RF-4E(S) “Peace Jack” Conversion

AirDOC, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

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Here is another new release from the German AirDOC company.  This time, it will enable you to convert the 1/48 Scale Hasegawa un-slatted “hard wing” F-4E kit into one of the three Israeli Air Force RF-4E (S) “Peace Jack” Phantoms. 

The set comprises thirteen resin pieces and an acetate sheet.  The resin pieces comprise: 

• Radome

• HIAC Lens (high-altitude camera)

• HIAC housing (incorporating forward fuselage)

• Sparrow bay chaff dispensers

• Two aiming devise and handles

• Front an rear instrument panels

• Wing mounted Radar homing and warning sensors.

The resin is grey in colour and reminiscent of that used by Aires.  For me, this type of resin is far better far easier to work with, less brittle and less prone to snapping than the tan coloured type.  The detail cast into each part is crisp and sharp which will make painting so much easier.  Instrument dial detail has been included with the each instrument being deep enough to allow you to add the “glass” by way of gloss varnish or epoxy.  The inside of the radome is detailed with cabling and reinforcement structure and the “glazing” has been cast such that you can just push in the thin panels to remove the unwanted resin.  I was impressed with the forward face of the rear instrument panel too as it has the myriad of cabling for the instruments cast in place.  This will look truly stunning once painted and dry brushed.  The parts come attached to a pour stub but there is clear distinction between the part and the pour stub to make the task of removal and clean-up so much easier. 

The acetate sheet provides you with the “glazing” for the camera hatches on the nose.  The windows themselves are laser cut and will require minimal clean up before they can be used. 

The conversion instructions are provided on an A-4 sized sheet that also contains a “parts map”; notes on the one-to-one-scale aircraft and clear 1/72 scale line drawings of the required cuts to the Hasegawa kit. 

The set comes packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag with a stiff cardboard header. 

This is another excellent detail/conversion set indeed that I’m sure will appeal more to the hard core Phantom fan than the casual modeller. 

Recommended.

Thanks to AirDOC Publications for the review sample

AirDOC Accessories and Publications may be viewed and purchased online from their website

Review Copyright © 2007 by Rodger Kelly
This Page Created on 08 October, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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