How to Build an F-4 Phantom Jet Model

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The F-4 Phantom II is one of the most celebrated fighter planes of the 20th century. After entering full production in 1957, the Phantom quickly set numerous aviation records, including marks for altitude (98,000 feet) and speed (1,600 mph). In addition, it was a versatile and heavily armed weapons platform that saw service in 20 different major variations all the way up to the first Gulf War. Model builders who wish to add a Phantom to their collections can choose versions from most major model companies in most common scales. All of them have some common steps to consider.

Instructions

Craft knife
Sandpaper
Spray-paint
Airbrush
Enamel paint
Paintbrush
Model glue
Model putty

Suggest Edits

- 1
  
  Check your kit against the included parts list to make sure that you have everything you need before starting. Wash all the parts in lukewarm water with a mild detergent while they are still on their sprues to eliminate any residue from the manufacturing process.
- 2
  
  Spray-paint the major parts -- such as the fuselage and wings -- with a base color. There were many variations in the Phantom's color scheme during its service time, thanks to the different military branches that used it and the different theaters in which it saw action. One of the most recognized Phantom color schemes is the camouflage that was used by the Air Force in Vietnam, which had an underbelly of sky gray. The Thunderbirds, on the other hand, used a base of bright white with red and blue trim.
- 3
  
  Mask the parts that should remain the base color and spray on a secondary color. In the case of the Air Force camouflage, use an airbrush or a paintbrush to add the various shades of tan and green. For the Thunderbirds look, mask all but part of the underbelly, which needs a dark blue bird shape that can be copied from photo references.
- 4
  
  Remove the parts from the sprues as needed with a craft knife. Gently sand down any excess plastic. After gluing parts together, you can seal seams with model putty, allow it to dry and then sand it smooth. Touch the putty up with a paintbrush for a finished look.
- 5
  
  Rake the wing tips upward and the tail elevators downward. Many kits offer a clear fit, but if you're using one that doesn't, remember that the Phantom has a unique front profile. The ends of the wings sweep up for excellent maneuverability and the tail elevators angle down, which provided the pilots a great deal of control.
- 6
  
  Arm your Phantom with an array of missiles. In addition to a built-in nose cannon for dogfighting, the Phantom in a combat zone would carry an impressive arsenal of short- to medium-range missiles that were capable of taking down enemy aircraft, blowing up tanks and tearing open enemy bunkers. The Phantom could also double as a small but effective bomber.
- 7
  
  Add the leading-edge wing slats if they are included with your kit. These were additions to later Phantoms that helped smooth air flow over the wing tips, reducing the Phantom's drag and increasing its control. To simulate a combat veteran's plane, lightly brush a little brown and black paint in streaks across the wing tips and then dull them out by dipping a paper towel in thinner and using just the tip to smudge and flatten the streaks.
- 8
  
  Put out the "garbage," which is what pilots call the landing gear, tail hook and other parts of the plane that extend for a landing. If you want to show your plane parked, it will need its landing gear out, and both canopies can be up. Remove the nose cone to display the Phantom's powerful radar package, and remove the rear engine panels if you wish to have your plane's twin GE J79 turbojets worked on by the ground crew.