1/48 Academy F-4J Phantom

[Medicman71]

Those inserts probably allow for different versions using a common lower wing part.

That's what I figured but I wasn't sure.

[warpig]

Assuming I think you're asking what those inserts are: They are the steel wound cable for the catapult bridel hold back hooks that would be under a enormance tension for either launch off the boat or ground SATS. These recesses that house the hooks are only specific to Naval F-4's, such at the one you're building, i.e., F-4B/N/J/S. Those two hooks that will be glued there from the kit are tiny, so take precaution when separating them from the sprue & they are somewhat tricky to fit. Nothing major....just take a few extra mikes to ensure each one is installed at the correct angle & have a good purchase on the styrene.

Since Academy has released USAF F-4 variants with the same thick wings as present on the F-4J & S, flat, blank inserts would be glued there instead of the Naval specific recesses. If you already knew this & I misunderstood your question, please disregard. However, as an aside, another bridle is attached just forward of the tailhook actuator to hold back a 60,000lb fully loaded beast on the shuttle when burner is applied just moments before the cat shot down the track from about 0-150 knots in two blinks of an eye. USAF Phantoms can't be catapulted unless there was some huge modification program that was never needed to be undertaken. Let me know if you have any other kit questions or concerns or are just curious about general knowledge ref the most prolific jet aircraft ever built by the USA in the 20th century & just into the first decade 1/2 of the 21st century. Have fun. I'm really enjoying your progress!

Semper Fi,
Masterguns

So see those triangular holes near the back Sparrow slots? I was wondering what the hell goes there. Turns out it's two small pieces. Why? Seems that this was unnecessary. Antenna go in there later.

[Medicman71]

You know, now that you say that, I should have known that. Thanks for reminding me.

[Stikpusher]

That’s what I was thinking. Now this was in the time period before the nose lading gear bar for carrier catapults, I presume. And I vaguely recall some F-4 variants having an antenna fairing of some sort in that area instead. ECM, RHAW, or whatnot...

[Medicman71]

Well I'n glad Warpig is here to help cause there aren't any good books on Navy Phantoms out there.

[Stikpusher]

Well I'n glad Warpig is here to help cause there aren't any good books on Navy Phantoms out there.

Yes there are. Ginter books and Detail & Scale come to mind.

[Medicman71]

Well I'n glad Warpig is here to help cause there aren't any good books on Navy Phantoms out there.

Yes there are. Ginter books and Detail & Scale come to mind.

[warpig]

During this era there was a “shuttle” that was on the cat track. The Phantom wheeled over the shuttle as a yellow shirt directed the pilot to do. The bridle cable was attached to the shuttle & then tensioned to bridle hooks. Nose gear was extended to higher AOA & shuttle adjusted as necessary to tighten the cables.

That’s what I was thinking. Now this was in the time period before the nose lading gear bar for carrier catapults, I presume. And I vaguely recall some F-4 variants having an antenna fairing of some sort in that area instead. ECM, RHAW, or whatnot...

[warpig]

There are many Naval Phantom detail books but you better be prepared to pay to play since most haven’t been in print for sever years. Especially ones with color pages. Check Amazon to see what’s available & at what price. There are also a plethora of walk arounds available on various modeling sites. If you need a specific reference I can scan & post or email.

Semper Fi,
Masterguns

[Medicman71]

Yeah I knew how the cables and shuttle worked on carrier aircraft prior to them having the nose gear bar. I just forgot that those spots are where the cables attached.

Thanks for the help though Warpig. I think I'm good but you'll be the first one I go to if I have questions.