Twobobs Aviation Graphics | 32-022 F-4E SEA Heroes in 1/32nd Scale

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

Twobobs Aviation Graphics has just released a new set of decals for the F-4E Phantom in 1/32nd scale. The instructions state that these markings can be used with the Tamiya or Revell kits. The Revell release represents the more modern F-4 with leading edge slats and wouldn't be appropriate for use.

The first set of decals is for Chico the Gunfighter, an F-4E BuNo 68-339 made famous in the painting by Wade Meyers. This unique F-4E was fitted with two SUU-23/A gun pods on the outboard pylons, a pair of Navy Mk 20 Rockeye II Cluster Bombs on the inboard pylons, an ALQ-87 ECM pod and a 600 gallon centerline tank. All this weaponry was fitted to allow the aircraft to free roam and act as a heavily armed strike-recce aircraft. The aircraft is depicted as it appeared on May 21, 1972. Col J.D. Pewitt and his WSO Lt. Steve "Bubba" Craighead were nominated for the Silver Star after repeated gun strafe attacks on a heavily armed enemy site that had pinned down friendly troops. A far more detailed description of the aircraft can be found by visiting the Wade Meyer Studios here.

The second F-4E is BuNo 69-7551 crewed by Lt. John Dallager and Lt. Don Logan. The aircraft sported a red star for a MiG 21 kill that was never confirmed. Dallager retired in 2003 after attaining the rank of Lt. General as the Commandant of the USAF Academy with over 2,900 hours in the F-4, A-10 and F-15. Logan would go on to fly his last mission on July 5, 1972 before being shot down over North Vietnam. He would spend nine months as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton and the Zoo. He was released on March 29, 1973 in the last group of U.S. POW's. Don Logan is recognized for writing a number of great aviation books and his website is available here.

Twobobs instructions are always a wealth of information. The front page gives left and right color side profiles of each aircraft with their striking shark mouth nose art. Seven thumbnail photos are also included of both aircraft as well as a detailed description of the Chico flights. However, the profiles incorrectly show the early style gun muzzle on both aircraft. Modelers should note they were fitted with the longer Midas muzzle. A small color image of Meyers' painting with ordering instructions is also included. Completing the front page is a listing of available kits and aftermarket items. The overleaf contains top and bottom profiles in color as well as a lengthy description of Logan's last flight and subsequent capture. Color chips are included with reference to Testors, Gunze Sangyo, Xtracolor and Xtracrylics paints.

Microscale prints the decals over two pages. They are very thin with minimal carrier film. Sufficient stencils, national insignia and wing walk markings are supplied to complete one aircraft. Modelers should note that aftermarket items are required to realistically duplicate the armament on Chico the Gunfighter. These items are identified as being available from CAM.

I would like to thank Don Logan and Wade Meyers for giving permission to use some of their photographs for this review.

This new decal sheet from Twobobs is a welcome addition for those wishing to apply alternative markings to their model. The F-4E is synonymous with the air war over Vietnam and these decals honor those who fought, some not to return, from the skies of Vietnam.

Review sample compliments of Twobobs Aviation Graphics.

© Mark Proulx 2004

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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016