Italian Navy F-4K

[anthonyp]

Here's a 1/72 Matchbox F-4K done up for the Italian Navy.  The Matchbox kit is an entertaing build.  Simple, yet it's got enough pieces to keep one paying attention.

This particular plane flies off the Aquilla (the Essex class ex-USS Philippine Sea).  The Aquilla was acquired in 1967, and was refit to allow it to serve another 15 years.  In reality, it served until 1989, with refits allowing it to make it until Italy's new CVV entered service.

These planes were purchased from the UK over F-8's from the US, as they Italians wanted a two-engined fighter over a single engine one.  It was an ego thing.  This example is shown in its mid-80's paint scheme.

[anthonyp]

Another view

[anthonyp]

underside