JohnB

About ready for some paint.

Agreed Peter. Thank you!

Fuselage together. No fit problems.

I've decided on a different subject for this build. I'm gonna go with a/c #3 from VMFA-314. They give us 3 options for the same a/c and I'm going with option #1 (top of illustration). A deciding factor was a book I just finished by a pilot in 314 about his time in SEA flying the F-4 with 314. Very interesting and some good insights into their operations, etc. If you are interested the book is "Phantom over Vietnam" by John Trotti.

Thanks Carl. I've about decided that some of my jet models will be 1/48 depending on the subject. Same goes for twin engine a/c. Four engine is a tossup between 1/48 and 1/72 depending on the subject.

Easy peasy. LOL

Test fitting the nose wheel well and cockpit. Seems to be fitting okay.

I had to remove the molding block from the bottom of the cockpit piece then test fit it with the nose wheel well in place. A bit of trimming was needed but not a lot.

Thanks Peter. Here are the re-shoot pics which are a bit better than that 1st one. Yes, with a bit of trimming here and there it fits okay.

Been working on the Aires cockpit. Not too bad I guess. I'm waiting for some Quickboost seats to show up. I'm going to re-shoot this photo as this just doesn't look "right".

Looks to be coming along nicely Peter. That is a ENJOYABLE build isn't it?

Agreed! Sounds like a plan!

It will go well with the one I built ages ago which has a red tail and white nose.

Looks good! I'm leaning toward the one above it, VMFA-115 0484. Also with a white tail.

The AoA decals arrived today and I have to say I'm impressed with the quality. And I MIGHT change my mind as to which a/c I'll model!

That's a good approach Peter and one I use frequently. I prefer to always have SOMETHING I can work on while waiting for paint/glue, etc to dry.

Should be a nice break from the recent high cuss-factor builds.

🤣

Agreed massa Gaz! One too many PITA build to contend with. Life's too short, etc. 🤪

I've just had enough problem builds lately and will just set this one on the SOD. 🤪

Agreed Phil. I need a "no hassle" build to enjoy and this seems to fill that bill.

I decided to build this kit that has been in my stash for many years. I'll be using the very nice Aires cockpit set along with the AOA decals for Vietnam Phantoms. Should be a straight forward no hassle build (I hope).

This model has just been giving me too many headaches. All went okay until I got to the wings. ZM "engineered" them so they are moveable which, if you want to have them spread as I was planning, you have a bunch of gaps, etc. to fill. Easier said than done. I tried but just haven't been able to get it to my satisfaction. SO....TO THE SOD!!! I'll go to a kit that will, hopefully, be a enjoyable build, the old Hasegawa 1/48 F-4B/N which I've had on the shelf for ages just waiting patiently for my attention. LOL

Thanks Mark.

Hit 'em with the crapper!!!! 😄