It's funny that I started this model with the idea of building something simple at the same time as I was tackling the more complex Fine Molds F14. But it seems to have developed into a much more complex project along the way, with lots of aftermarket stuff being added as I go. Although it's an old kit it's actually very enjoyable to build as there seems to be more "modelling'' involved than in so newer kits where the majority of the work revolves around painting.
Gary's Fujimi 1/72 Phantom FGR.2 'Firebird'
- Thread starter gweller
- Start date
Wings now attached along with the inside of the air intakes and splitter plates, with no serious fit issues. Next step is to do some remedial work - a bit of filler on the end of the flaps, vertical fin by the ILS antenna, mold releases marks inside the air intakes etc. After that I can pain the inside of the air intakes and glue these in place .
Despite my best efforts, the lower pitot tube on the fin is MIA!! But as I was going to replace these anyway with brass versions for Master models, this is not too much of a loss!
Despite my best efforts, the lower pitot tube on the fin is MIA!! But as I was going to replace these anyway with brass versions for Master models, this is not too much of a loss!
Some good progress there Gary. Those pitot tubes are always a problem.
Looking great.You are starting to tempt me into grabbing one of mine off the shelf and making one.Been sooooo long since i made one.Id say late 1990s!!!!.Ive still got a box with all the Humbrol and Xtracolour enamelsi used to use.I used to handpaint mine usually.
Richard
Richard
Yes! Why do manufacturers insist on molding pitot tubes/antennas etc as part of the wing or fuz? Is it easier or cheaper??
Go for it Richard! I have the Fujmi FG.1 "Silver Jubilee" kit in my (smallish) stash waiting to be built some day.
Snap!!.I have 2 Fg1s.One will be 43 fighting cocks and other 111 squadron.I might just grab one off the shelf next week.
Rich.
Rich.
Go for it!! It would interesting to build them together. I'm away from home for a week so you have a chance to catch up.
After a week on vacation, and then another few days travelling due to family commitments I have finally had some chance to work on the Phantom. Have finished of the ejection seats and the next step is to add the HUD and mask and fit the canopy. The seats are ok, but given the scale and the fact that the canopy will be closed I think they will be ok. 
Attachments
The FGR.2 kit does not include sidewinder rails, so I ''borrowed"' these from an Fujimi FG.1 kit I had in my stash. When I come around to building that kit, I'll either have to source the missing rails from somewhere (I think Aerocraft make a set of inner and outer pylons intended for the Airfix FGR.2) leave them off or fit the rocket pods. Either way that's a problem for another day! Also assembled the fuel tanks as can be seen in the photo. 
Hi Gary.
Good to see you back on the FGR2.It really is a pain in ass not having the winders and rails in "Firebirds " boxing.Ive got 7 of the damn things and the F4m boxing in camo.Well its a case of note to myself and read reviews before buying.I bought 5 from Kingkit for 25 each with postage.You dont see many of the later boxings where the jets are banking to the left.These are the ones with better engine nozzles and no doubt rails.Ive got the Silver jubilee Fg1 and its weird that it has rails and the later one ive got where jet is flying by a North Sea oil rig.I researched aftermarket and Hasegawa weapon sets have rails but im guessing might not fit the Fujimi kits.Ive got a Hasegawa F4E and rails are different shape.They do have winders but i think you dont get many in a set.I did find some launcher rails from " Air graphic models",They sell a set which shows an RAF FGR2.I messaged them to see how many rails are on their sets,Probably x2!!.I didnt realise Aerocraft did some Airrfix ones and it could be a plan if they fit.My wife said why have you got 7 of the same model?,Different squadrons i said.Guess i should have not bought so many hehe.
Richard
Good to see you back on the FGR2.It really is a pain in ass not having the winders and rails in "Firebirds " boxing.Ive got 7 of the damn things and the F4m boxing in camo.Well its a case of note to myself and read reviews before buying.I bought 5 from Kingkit for 25 each with postage.You dont see many of the later boxings where the jets are banking to the left.These are the ones with better engine nozzles and no doubt rails.Ive got the Silver jubilee Fg1 and its weird that it has rails and the later one ive got where jet is flying by a North Sea oil rig.I researched aftermarket and Hasegawa weapon sets have rails but im guessing might not fit the Fujimi kits.Ive got a Hasegawa F4E and rails are different shape.They do have winders but i think you dont get many in a set.I did find some launcher rails from " Air graphic models",They sell a set which shows an RAF FGR2.I messaged them to see how many rails are on their sets,Probably x2!!.I didnt realise Aerocraft did some Airrfix ones and it could be a plan if they fit.My wife said why have you got 7 of the same model?,Different squadrons i said.Guess i should have not bought so many hehe.
Richard
Thanks Richard! You can never have enough Phantoms..... well that's what I keep telling myself. Got the Fujimi FG1 and a FineMolds F-4C in my stash and will probably get the FineMolds F-4F when it comes out. And yes I think it's so dumb from Fujimi not to include the Sidewinder rails in the FGR.2 kit. I've never seen any photos of an FGR.2 fitted with the rocket pods, so what made them include these, I really don't know!
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.
Some Pics
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
Richard
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
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
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.
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