Air DOC | USAFE Phantoms in Germany Early F-4C/D/E/Gs and RF-4C Markings

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

AirDOC is a new decal company from Germany. This is a review of the first of their new 1/32nd scale F-4 Phantom decal sheets, sheet number M32-03. This decal sheet allows you to build almost any USAFE F-4 stationed in Germany featuring the early style SEA camouflage. This decal sheet can be used with the Tamiya F-4E or Revell series of F-4's depending upon the wing type that is required.

The modeler will find no less than five pages of highly detailed instructions upon opening the package. The first page includes detailed painting instructions for Phantoms finished in the South East Asia Camouflage Scheme. FS 595b numbers are supplied for each color. Top, bottom, left and right side profiles are included, printed in color. F-4G 68-286 and 68-579 of the 52nd TFW carried a variation of the SEA scheme and this is shown in an additional top view. Completing the page are notes on available aftermarket sets and kit suggestions in the three traditional scales.

Subsequent pages of instructions include color profiles for 23 different Phantom schemes and variants. Markings are included for each of the following aircraft:

RF-4C 68-568, 17th TRS, RAF Wildenrath, TAM 1978
F-4E 68-490, 525th TFS, Bitburg AB, 1969
F-4E 68-508, 525th TFS, Florennes AB, 1972
F-4E 69-255, 22nd TFS, Twenthe AB, The Netherlands, TAM 1976
F-4E 68-530, 496th TFS, Hahn AB, 1970
F-4E 68-532, "E", 50th TFW, RAF Wildenrath, TAM 1978
F-4E 74-662, 496th TFS, Hahn AB, 1979
F-4E 68-278, 10th TFS, Hahn, 1980
F-4D 66-559, 22nd TFS, Bitburg AB, 1971
F-4D 66-604, 23rd TFS, Spangdahlem AB, 1970
F-4D 66-706, 53rd TFS, Bitburg AB, 1973
F-4D 65-754, 10th TFS, Hahn AB, 1973
F-4D 66-677, 10th TFS, Florennes AB, Belgium, TAM 1972
F-4D 66-793, 23rd TFS, Twenthe AB, The Netherlands, TAM 1976
F-4D 64-879, 81st TFS, Zweibrucken AB, 1971
RF-4C 65-901, 38th TRS, Ramstein AB, 1970
F-4E 69-247, 526th TFS, Ramstein AB, 1970
F-4E 69-262, 526th TFS, Ramstein AB, 1970
F-4E 68-413, 512th TFS, Ramstein AB, 1979
F-4E 68-393, 512th TFS, Ramstein AB, TAM 1980
F-4E 72-124, 480th TFW, Spangdahlem AB, 1980
F-4G 68-268, 81st TFW, Spangdahlem AB, 1981
F-4G 68-579, 81st TFS, Spangdahlem AB, 1979

Detailed marking, date and deployment information is supplied for each aircraft. The side profiles clearly show the type of gun muzzle, drop tank or formation light installations. It can also be determined if the aircraft came equipped with leading edge slats by paying careful attention to the side profiles. No markings are included for an F-4C as stated on the front page of the instructions. No references are stated on the instructions, but I would guess that AirDOC's new book Modern Combat Aircraft Series #1 USAFE Phantoms in Germany is a likely source.

AirDOC includes two and a half pages of decals printed by Cartograph in Italy. They are printed in perfect register in a glossy finish and appear to be slightly thicker than other familiar companies. Carrier film is kept to an absolute minimum. Color saturation is perfect and all decals appear to be opaque. Unfortunately, the decal sheet providing stencils and national insignia needs to be purchased separately on sheet #S32-03. I have not tried these decals yet so I can't comment on the ease of their application.

This decal sheet represents great value for its money. I highly recommend this product to any modeler with an interest in the F-4 Phantom.

USAFE Phantoms in late markings reviewed here.

Air DOC | USAFE Phantoms in Germany Early F-4C/D/E/Gs and RF-4C Markings

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

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