F-4E Phantom II 181st TFG (“Racers”), Indiana ANG
A dozen years ago, I submitted my very first article and build photos to ARC: it was a 1/72 scale Phantom II . . . of the same Indiana ANG unit out of Terre Haute, Indiana (on the Wabash River, with Illinois across the river). I purchased the larger 1/48 scale Phantom II – with the same markings - from Hasegawa about the same time, so you can tell it took me this long to finish it. Longevity helps.
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The kit was built nearly totally out of box, with the exception of True Details resin cockpit seats and Steel Beach FOD covers, with “Remove Before Flight” tags I had to affix with .012 brass wire.
I used my now-standard Ammo/Mig black wash for recessed panel lines, followed by airbrushing Testor Model Master enamel paints. Although I tried to go heavy with the wash, the dark gunship gray color nearly obliterates the effect; the weathering is really only appreciated on the lighter, neutral gray sections. I used a water based Black Detailer in the wheel wells after I spray painted them, then coated them with Future floor wax. A water-dipped Q-tip or small sponge easily wipes off any excess detailer, leaving exactly the look one desires in such deep pockets that continually capture grease, dirt and oil.
I also went heavy with airbrushed black and brown paint on the centerline fuel tank, plus the rear half underside. Both had what I consider excess stains, streaks and smudging from photos examined. I also added a bit more black weathering with pastel chalk on the jet exhaust panel lines, as these, too, often showed carbon build up.