1:48 McDonnell F-4E/G Phantom II exhaust nozzles

F-4E and F-4G Phantom II nozzles 1:48 (Aires)

This item is not a kit of the aircraft but an accessory. It is resin exhaust nozzles for models of the Phantom II in the F-4E and F-4G versions in 1:48 scale. The rear end of the Phantom is conspicuous and the nozzles on it are the first thing to catch the attention; the plastic parts from kits tend to be shallow, with a parting line and with no rendering of the petals.

The real subject

The F-4E is a twin-engined fighter and attack aircraft, and the F-4G stems from it as a specialized modification for suppressing ground radars. Both versions use the same powerplant - a pair of J79 engines in the GE-17 guise - and that is why one set of nozzles covers both types. The plural in the name therefore matches reality: the machine has two nozzles side by side.

Building and painting tips

Wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water, so that they are rid of the mold release agent. Cut the casting blocks off with a saw and never snap them - with thin-walled nozzles there is a risk of cracking. Level the surfaces with a file and try the fit dry; the diameter differs from kit to kit and usually needs adjusting. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Do the painting away from the model: metallic shades suit it inside as well as out, then a dark wash into the petals and finally a fine dusting with pigments. Glue the nozzles on only once the airframe is varnished, so that you do not damage the metallic effect while masking.

Who the set is for

• Builders of F-4E or F-4G models in 1:48 scale.
• Modelers who are not satisfied with a shallow plastic nozzle from a kit.
• Those who want to make the most of metallic effects and the patina of hot parts.
• More experienced builders used to resin and to fitting parts.

This is an accessory for a model, not a kit. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.