Reviews : Academy F-4B VF-111 Sundowners (MCP)

This kit greatly exemplifies the quality of Academy models. Although somewhat challenging during construction, this kit is highly detailed, and well worth any headache from the sheer number of parts. An oil wash will help bring out the great detail in this plane, as it doesn't lack any inch of detail. The cockpit alone includes many parts integral in accuracy, and the weaponry provided by Academy proves to be as detailed as the rest of the model. However, if you are a beginner who is a perfectionist, this model is probably not for you, as it is hard to achieve the full impression of this aircraft unless you are an advanced modeler. If you are a Moreno intermediate modeler like me, I will say that it provides a unique challenge that will show you what you are or aren't made of. If you do purchase this model then I would recommend certain tools. Some sort of putty or filler will be helpful if you make an error while glueing, regardless, the model does need filler in certain spots. You will benefit from modeling tweezers because they are critical in the decal process, not just with this model, but with any as there are small size decals. Finally, remember that modeling is a hobby, and it should be fun. Best of luck if you do choose this model, and if you don't, make sure to continue modeling.

IMHO Academey has unseated Hasegawa as the king of the F-4 kits. This kit is is very nice indeed. It offers the upper fuse as a one piece moulding, just like the Tamiya 1/32 F-4 kits. Detail is excellent, with beautifully engraved panel lines. The intakes offer full ducting all the way to the engine faces. Cockpit detail is excellent, offering fine raised detail,which when painted and dry brushed should look very nice. Eduard does offer a Photo-Etch detail set for this kit ,which will make the cockpit look very nice. Wheel well detail is nice, and there are aftermarket resin wells avivable also.The kit fits well,with no major construction issues. If you devieate from the construction sequence you could run into issues.The kit offers a nice array of externalstores. The decal sheet is nothing short of stunning. There are maintaince stencils galore. The only thing I did not like is the Multi colored plastic, it is not a big deal though. It was designed so a less experienced modeler could build a close approximation of the actual aircraft without having to paint the model. To the experienced modler this should present no problems. I would highly recommend this kit.