Phantom FG.1 Colonial Navy
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Phantom FG.1 XV590, 001/R of 892 Naval Air Squadron , Royal Navy, aboard HMS Ark Royal, crossdressing with the USS Saratoga, 1978/
The kit was built out of the box I originally planned on using aTrue Details Martin Backer resin ejection seats but I actually preferred the ones supplied in the kit. Outside of the decals the only other non kit supplied item was an Eduard FG.1 canopy mask set.
Assembly was straight forward with no significant fit issues; a bit of filler was needed at an inlet seems and also on the spine. I wanted to display the model in its deck storage option so I did need to separate the radar dome from the main fuselage to allow it to be posed in the stowed position, Airfix provides a scored area that was easily used to scribe through using the back of a No. 9 blade, I also used the folded wing tips and also followed the directions for the appropriate tail plane angles, flaps, elevators, and front wheel oleo. The only fit issue I had was trying to use the radar exposed maintenance option, the mounting rail for the radar set and the combing for the radar dome and fuselage interfered with its correct alignment, I did the standard stowed option instead which fit well.
I used Tamiya grey primer on the assembled model and sub assemblies. I then applied a splotch pattern to the primed surface using an AK mask. I used Tamiya White X2 for the top side splotch and Vallejo Air dark grey 71053 for the undersides. I then added light coats of white over the undersides which gave it variation. I then masked the white and added light coats of dark gray on the top sides which did not work as well in providing variation, but I was happy with the way it looked. The model was overcoated with a krylon crystal coat prior to decaling. Decals were applied using the two part Microset system, and then the top was sealed with Testor Dullcoat and the Undersides with Krylon clear again. The underside was weathered with Flory grey to highlight the panel lines and gear opens, followed by another coat of Krylon.
I finished the model by mounting a weapons fit of inert AIM 7 sparrows and Matra Rocket Pods. I assumed that the pods would be empty in a stowed position.
Overall I love the Colonial Navy Marking and the Old School US Star overlaid on the British roundel.
