Reconnaissance Phantoms of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in two finishes: the form of 1979 and a later scheme. Both markings belong to the 501st Reconnaissance Squadron, 1:72 scale.
Responsibility details are not available.
The reconnaissance version of the Phantom had neither a cannon nor a radar for combat; instead a battery of cameras filled its nose. Japan concentrated such machines in a single unit, the 501st Reconnaissance Squadron, and it operated them until the close of their service. The sheet offers two forms with decades of operation between them.
The first marking captures the state of 1979. That was a time when the unit was only getting used to new hardware and the machines carried a simpler layout of insignia. The second marking matches the later scheme that the machines carried in the final part of their career. The difference between the two versions is interesting for a modeler precisely because one and the same airframe can be built twice and will look different each time.
The set is printed and there are no plastic parts in it. The reconnaissance nose is longer and slimmer than on the fighter version, so make sure that your kit captures precisely the reconnaissance nose with the camera windows, otherwise the markings will fit only in part. The difference is visible on the underside of the fuselage as well, where the reconnaissance version carries windows for oblique photography and the fighter version pylons instead.
Before applying, clear coat the place with gloss and use warm water. The camera windows on the nose form a convex relief over which the film has to be settled with a decal softener, otherwise it will lift above the edge. The national insignia on the wing moreover overlap the gap between the leading edge and the main panel, so it is advisable to let them dry for a longer time and to press them to shape with a damp brush rather than a dry cloth.
Naši poradci a znalci sortimentu jsou připraveni odpovídat na Vaše dotazy (Po–Pá, 8–18 hod).
Zeptejte se na co potřebujete, odpovíme co nejdříve.
Texts from customers in the advice section reflect solely the opinions and views of the customers. MNF trade s.r.o. does not approve or verify customer texts in advance.
There are no questions here yet. Be the first to ask!
