Here it is, the final installment of the Academy 1/48 F-4B review. Seems like just a few weeks ago, when we posted with great excitement pictures of the new tooling for this model kit. It is here, from tiny plastic granules to a nicely engineered precision model kit on my shelf. I seldom do work-in-progress posts because of time limitations. But I had to make an exception for this one. It has been quite a while since the last time I felt a good bang for my buck.
1/48 Academy F-4B Model Kit Review
The new 1/48th Academy F-4B does exactly that. The overall fit is absolutely amazing. It was the fit quality that made me go ahead and skip some steps during construction in order to paint parts as sub-assemblies without having to waste time and resources masking areas.
The canopy parts for example, were painted off the model. And because they were to be displayed open, if you remove the masking tape carefully, you can reuse the mask inside. Yes, you have to paint the canopy frames black if you which to display them open to show your detail work in the cockpit.
As you can see in the pictures, some decals were replaced by actual paint. Decals included with the F-4B are printed by Cartograf. The kit includes 3 pilot figures, 2 seated and 1 standing. There are sidewinder missiles left to dress a kit or 2. Due to the leftover parts, it is hard not to notice that other versions of the Phantom II are a few tweaks to the molds away.
The model was painted using Testors Model Master Acryl Flat Gull Gray 4763 and Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. These are low-contrast colors in their own right. It is not until you give the model a wash (a pin wash in my case), that one will start to see and appreciate all the intricate and delicate detail. Every panel line and rivet becomes evident showing the great length Academy went through with this kit.
Speaking of washes, this model was washed with a homemade black painter’s oil mixed with generic mineral spirit. Half of the fuselage to the rear was selectively pin-washed with Dark Brown wash from AK-Interactive (AK-045) for a grime and grittier look.
Evidently, this is a well-thought-out project from Academy Models. Those Phantom fans looking for other versions will be granted with them in the near future. The hardest part has been done already and properly achieved.
If we are to have a model of the year showdown, the new Academy 1/48th F-4B is an all-around winner for 2013 in my book. Both, as a modeler and as a consumer I expect the best from my hard-earned money.
I highly recommend this kit!
If you missed the work in progress, click here.
Hi, George…remember me? I thought I would check in. I finally started my F-4B…hope it comes close to yours.
Hutch
Of course I do remember you Hutch. I’m glad you finally started your Phantom F-4. I have the new ‘C’ version in sight 😉
I don’t usually repeat build variations but I have a soft spot for Vietnam camo scheme A/C. Thanks for writing, a pleasure to read you. I’d love to see your Phantom finished.
mine just came today looks great.
Glad you’ve got yours Larry. You are in for a nice model. This kit in my humble opinion, is on par with the Tamiya 1/32 scale surface detail wise as well as the upper fuselage engineering.
Beautiful job on the Phantom. I traded for one of these, but haven’t received it yet and now I am more anxious, after looking at yours.
Hutch
Thanks a lot for taking a look Dale. You’ll love this model. I’d love to see it done 😉
Hi George, I finished mine up last month…don’t know where to post pics for you.
Hutch
Howdy Dale!
Please do check your inbox. You should have 2 emails. One from me and the other one from the site. I’d like to see those pictures of your Phantom II pronto!