Released back in 1980, the 1/48th Italeri RF-4C was a decent representation of this Reconnaissance version of the versatile Phantom II airframe. It remained the only RF-4 version for over 20 years until Hasegawa produced their version around 2003.
Notable Kit Features:
Simplified kit with relatively few parts
Basic cockpit
Centre and 2 wing tanks included
Short (C) and long (E) exhausts
Raised panel lines with engraved control surfaces
Luftwaffe and USAF marking examples on decal sheet
Build Inspiration:
I picked up this kit for next to nothing from another model builder way back in 1983. I wanted a RF-4 in the collection however, the lack of detail and anticipated additional work required never brought it to the top of my build list. My purchase of AirDOC's 48006 "Gulf War Warriors" finally bumped this 1/48th Italeri RF-4C Phantom II kit to the top as these decals included a high-mission count ANG "Recce" Phantom with shark-teeth that would give this old kit a fierce look. This F-4C belongs to the Alabama ANG 106th TRS / 117th TRW (64-1047) based at Sheikh Isa AB Bahrain in 1991. The aircraft logged 65+ Missions during the Gulf War.
Heads-Up Report:
Soft plastic (typical of Italeri aircraft in the early years)
Inaccurate cockpit details and ejection seats need work
BLC vents on intakes depicted by decals only
Fit of parts is okay however some filler and sanding is required on most seam joins
Intakes are very basic with no trunking (best black them out)
No detail in the reconnaissance nose area
Kit has correct Navy style pylons however they are too thin and not well detailed
Inaccurate wing and centreline tanks
Basic exhausts
Lack of detail in the wheel wells as well as the landing gear switched this jet to an "In-flight" display
Canopy fit is mediocre so be prepared for some work to get it to fit
There are no hinges for an open cockpit option
Raised surface panel lines
Kit Additions / Modifications:
I did not attempt to correct the deficiencies of this 1/48th Italeri RF-4C Phantom II kit (aside from the fit issues) and built it out of the box with minor exceptions:
Blacked out the inside of the recce windows ( to solve the look-through nose issue)
Sanded off raised panel lines
Pilots added (from Monogram kit)
Used third-party decals by AirDOC 48006
Finishing:
I waited so long to build this RF-4, (it had been in the Stash since 1983) the paint scheme on it ended up being the later Hill Gray camouflage consisting of FS 26118 over FS 26270 (which certainly is easier to paint than the earlier TAC Jungle scheme). Standard gloss before decals was applied (the AirDOC decals went down very nicely) and a bit of dark wash was added to the control surfaces. The metal exhaust areas were given a few different tones of metal but nothing too detailed as (unfortunately) I wasn't spending enough time on this one. The final top coat was a satin finish. After that the model made it quickly to the finish line as there was no gear to be dealt with.
The After-Build Report:
This kit was the only RF-4 version until 2003 (unless you were going to go for the aftermarket nose surgery route) The more recent updated 1/48th Italeri RF-4C Phantom II kit apparently address some, but not all, of the issues with the original kit:
Improved windscreen fit
Engraved panel lines
Choice of flat or rounded recce nose
Chaff/flare launchers for the inboard pylons
Optional air refueling probe (IDF version)
Slotted stabilators
The release of the Hasegawa kit finally provided an injection-mould option to this kit with improved overall details and fit. Possibly we could see a new tool version of the RF-4 Phantom II by one of the new players in the Phantom arena.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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