1/48 Hasegawa F-4EJ Phantom II

Gallery Article by Arthur Filippis on Mar 15 2011

 

This is my  first post on ARC, a 1/48 Hasegawa F-4EJ Phantom II "MiG Silhouette".  This was my first build after a 10 year hiatus.  The idea of painting a green MiG Silhouette over the standard Japanese grey Phantom seemed like an interesting idea.  However, I still have not been able to find any literature on this particular paint scheme.  

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The model was put together with no filler, primer or sandpaper. Being my first build in a long time I had not yet been introduced to these 'essentials'!  The model was painted with Gunze Aqueous hobby colour, using a a Testors single action airbrush.  Though the Gunze is semi-gloss, the large areas of carrier film between the numerous labels silvered quite obviously.  It was from this experience I learned about gloss coating and setting solutions.  I flat coated the entire model after completing the decals.

After about 6 months on the shelf, I wanted a test subject for the 'oil wash' technique.  I gloss coated the entire model and then used Winston oil paints mixed with enamel thinner to bring out the panel lines and simulate grime. I then used a filter technique which involved mixing a highly thinned blue/grey/brown mix and spraying the entire model several times.  I then flat-coated the model with Dull-cote, and rubbed some Mig Weathering Powders over the model to simulate dirt and dust.  I finally used Tamiya weathering products soot and rust on the exhausts.  For my first return to modelling I am quite happy with how the model looks.

Happy Modelling!

Arthur Filippis

Photos and text © by Arthur Filippis