1/48 Hasegawa F-4F 'ICE' Phantom

Gallery Article by Ian T.M. Holahan on Apr 29 2011

 

The model depicted is a F-4F "ICE" Phantom from the 20th Fighter Squadron, "Silver Lobos", Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Although the aircraft is in USAF markings, it is actually a Luftwaffe F-4F "ICE" Phantom tasked with training German pilots on the type. I used the Hasegawa 1/48th scale F-4F kit and a Blackbox cockpit was installed. The relevant "F" parts for the cockpit were used. Assembly of the model was trouble free and the cockpit fit well within the fuselage. My primary reference for this build was a National Geographic television special that documented the "break-down" of a Luftwaffe F-4F for demilitaristion for spares use.  

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

The colors used in the camo scheme were FS 36375, FS36320 and FS 35237. The radome was painted beige to reflect the F/A-18 radar contained within the nose as well. All panel lines were drawn with a Micron ink pen and then shaded, via airbrush, with diluted Tamiya smoke. The walkways were painted as well, instead of using the decals. The plane was weathered with lightened shades of the base coat to reflect the fading caused by the arid climate in New Mexico.

An ECM pod, AIM-9 missiles and AIM-120 missiles were added from the spares box. Scratchbuilt intake covers were added from sheet stock as well. Helmets were added to the cockpit area and these were slightly modified to reflect the head gear worn by German pilots. Finally, Aeromaster decals were used for the markings on this aircraft. All in all this was a fun build and an enjoyable jet project.

Happy Modelling

Ian T.M. Holahan

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Photos and text © by Ian T.M. Holahan