Academy 1:48 USN F-4J VF-84

Here is Academy's third installment in the Phantom II family - the F-4J (the F-4B was first followed by the F-4C/D). Like the F-4B release, Academy has produced this kit in MCP (Multi-Colored Plastic) and it is set up to render another nice build. Among the kit's features and options:

Fuselage is molded in one part, just like the Tamiya 1/32 kits

Cockpit is nicely detailed

Rear cockpit has correct starboard sidewall

Nice Martin Baker ejection seats

Optional seated crew figures

Optional boarding ladder

Positionable canopies

Nicely detailed main gear wells

Main wheels and tires molded separately for ease of painting

Positionable rudder

Positionable speed brakes

Outer wing panels molded separately and can be folded (wing hinges not included)

Intakes have ducts to the compressor faces

Nice afterburner chambers with turbine faces

Positionable air refueling probe

External stores included for this version:

4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder

4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder (included but not acknowledged in the instructions)

4 x AIM-7D/E Sparrow

12 x Mk.82 Slicks

2 x 370 gallon wing tanks

1 x 600 gallon centerline tank

2 x triple ejector racks (TER)

2 x multiple ejector rack (MER)

There are other weapons and pod options in the box that aren't used with this release.

This kit provides markings for two examples:

F-4J, 154783, VF-84, NL/211, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1972

F-4J, 155854, VF-84, NL/212, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1972