fündekals 1/48 A Bunch of Spooks - F-110As, F-4Bs, F-4Cs Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2021 | Manufacturer | fündekals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | A Bunch of Spooks - F-110As, F-4Bs, F-4Cs | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48033 | Pros | Six Distinctive Subjects |
| Cons | None noted | Skill Level | Novice |
| MSRP (USD) | $26.95 w/free shipping |
First Look
fündekals has just released a new decal set covering the early USAF Phantoms - F-110As, F-4Bs, F-4Cs in 1/48 scale. Before SECDEF McNamara directed the standardization of weapons systems nomenclatures, the USAF went on an urgent procurement for the Navy's F-4 Phantom II to fill a void in fighter protection for strike forces over Vietnam. While the USAF ordered their own configuration for their first production Phantoms, they 'borrowed' a number of USN F-4H-1s to get aircrews familiar with the type. These early USAF F4H-1s retained their USN Bureau Numbers, but were redesignated as the F-110A Spectre. After the nomenclature alignment, the initial production F-4s for the USAF became the F-4C while the F4H-1 became the F-4B. The initial batch of loaner aircraft were returned the Navy as the F-4C became available.
This new decal set will work with your choice of 1/48 F-4B/C kits and the downloadable instructions (available at the fundekals or HobbyZone USA websites) not only provide you with specific detail notes for each tail number covered in this set, it also provides any needed correction instructions for the various F-4C kits as well.
Subjects covered in this set include:
- F-110A, 149405, Lambert Field delivery scheme, 1962
- F-110A, 149406, Test, Nellis AFB, 1962
- F-4B, 62-19162, 4453 CCTW, MacDill AFB, 1963
- F-4C, 63-7418, 4452 CCTW, Davis-Monthan AFB, 1964
- F-4C, 63-7680, 8 TFW, George AFB, 1965
- F-4B, 151477, VMFA-531, AA/207, HMS Ark Royal, 1973
This release provides a nice selection of subjects for the early USAF Phantoms and one bonus, a USMC F-4B had was stuck aboard HMS Ark Royal during a cross-deck exercise. When the Royal Navy headed for their port of call in Malta, the Maltese were not fond of America at the time and having an American Phantom on their deck could have caused an international incident. The aircraft was given the same tail scheme as the Phantom FG.1s on the Ark's deck and used some coverings to hide other markings on the aircraft. This set provides the markings for this aircraft as it was launched after the port of call and returned to the USS Forrestall.
You can order this set here.
My sincere thanks to HobbyZone USA for this review sample!