1/48 Hasegawa Phantom FGR

Gallery Article by Richard Spreckley on Feb 20 2014

 

 

Phantom FGR 2 XV498 - 92 East India Squadron RAF 

This is the 1:48 Hasegawa Phantom FGR 2. A renowned kit for detail and accuracy, this model is of XV498 from 92 East India Squadron RAF, and in particular the season in the 1980's when it was displayed at aircraft airshows in the UK. The configuration is taken from photo's from RAF Faiford, so it has training missiles and baggage pod attached.

The model was enhanced with an Aires cockpit, which is second to none for detail and really outshines anything else on the market. It also includes Eduard etched exterior items, and white metal landing gear. Some things had to be scratch built and this includes the FOD's and re-fueling probe, Model Alliance decals provided the correct configuration for an RAF Germany warplane of that period.

 

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The model was painted using Vallejo Air light aircraft grey and ivory grey, weathering was done using Vallejo dark and medium washes along with Tamiya powders. The build itself was quite a challenge as the Aires cockpit needs alot of preparation and alteration to fit nicely into the fuselage. Once fitted the rest of the model was sublime. The white metal landing gear is a must for the added weight of resin and nose weight to prevent any tail sitting. The display base was made from styrene and thin plasticard, cut and scribed to shape, the RAF patch was sourced from a local military collectors store.

I loved this build as it showed the Phantom FGR 2 in a slightly unusual configuration and brought back memories from my childhood going to the air shows and seeing this mighty aircraft stealing the show.

Richard Spreckley

      

Photos and text © by Richard Spreckley