Revell (Hasegawa) 1/48 McDonnell Douglas Phantom II FGR Mk.2

REVELL (HASEGAWA) 1:48 MCD.D. PHANTOM FGR MK.2

Reviewer: John Armstrong (contact via SMAKR webmaster)
Kit Review submitted: 28 March 2009

The Plane:

The Mc Donnell Douglas Phantom has proven to be one of the most successful aircraft designs of all time. The RAF took advantage of the Phantom’s capabilities in the late 1960s when (along with the RN) it adopted the type for ground attack, reconnaisance, and later air defence duties.

The Phantom was adapted for RAF service by replacing the original Pratt & Whitney engines with the Rolls Royce Spey. The extra power of the Spey required a certain modification of the aircraft’s fuselage. This, unfortunately, led to a decrease in top speed; however, it did result in an increase in acceleration and climb performance.

The Phantom FGR2 remained in RAF service through the 1970s to the late 1980s when it was replaced by the Tornado F3 in the UK Air Defence role.

The Kit:

This is a Hasegawa kit that has been reboxed by Revell. The kit features fine recessed panel lines. There is good cockpit and wheel well detail. Also – happily – the kit features 2 pilot figures.

The only criticism I would make is that although the kit includes 4 Sparrow/Sky Flash AAMs, there are no Sidewinders to place on the supplied launch rails. I was hoping that Revell would have supplied Hasegawa’s lack.

Construction:

Construction is straight forward. Overall, the fit of the kit parts is good. The only seams that needed filler were the upper fuselage and the join between the forward wing section and the main fuselage.

Paint & Decals:

The kit offers a choice of 3 markings that are representative of the Phantom’s RAF service. One is a low-viz grey scheme from the 1980s; another is a special anniversary scheme. My choice was the camouflage scheme for an RAF Germany machine from the 1970s.

After priming with Halfords Grey Primer. I sprayed the underside with Revell Aqua Colour 371 Light Grey diluted 15-20% with water; the upper surfaces were sprayed with Humbrol Acrylics H163 over H164. These were diluted 15-20% with acrylic thinners.

The Phantom’s bare metal surfaces around the engines and the tail planes were sprayed with Halfords Aluminium, and Revell 91 Steel. The paintwork was sealed in by brushing 2 coates of Johnson’s Klear/Future.

The Super Abhzeibild Decals are their usual high class selves, and settle well with no silvering. The 3 schemes provided are each impressive in their own right. I chose the 1970s camouflage scheme as this to me is the epitome of the Phantom in RAF service.

The whole model was finally sealed with Humbrol Satin Cote, diluted 33% with Enamel Thinners

Conclusion:

Revell have done RAF fans a great service re-issuing this Hasegawa kit along with such a fine decal sheet. This was a most enjoyable modelling project, even if you have to find some spare Sidewinders from somewhere. Recommended to all.

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