Double Ugly double build-ZM F-4G and RF-4EJ

[BlrwestSiR]

Having followed along with @denders F-4E late build, I wanted to start on one of the ZM kits I had in my stash. At this point I remembered that I had started one of the F-4EJ Kai kits but only as far as part of the cockpit. 

So I figured it would be easier to add that and just do both at the same time. 

Here's the F-4G box. 

One reason I wanted to get this started is that the kit box had been resting on the bare floor. This allowed it to wick moisture up and if dint want it to get worse. 

For the RF-4EJ, ZM doesn't make one but I found decals from DXM and the ZM Kai kit contains most of the parts for an early E/EJ so it's an easy backdate. I don't have the recon pod or the specific cockpit panels for it but close enough. 

[BlrwestSiR]

First up is the cockpit. I painted the sidewalls and NLG bay sections before putting it together. 

Here it is with the RF cockpit tub which was done the same way. 

For the IPs, I used the kit decals applied over the kit parts. The decals are printed by Cartograf so the resolution on them is excellent. 

After they're dry, I used Tamiya X-20A thinner as a decal softener. This gets them to confirm to all the little bumps and panels. 

Then I did the main panels the same way. 

The G:

The RF:

Everything is given a coat of semi-gloss and a wash. 

 

[denders]

Go to it, Carl. I’ll be watching. 

[BlrwestSiR]

ZM takes a somewhat different approach to the changes to the F-4 long nosed variants, especially around the wings. 

The early F-4E was built with a hard wing. This one didn't have the slats on the outer wings. During the production run, they found out that adding slats to the wings improved the plane's maneuverability significantly so they were added on. Many early planes were modified with slats as well. The Japanese ones never got the slatted wing and stuck with the hard wing. 

Most kit companies usually use the same inner wing section for both, simply adding the fairings for the slat actuators to the underside and a new outer wing with the slats. 

ZM has tooled up separate wings for both. You can see the differences below. The slatted wing is on the right, the hard wing on the left. 

The hard wing has a leading edge which can drop and ZM has done this in one so that it can be positioned up or down. 

One other difference is they have moulded the reinforcing belly strap into the slatted wing. 

The hard wing doesn't have it. 

The only issue with this is that not all the later planes had the belly strap. So that could be a bit of an issue. 

[CANicoll]

19 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

First up is the cockpit. I painted the sidewalls and NLG bay sections before putting it together. 

Here it is with the RF cockpit tub which was done the same way. 

For the IPs, I used the kit decals applied over the kit parts. The decals are printed by Cartograf so the resolution on them is excellent. 

After they're dry, I used Tamiya X-20A thinner as a decal softener. This gets them to confirm to all the little bumps and panels. 

Then I did the main panels the same way. 

The G:

The RF:

Everything is given a coat of semi-gloss and a wash. 

 

Nice job!!  I have never heard of using thinner as a decal softener, but the results are fantastic.  These panels look amazing, without the cost of a 3D Printed set.  Beautiful.

Following along and you may force me to get my ZM F-4C out of the closet....

[Martinnfb]

It does look Quinta-like doesn't ?

[BlrwestSiR]

Chris, if you try the Tamiya X-20A approach here's some things to watch out for.

- Don't use acrylic paint or the thinner could cause the base paint to react. I will topcoat with clear lacquer if I painted with acrylic. 

- Have some Tamiya decal adhesive handy. It's not necessary but I've found it helpful. The thinner can wash away the decal adhesive. I usually apply the thinner, wait a bit then a dab of the decal adhesive. 

- It helps to use a stuff brush to push the decals over/into the surface details. I have a soft bristled one that I dip in water and then gently stipple over the decal to get it to confirm over more complex surfaces. It's not always necessary but can help. 

- Definitely try it on a spare decal first. It'll easily melt the more delicate ones. 

[HubertB]

Great idea and worth a try. Thank you for the tip, Carl.

Hubert

[CANicoll]

7 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Chris, if you try the Tamiya X-20A approach here's some things to watch out for.

- Don't use acrylic paint or the thinner could cause the base paint to react. I will topcoat with clear lacquer if I painted with acrylic. 

- Have some Tamiya decal adhesive handy. It's not necessary but I've found it helpful. The thinner can wash away the decal adhesive. I usually apply the thinner, wait a bit then a dab of the decal adhesive. 

- It helps to use a stuff brush to push the decals over/into the surface details. I have a soft bristled one that I dip in water and then gently stipple over the decal to get it to confirm over more complex surfaces. It's not always necessary but can help. 

- Definitely try it on a spare decal first. It'll easily melt the more delicate ones. 

Thanks Carl!  I think this needs to go into a pinned 'Hits and Tips' thread for posterity.

[BlrwestSiR]

Chris, I'll try to do something up for the Hints and Tips section. 

 

[BlrwestSiR]

Continuing with the wings, for the slatted one the instructions only show how to build it with the slats deployed or down. On the ground, the only users to have the slats down when parked was the Luftwaffe. So I wanted to see if they could be mounted in the more typical stowed position. 

Here's the upper wing with the slat. 

Test fitting it in the stowed position shows a perfect fit which is great news. 

I'll check the underwing actuators once I get closer to that part of the assembly but they should be just a quick modification.

 

[BlrwestSiR]

Both fuselages are together now. 

[PanzerWomble]

Zwilling ?

[CANicoll]

I'm getting the feeling that the fit of the ZM kit is really terrific...

[BlrwestSiR]

1 hour ago, PanzerWomble said:

Zwilling ?

That could be interesting.

13 minutes ago, CANicoll said:

I'm getting the feeling that the fit of the ZM kit is really terrific...

It has been so far. If it doesn't fit together, you've missed or done something wrong. 

[PanzerWomble]

5 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said:

That could be interesting.

 

I like a random Zwilling , but a ZM model is probably a bit pricey otherwise donate to such an effort.

 

[DocRob]

On 11/11/2024 at 11:37 PM, PanzerWomble said:

Zwilling ?

One has a Pinocchio nose 

 

On 11/12/2024 at 1:12 AM, CANicoll said:

I'm getting the feeling that the fit of the ZM kit is really terrific...

The fit of my ZM Kai Phantom was indeed tamiyaesque.

Cheers Rob

 

[Peterpools]

Carl

Just catching up and amazing progress on your dual F4 builds. Nice work on the front offices and your decaling procedure is something I am absolutely going to try. Also quite impressed with how ZM tackled the cockpits, as there are so many differences included plus the slats and reinforcing belly straps.