1:48 McDonnell Douglas F-4 E Early / EJ - Photo Etch Set (for Zoukei Mura Kits)

The real subject

The F-4 Phantom II was an American two-seat twin-engined combat aircraft which served with the Navy as well as the Air Force and became one of the most widespread machines of its day. The F-4E version brought an internal cannon in a lengthened nose compared with the earlier renditions, so it is told apart from them by the shape of the forward fuselage alone. The early series of the F-4E differ from the later ones in details of the airframe, and the EJ rendition came about for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

What the set contains

Photo-etched parts of thin metal sheet, that is elements which cannot be made in plastic: thin-walled and flat details are always molded thicker in a kit than they are in reality. The set is carried for Zoukei-Mura kits in 1:48 scale, and its scope and the placing of the individual parts are given in the enclosed instructions.

Working with photo-etch

Snip or cut the parts off with a sharp blade on a hard mat and never snap them out, as a bent piece will not return flat. Make the bends over a metal edge or in a bending tool, so a sharp and straight line comes about. They are glued with super glue applied in a minute amount or with two-part epoxy, which gives time to line them up. Before painting, degrease the surface and go over it with a primer, otherwise the paint will not hold on smooth metal. Work over a mat with a raised edge, as small parts at this scale are lost irretrievably once they fall on the floor.

Terms of supply

The photo-etched parts alone are supplied. The aircraft kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.