping to start one tommorow,Might start 2,Like to do couple at a time.

Hi Richard, the Skyflash missiles are from Reskit. I've also got replacement Sidewinders, gun pod and exhaust/afterburner cans from them. I like what they make but they are a bit expensive. Really looking forward to seeing your build! Any ideas about what colour schemes you are going to do?

[Richard48]

Hi Gary.
Thanks for that.Yes Reskit do some pricey.I think on some builds i will do a bit of bodging on the sidewinders.If the winders are earlier versions i shall cheat and fashion the protective end caps with epoxy.Cover a multitude of sins!!!.Maybe replace the fins and bit of scratchy work,Im just about to sit down and start my kit.Ive picked the Fuijimi FG1 "Silver Jubilee",Thankfully this boxing has the raised cockpit details,Ive been making some push moulds from The fast setting Gedeo rubber.Ive attempted to make the raised cockpit side consoles and on my Firebird ones without the raised details i shall try and make some from epoxy.Well thats the plan mate.
Right lets go and do some mogelling.
Richard

[Richard48]

Hi Gary.
Thanks for that.Yes Reskit are somewhat pricey.I think on some builds i will do a bit of bodging on the sidewinders.If the winders are earlier versions i shall cheat and fashion the protective end caps with epoxy.Cover a multitude of sins!!!.Maybe replace the fins and bit of scratchy work,Im just about to sit down and start my kit.Ive picked the Fuijimi FG1 "Silver Jubilee",Thankfully this boxing has the raised cockpit details,Ive been making some push moulds from The fast setting Gedeo rubber.Ive attempted to make the raised cockpit side consoles and on my Firebird ones without the raised details i shall try and make some from epoxy.Well thats the plan mate.
Right lets go and do some mogelling.
Richard

[gweller]

Excellent choice Richard, looking forward to seeing some pics in due course! Are you going to do a build log?? In the meantime I have been making a bit of progress. Added the intakes and despite some careful fitting still could not get away without a bit of filler here and there.