WIP: Finemolds F-4J Phantom
The forward fuselage fits very snugly, and frankly the only issue I’ve had so far was my own fault. I pressed the area behind the fuselage together a bit too tight (to be fair, there is a gap there, but it turns out it should be). So when I attached the fairing, THAT HIDES THE SEAMS, it had a bit of an overhang. So I had to remove that to get the panel to fit. Did I mention that the panels hide the seams? Yep, great engineering here. All the seams are on panel lines.
Most of my efforts were spent masking and painting. The instructions tell you to do that and after I’d studied the instructions it became obvious why — after step 13 the model’s exterior should be painted. By painting a lot of interior (aka intakes and wells) now these are easily masked with some foam so that painting the exterior is not marred by attempting to paint these areas later.
I love this kit. This has got to be the easiest kit I’ve ever made.
After fitting the 3 parts, yes, just 3, into the aft fuselage and painting the engine faces it was ready to mate to the forward fuselage.
I did a bit of dry fitting and because of my earlier mistake I had to shave — and it’s just that, a shave — some plastic from the seam between the forward and aft fuselages.
It was also obvious that I would need to add some sheet plastic to ensure the sides mated to an even and smooth surface. A couple of pieces were added and cemented in.
The long panel on the top was then added — I have to say, I’m not sure why this is a separate part. It was a very tight fit and some light swipes with a sanding stick and it fit perfectly. Tamiya Extra Thin and it was done.
While I was waiting for things to dry, I decided to work on the seats. They are painted and basic assembly is almost done. I just have to finish the face curtains — painting those yellow & black stripes are going to be a challenge!
I cannot say more positive things about this kit. So far it’s been a dream. I’m currently on Step 10 — adding lower wing inner details and the glossy white paint. The next 2 steps are wing final assembly and external underside details. Once those are done, it’ll be time for exterior paint.
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