1/32 Tamiya F-4J, VMFA-333

Gallery Article by Miguel I. Becerril on Sept 10 2012

 

 

Greetings to all.  This is my rendition of the 1/32 Tamiya F-4J. I built it straight out of the box with some aftermarket accessories in the cockpit.  As a former Marine Phantom Phixer with VMFA-321 (Andrews AFB), I have an affinity for Phantoms with colorful or unique tail markings and VMFA-333 (a.k.a. Trip Trey), is one of my favorites.  

 

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I didn't have any problems with the kit in general and having flown in the F-4N and F-4J/S, I wanted to ensure the cockpits represented the aircraft as it appeared in the 1980s.  The aftermarket photo etched instruments in color are outstanding.  I used Model Master's light gull gray all around.  

The decals are mainly from kit, but the tail is a combination of paint and homemade decals.  I wanted to depict a Trip Trey Phantom while at its home base, MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina with the tail code DN, vice the kit code AJ (When 333 was aboard USS America).  I enjoyed building the model and next I plan to tackle a big F-4N in an aerial diorama.  Thanks for viewing!

Miguel I. Becerril

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Photos and text © by Miguel I. Becerril