SPA Modeler

ZM is finally bringing out their F 4E later this month. Like the others it will be 1/48 and cost about $75. I built one of their early F 4 kits and it's a really nice kit.

I wonder how many options within the basic F-4E configurations the kit will provide? The E had a production run of decade or so, and several external changes were introduced...

This kit is for early E's. Info at https://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/en/

Ok, so no slats, no TISEO, and early gun muzzle.

I want an "E" but not sure which version I want to get.

Hi Gents - being a noob when it comes to Phantom variants, If I wanted to build a late 70's USAFE Phantom - would that be an E, or was it a later type?

The main version in service at that time with the USAF would be the E, with quite a few D’s around as well. Reserve and Air Guard unit’s would also have C’s on hand.

Thanks for the info Carlos - so would ZM's kit fir the bill then? I note on the box it says F-4E (early)

I would say to check the kit against photos of the time period. The key visual features of the early E would be the unslatted wing, and the gun muzzle. In the late 70’s, the late F-4E would also be in service. USAFE, along with PACAF in Korea, Japan, and the Philippines were the “front line” of the Cold War at that time. Those wings and squadrons would have priority for new aircraft. But then again, it was the Carter years and post Vietnam era, so US military budgets had been slashed, hence the older C & D types still in service. Also the slow transition to the next generation of fighters was beginning at that time as well. The 36th TFW at Bitburg and 32nd TFS at Soesterberg would replace their F-4Es with F-15A’s during the late 70’s.

Ah so it's the slatted wing that's the main difference (along with the gun) - thanks for the info Carlos.