1:72 RF-4 Phantom II Masks Hasegawa

A reconnaissance Phantom with a camera nose

The RF-4 version came about by adapting the combat airframe for photographic reconnaissance. Camera stations replaced the radar in the nose, the nose lengthened and took on a characteristic flattened shape with windows at the sides and underneath. The machine lost its gun armament and its ability to carry missiles, but it kept its speed and its ability to fly low over the terrain.

Passes over the target with no armament

The crews worked alone and without escort, relying on speed and a low flight level. The photographs served for planning attacks and for assessing their results. Besides the US Air Force, a number of states in Europe and in Asia operated export forms, so a wide range of finishes offers itself, from dark tactical schemes to bare metal. The set is cut for the kits of the Hasegawa brand.

Painting the glazing of the reconnaissance version

The cockpit stayed as broken up as on the combat versions, so count on the windscreen, two covers and the spine piece. The recommended sequence: the interior first, then covering and the base shade, and at the close a matte or glossy overcoat according to the scheme. Around the camera windows in the nose, work carefully; that stretch is the most visible. Leave taking the masks off until the moment the last coat is completely dry.

For builders of reconnaissance machines

• for those interested in unarmed reconnaissance aircraft
• for modelers building American equipment in allied service
• for those who do not want to trace and cut frames by hand
• for a build with the cockpit covers open or closed