Italeri 1477 - 1:72 RF-4 C/E Phantom II

Plastic model kit of the RF-4 C/E Phantom II reconnaissance aircraft in 1:72 scale

Italeri 1477 is a model kit of the reconnaissance versions of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II - the RF-4C used by the United States Air Force and the export RF-4E, which served with Germany, Iran, Israel and Spain among others. The distinctive feature of these aircraft is the lengthened, drooped nose housing a suite of cameras and sensors.

The kit is based on proven moulds from the ESCI heritage that Italeri has held for many years. The Super Decal sheet covers seven marking options from the air forces of five countries, giving plenty of choice when planning a display.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with the airframe parts
• Clear parts
• Super Decal sheet for seven marking options (United States, Germany, Iran, Israel, Spain)
• Colour instructions with painting profiles

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 1477
• Manufacturer: Italeri
• Assembled model length: approx. 267 mm, wingspan: approx. 163 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: Glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit requires assembly.

Building the model:

A kit of moderate complexity, well within reach of modellers with some experience. It is worth dry-fitting the fuselage halves and the air intakes - typical areas needing attention on Phantom kits. The cockpit is best painted and assembled before closing the fuselage. Given the heavy nose and the rearward main gear, it is good practice to check the model does not sit on its tail and add nose weight if needed.

American RF-4Cs most often wore the Southeast Asia camouflage in greens and browns, and later low-visibility grey schemes. German aircraft appeared in the Norm 72 camouflage of dark green and grey, Israeli machines in desert schemes. Applying decals over a gloss coat reduces the risk of silvering, and a satin finish suits the aircraft.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Modelling putty
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel wash to bring out detail

About the aircraft - RF-4C/E Phantom II:

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was one of the defining combat aircraft of the Cold War - a heavy, twin-engined multirole fighter built in more than five thousand examples and operated by over a dozen nations. The RF-4C reconnaissance version replaced the radar and armament with a camera suite, side-looking radar and infrared recording system housed in a lengthened nose.

The RF-4C first flew in 1964 and quickly became the standard tactical reconnaissance aircraft of the US Air Force. Aircraft of this type flew intensively over Vietnam, crossing heavily defended targets unarmed - their only defence was speed and a low-altitude pass. RF-4Cs remained in USAF and Air National Guard service into the 1990s.

The export RF-4E, derived from the F-4E airframe, served with Germany, Israel, Iran, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Japan. In many of these countries the reconnaissance Phantoms served far longer than in the United States, receiving upgrades to their avionics and sensor systems.

Original aircraft specifications (RF-4C/E Phantom II):

• Length: approx. 19.2 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.7 m
• Crew: 2 (pilot and reconnaissance systems operator)
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric J79 turbojets with afterburners
• Maximum speed: above Mach 2
• Reconnaissance equipment: camera suite, side-looking radar, infrared recording system
• Armament: none (reconnaissance version)
• RF-4C first flight: 1964
• Operators: United States, Germany, Israel, Iran, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Japan

About the manufacturer - Italeri:

Italeri is an Italian model company based in Calderara di Reno near Bologna, founded in the early 1960s by Giuliano Malservisi and Gian Pietro Parmeggiani. Its first kit was a 1:72 Fiat G.55. Over time the company acquired the moulds of Supermodel, Protar and ESCI, greatly expanding its catalogue. Today Italeri offers aircraft, helicopters, military vehicles, ships, trucks, cars and motorcycles, with particular strength in large-scale 1:9 and 1:12 cars and motorcycles and 1:24 trucks. The company designs and manufactures in Italy.