1/72 Hasegawa MHI/McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai 301SQ

Gallery Article by Jean-Charles Goddet on Dec 29 2020

 

      

This model is an Hasegawa 1/72 MHI F-4EJ Kai Phantom II limited edition box 02319. I decided to show this bird with an attractive JASDF special scheme for 301 squadron final year 2020. This special scheme represents the jet with frog's head amazing funny decoration serial number 37-8315 based at Hyakuri AB Japan. This retirement painting was proudly worn in japanese airshows during the year until the last flight of this plane end of November 2020. December the 15th the 301 squadron organized a ceremony to end F-4 time a blue coloured F-4 flown for the last time serial number 07-8436 (Hasegawa sell also this kit). All other units of JASDF will end F-4EJ and RF-4EJ service end of 2020 replaced by other jet types like F-35A and futur hypothetical MHI F-X. I used decals sheet from the box, decals are accurate (a lot of servitude markings) and easy to fit except on tanks. I followed HASEGAWA instructions regarding colors Gunze Grey H307 for top side plus fuselage and light Grey H308 for underside, nose Gunze Gloss black H2 except area in front of canopy satin black Humbrol 85 to avoid sun reflexion for the pilot. I used a combination of Gunze metal color (stainless H213, burnt iron H76..) for exhausts and rear exhaust panels. I show the plane with opened canopies to see cockpit interior from the box and I added two yellow/black coloured wings tanks and empty armament pylons. All landing gears and interior traps are white. 

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I did a slight weathering with AMMO products (lightening top fuselage, and leaks marks underside and on flaps) and used a combination mix of flat and gloss varnish to secure decals and weathering. Since 1973 these F-4 Phantom II built by MHI Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under license from McDonnell Douglas did the work to protect Japan, they are awesome jets, well maintained and piloted. They will be much regret from all plane enthusiasts greedy for shinny artwork like me. This is the end of 3rd flightable generation JADSF jets, place now for 4th generation F-2A/B, F-15J/DJ and 5th generation F-35A/B, MHI F-X?

Only a handful of countries still use the Phantom in the world (Turkey, Iran, South Korea, Greece) but its time is running out.

BYE BYE FROGGIES JETS WE'll MISS YOU!

Jean-Charles Goddet

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Photos and text © by Jean-Charles Goddet