USAFE RF-4C and F-4D Phantoms
based in England Parts 1 and 2

10th TRW, 48th TFW and 81st TFW

Xtradecal, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

These two new decal sheets from Hannants in house brand Xtradecal are nice additions to the current range markings available for the F-4.

This time there is a strong British link with the subjects being drawn from USAF Europe units based in the UK. These units are the 10^th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing based at RAF Alconbury, the 48^th Tactical Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath (which is now equipped with F-15C and F-15E Eagles) and the 81^st Tactical Fighter Wing based at RAF Bentwaters. These units and their bases should resonate with enthusiasts familiar with Cold War orders of battle.

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Thumbnail panels:

The decal options are provided on one A5 size sheet per set and include some of the unique stenciling and national insignia for each subject (the remainder being sourced from the donor kit).

The subjects on X48-062 are:

• F-4D 64-0864, 81^st TFWand and RF-4C 64-1077 in the early USN Ligth Gull Grey over white scheme.

• F-4D 66-553 78^th TFS, 81^st TFW in SEA scheme,

• F-4D 64-911 92^nd TFS, 81^st TFW in SEA scheme,

• F-4D 65-721 493^rd TFS, 48^th TFW in a hybrid scheme with the tan from the SEA scheme replaced by SAC Bomber Tan,

• F-4D 65-773 48^th TFW in SEA scheme, and

• RF-4C 66-493 1^st TRS, 10^th TRW in SEA scheme.

The subjects on X48-063 are:

• F-4D 66-261 78^th TFS, 81^st TFW in SEA scheme,

• F-4D 64-856 91^st TFS, 81^st TFW in SEA scheme,

• F-4D 65-696 78^th TFS, 81^st TFW in SEA scheme,

• F-4D 65-659 48^th TFW in a hybrid scheme with the tan from the SEA scheme replaced by SAC Bomber Tan,

• F-4D 66-502 48^th TFW in SEA scheme,

• RF-4C 68-564 1^st TRS, 10^th TRW in a wrap-around modified SEA scheme,

• RF-4C 64-425 1^st TRS, 10^th TRW in SEA scheme,

• RF-4C 64-007 30th TRS, 10^th TRW in SEA scheme, and

• RF-4C 65-381 1^st TRS, 10^th TRW in wraparound Euro 1 scheme.

All subjects have large clear instructions associated with them including full colour profiles and notes on variations in such details as base codes on the tail. The instructions also give colour callouts for FS matches and Xtracolour and Xtracrylics Paints. Like all current Xtradecal sheets, the printing has been done by Microscale in the US. The quality looks extremely good with registration spot on.

A quick online check showed that the 1/48 scale Hasegawa F-4C/D is becoming scarce (although possibly being re-released by Revell later this year) whilst the only conversion I can recall, from Black Box, no longer seems available through the usual suspects. As a result the timing of this release is somewhat surprising, but nonetheless welcome .

Overall these two sheets represent good value for money and portray interesting variations on the Phantom theme.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for the review sample

Xtradecals are available online from Hannants' website

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Ken Bowes
This Page Created on 20 May, 2008
Last updated 20 May, 2008

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