1:32 F-4C Phantom II (for Tamiya kit)

Red Fox Studio 1:32 F-4C Phantom II — 3D cockpit decals

Instrument details of the cockpit of the F-4C fighter and ground-attack aircraft in 1:32 scale. The motif is printed in color on decal paper and given a relief 3D texture. That means the set is not glued into the model like a resin or photo-etched part — it is soaked off in water, laid onto the finished, painted cockpit part and positioned. The set is intended for the Tamiya kit.

The real subject

The F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat twin-engine aircraft with its crew seated in tandem: the pilot in front, the weapon systems officer, who also operates the radar, behind. The C version was the first production variant intended for the US Air Force, derived from the naval version. For the modeler what matters is exactly that tandem layout — the front and rear stations have a different make-up of instruments and in 1:32 scale both can be seen through the large glazing. An empty or crudely painted rear cockpit is one of the most commonly visible shortcuts on a Phantom.

How the set is applied

• Work on the front and rear stations separately; each has its own make-up of panels.
• Paint the base and coat it with a gloss clear coat; a matte surface causes silvering.
• Cut the motif out close to the edge and let it soak briefly in lukewarm water.
• Position it with a damp brush and press the water out from under the decal, from the center outward.
• Press the element into the detail with a cotton swab and handle the decal softener according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Finish everything before closing up the fuselage and fitting the canopies.

Who the set is for

For modelers building the large Phantom in 1:32 scale who want both cockpits drawn out to the same standard and do not want to get into bending photo-etched parts. The work takes longer because of the two stations, but technically it goes no further than ordinary decals.

This is an accessory, not a kit. The base model, paints, varnish and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. Check that it matches your model before ordering.