Hi-Decal Line

1/48 F-4E / F-4ETM / RF-ETM Phantom II decal sheet

Product # 48028

Product  Article by Steve Bamford on Aug 1 2014

 

This new decal sheet from Hi-Decal Line features markings for 4 different Phantoms including 2 F-4E's, one F-4ETM and one RF-ETM Phantom II including the Turkish Phantom shot down by a Syrian SAM in 2012.  This decal sheet is also available in 1/72 scale.
  • F-4E 67-0346, 111th Squadron "Panter",TuAF, 1st Main Jet Base Eskisehir, in 1992.  This F-4E previously served with the 141th TFS, NJ ANG and has been transferred to the TuAF under the Peace Diamond VI program in August 1991.  The 111th squadron uses their Phantoms in the Fighter-Bomber role.  
  • F-4ETM 68-0403 112th Sqn, "Seytanlar", TuAF, 1st Main Jet Base Eskisehir, in 2011.  This jet came to the TuAF from the 110TFB, 131 TFW, Missouri ANG during 1991 Peace Diamond VI.  It was the first of the 16 F-4E's to be upgraded to the F-4ETM "Simsek" (Lightning) standard 2010.  The 112th Sqn uses the F-4ETM in the Air Defence role.
  • F-4E 67-0227, 172nd Sqn. "Sahin", TuAF. 7th Main Jet Airbase Erhac / Malatya, 2010.  This Phantom was delivered to the TuAF under the Peace Diamond III during 1987 and served with the 172nd Sqn in the Air Defense role till the unit's disbandment in May 2009. 
  • RF-ETM 77-0314, 173rd "Safaklar", TuAF. 7th Main Jet Airbase Erhac / Malatya, 2012.  This LES equipped recce jet was one of the eight new built RF-4E's delivered to the TuAF during 1979 under Peace Diamond II.  77-0314 was one of 18 aircraft modernized to the newset RF-4ETM standard during 2010 and one of only two TuAF Phantoms to employ the IAI/ELOP LOROP recce-pod, housing the KS-146B long-range oblique camera.  77-0314 was lost above the East Mediterranean Sea, shot down by a Syrian SAM, on June 22nd 2012. 

The instructions are straight forward and also include 3 and usually 4 views of each aircraft on this decal sheet.  Plus there is text providing insight on weapons/fuel tank loadout positions etc. 

 

Click on images below to see larger images

The decals themselves are flawlessly printed and very clearly printed on the 1/48 sample I have before me and are contained on 2 decal sheets.  Stencils are also included.  Colours look solid and should cover very well, but the decals appear thin and of a very high quality.   

The black and white instruction sheets give you all the info you need to build each of these jets.  Hi-Decal Line is famous for the variety of countries featured on their decal sheets and this decal sheet no exception to this tradition.  Colours are listed as FS#'s, Model Master and Humbrol. 

It's good to see these 4 Turkish jets featured on this decal sheet.  The variety of tailart is a treat to see.  The inclusion of the Recce jet that was shot down by the Syrian SAM is very good to see.

Special thanks to Hi-Decal Line for sending me this review sample.  You can purchase these decals direct from Hi-Decal Line of from retailers that carry their products.  Click here to see a list of retailers and wholesalers.  Click here for Hi-Decal Line retailers and wholesalers http://www.arcair.com/ISL/Hi-Decal_Line/retailers.htm

Steve Bamford

      

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford