Hypersonic Modele Stabilator upgrade $8.67

Hypersonic Models Web Site: https://www.hypersonicmodels.com/products/1-48-resin/

The Zoukei Mura Kit

Refer to Part 1 for the construction of this fine model kit.

There have been a number of positive reviews for the Zoukei Mura F-4 Phantom series of model kits, and I cannot add anything new, other than these are really great kits. I would encourage anyone interested in this airraft to purchase any Zoukei Mura Phantom. You will not be sorry.

Aftemarket Accessories Used

Several months ago I had the opportunity to review the following Hypersonic Models aftermarket accessory set that I had originally planned to use on a Zoukei Mura F-4S Phantom sometime in 2020. However with the opportunity to build and review the "J" version I decided now is the time to utilize the Hypersonic Models set. Since the Zoukei Mura Phantom have had their fair share of reviews I will focus my efforts on describing the modifications to the kit with the inclusion of the follwing accessory into the build.

• Hypersonic Models HMR 48032 F-4 Phantom Stabilator Upgrade Set (https://www.hypersonicmodels.com/product/f-4-phantom-stabilator-upgrade).

The Instructions

The instructions are provided on two small sheets printed on both sides, including line drawings and text that lead the modeler step-by-step through the work required. There are seven steps total that result in modifications allowing the stabilators to be posed up or down as well as neutral if so desired.

Posing the stabilators up or down will require some minor removal of the kit plastic where the stabilators insert slots are located. Throwaway resin parts are inserted into the kit's molded slots to serve as scribing templates. the outline in scribed onto the plastic surface which defines the limit of the plastic to be removed. Once the plastic has been removed resin mounted blocks are fitted in place. These blocks may be posed in any one of three orientations (see step 4 of the instructions). The resin blocks must be super-glued in place. Last, three PE parts are super-glued on the exterior surface over the exposed resin to represent the cover panels and stabilators quide rails.

In the event the modeler is content with leaving the stabilators in a neutral position as provided in the model kit no cutting of the plastic is required and all of the resin parts go unused. The PE parts are used to enhance the exterior surface of the stabilators mounting, but moreover to conceal the openings and resin blocks when the stabilators are posed other than neutral..

In the event the model represents an Air Force F-4 Phantom PE reinforcement plates are super-glued to the tops and bottoms of each stabilators (one on top and one on the bottom).

The instructions are quite clear on the work required for any option available.

Stabilator Hypersonic Upgrade

This is a neat upgrade for someone who want to depict the stabilators in a position other than neutral.

Page 30 of the model kit's instructions shows the modifications required to build the model in a catapult launch configuration. The instructions show what work is required, how much of the rear fuselage plastic needs to be removed and replaced with alternate parts included with the kit. This is not major surgery with the amount of plastic to be removed, however the Hypersonic Models set required less removal of plastic, and offers three postions to pose the stabilators. It should be noted that with using the Hypersonic Models modification set the stabilators are not movable, but may be fixed in any one of the three positions.

The Hypersonic Models instruction walk the builder step-by-step through the process of cutting, matching the resin and photoetch to the plastic, and checking for a proper fit. Very well thought out process. It should be noted that the "fish plate" PE is typically found on USAF F-4 Phantoms and therefore will not be included in this build. Also, this accessories does not permit the stabilators to be moveable: they will be fixed in the position chosen by the builder.

Construction

I first removed the kit surface detail from the area to be modified. Used the template to remove the kit plastic and preparation for placing the resin mounting block. Chose the orientation for the block and superglue in place. The three PE parts per side are next glued in place. If you are building an Air Force Phantom two small reinforcing plates are glued to the top of the stabilators.

The Hypersonic Models instructions include an alignment template for the correct anhedral for the stabilators. This was a thoughtful addition.

Conclusion

First, this kit is not for the beginner. The instructions are quite complicated and there are many parts, small and smaller, to deal with in the assembly. However, the end result is very rewarding and the model is really amazing. Adding this Hypersonic Models upgrade made a complicated kit a bit more of a challenge.

I wish to thank Volks Zoukei Mura, Hypersonic Models and IPMS USA for the opportunity to build and review this kit with the upgrade application.