entry #3: Belgian F-4B phantom

[Spey_Phantom]

i know some people think im nuts, trying to build 3 aircraft in 1 week.
to awser that question, yes i am crazy 

just about to get work started on the F-117J, i wanted to do a little something "in between builds" 
and it is gonna be this one, destined for my 1/144 Carrier project.
the F-4B Phantom in Belgian Naval Force markings.



Back History:
in 1960, the Belgian ministery of defence started to look out for a new supersonic fighter to replace the rapidly ageing FJ-3 Fury. aircraft evaluated were the F-8 crusader, the F-11 Tiger and the F-4 Phantom. in 1962, Belgium selected the F-4B as the winner of the copetition and an order for 10 was placed. the phantoms were delivered from 1962 and were devided between the 2 carriers BNS Dendermonde & Libramont. after that the Libramont was sold to Sweden in 1969, all phantoms were placed on the Dendermonde.

the Phantoms came into action during the fina withdrawal of Belgians from Congo in 1963, on april 16 1963, 2 phantoms took of from the Dendermonde to escort 7 FJ-3's witch were sent out to provide air support for the withdrawing troops. the radars from the Phantoms detected 3 MIG-17 coming directly towards the fury's. the aircraft banked of to intercept. after getting fire they were forced to engage and 2 Migs were shot down, the other one escaped with heavy damage. many other encounters followed that same year, until the full withdrawal of the former colony was complete. after recessing the actions, it was confirmed that the Belgian Phantoms shot down 12 aircraft, including MIG-17 and SU-15's.

in 1965, the F-4B's recieved a new RWR box antenna on the tail, similar to those as the british F-4K/M, the phantoms stayed in service up to 1988, when the carrier was withdran from the fleet.


The Model:

the model i will be using is a 1/144 academy F-4F kit, witch will be modified into a B-version.
pictures soon to follow 

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, first update

the removal of the nose is now complete, the nose to come in its place is one from a 1/144 revell Tornado.
the tail has now also been clipped to accomodate the RWR antenna.

[Weaver]

Nils, you're building a 1/144th scale aircraft carrier: we don't think you're nuts, we know.......

Nice idea for the Phantom - best of luck!

(Wouldn't two aircraft carriers be bigger than Belgium?  )

[Spey_Phantom]

ok, last update for today before she enters the paintshop.
as you can see, most of the parts have been glued on.
most notable changes is the noswheel, the new radome, a tailhook and the RWR on the tail.

[cthulhu77]

Take off the "onhold" comment...I need to see that sucker built up !

[Spey_Phantom]

Finished

unfortunatly, i can not post any pics cause my brother borrowed my camera for the day, hope to have some photo's tonight 

[Spey_Phantom]

got my camera back just in time 

here are the pics