RF-4C Phantom II – Hi-Decal #72057

Written by Piotr Mikołajski, published on
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2 January 2010 in Reviews category and viewed 1190 times.

Keywords: 1/72, aviation, decals, HDL, Hi-Decal Line

Both 1/72 and 1/48 decal sets are the same so all points are valid for 1/48 scale set too.

This set is upgraded edition of decals released in March 2009. Both editions share the same catalogue number so you’ll have to examine set before purchase to see if this is updated one. Original 2009 edition allowed to choose from seven different marking schemes. Updated edition adds eighth option, described as the last one.

Decals

Decals are printed by Techmod with highest quality. Details are so fine that all stencils are easily readable. OK, not so easily, I had to use my magnifying glass to read few of them. All those who remember decals printed in eighties can be really surprised by this awesome progress of printing technology.

Markings options

As I mentioned earlier, updated set allows to build eight different kits. And by “eight different kits” I mean enough quantity of tactical numbers and national markings for eight Phantoms. Even the most demanding Phantom freak should be satisfied.

Below are descriptions of each decal option provided by the Hi-Decal company:

F-4E 67-0392/TH War Lord, 457 TFS / 301 TFW, USAF Res., Carswell AFB, Hill Two Scheme, 1989

The 457th TFS was equipped with the F-4E between 1987 and 1991. Named “War Lord”, 67-0392 was a double MiG killer. While serving with the 388 TFW at Korat AB in Thailand, this F-4E was credited with the downing of two North Vietnamese MiG-19s, the first on 2 September and the second on 6 October 1972.

F-4E 71-1121 / 3-6558, TFB 1, Imperial Iranian AF, 1978

One of the early Iranian F-4Es, 3-6558 served with the 11th TFS Instructors, the IIAF Fighter Weapons School. During the Iran-Iraq War, this unit saw extensive air combat in defense of Iran as well as during raids into Iraq. On 26 September 1980, this jet has been credited with the downing of an Iraqi MiG-23 only four kilometers outside Tehran.

F-4E 73-1544 / 3-6642, TFB 3, Islamic Iranian AF, Iran-Iraq War, 1980

TISEO equipped 3-6642 was one of the most famous Iranian F-4Es, flying more than 1000 combat missions between 1980 and 1988. This jet was also credited with downing of at least two Iraqi MiGs. 3-6642 survived the war and remains in service today.

F-4E 73-1547 / 3-6645, TFB 6, Islamic Iranian AF, Iran-Iraq War, 1985

TISEO equipped 3-6645 was one of six Phantoms belonging to the 61st TFW to destroy more than a dozen Iraqi missile and torpedo boats during the Iranian “Operation Morvarid” on 29 November 1980, using AGM-65A Maverick AGMs. This jet was flown by Major Ali-Reza Yassini during several of these highly successful missions.

F-4E 76-0499, 152th FS, 17 FW, South Korean AF, SEA Scheme, 1988

TISEO equipped 76-0499 was one of the new-build F-4Es delivered during 1978 to the 152nd Sqn ROKAF under the “Peace Pheasant II” programme.

F-4E 68-0421, 156th FS, 10 FW, South Korean AF Ghost Grey Scheme, 1998

68-0421 previously served with the USAF 51st TFW, based at Osan AB, South Korea, and was one of the Phantoms transferred to the ROKAF during the 1990s.

RF-4C 67-0435, 131st TRS, South Korean AF with Hill Two scheme, 2003

Previously serving with the USAF’s 460th TRG at Suwon, this aircraft was transferred, in late 1990, to the ROKAF for operation by the 131st TRS at the same base.

F-4E 73-1550 / 3-6648, 61st TFW, TFB 6 Bushehr, Islamic Iranian AF, 2009

This TISEO equipped Phantom II, an Iran-Iraq War veteran and MiG killer received a fierce looking shakrmouth after being overhauled during 2009.

Extras

I really like Hi-Decal’s approach to the modellers. Their sets contains few small improvements which I always warmly welcome:

List of colours needed for each scheme — listed as FS 595, names, Humbrol and Model Master.
Recommended references.
Recommended kits.
Colour and stencilling notes.
Orthographic projection with camouflage scheme.
Ordnance list with exact info about models of each pod and weapon rack.

Summary

Definitely both sets are worth of your attention due to high quality of print and very interesting camouflage schemes. Elegant grey Texan Phantom, SEA schemed South Korean F-4E or still airworthy Iranian camouflaged Phantom II flying in 2009 are just three of them. Personally I really would like to see colour instruction sheet. It could be real improvement and something worth to show in such reviews.

Source: Hi-Decal