This decal sheet provides the extensive F-4 Phantom airframe data (including panel numbers/labels) for either an F-4B or F-4J. The airframe data provided is the painted (open stencil) type of markings commonly seen in the mid/late 1960's into the early 1970's on reworked USN/USMC F-4B and F-4J Phantoms (illustration shows the F-4J but the F-4B specific markings are provided).

Note that this is not the original new factory printed (full letter) type of airframe data - check subject for which type of airframe data was applied for a specific F-4.

Decal Sheet Contents

Two sheets of decals are included in the large zip-lock bag. The national insignia is provided on the smaller (nominal 4" by 4") sheet and the stencils and other markings are on the larger ( nominal 9 1/2" by 8") sheet. Each stencil is printed individually with minimal carrier film.

Also included are three, double-sided, full color drawings to help placing all the stencil decals. Each stencil decal is numbered while the location drawings have the decal number noted. Decals include placards for the landing gear, speed brakes, speed brake wells, auxiliary air doors, wing external fuel tanks, and main and nose gear doors. Markings for all pylons, bomb adapter racks (inboard and outboard pylon types), and LAU-7 rail markings are also included. Several notes address marking differences between the B and J versions. These decals will take several sessions to place.

I really like the look of stencils on my aircraft models, even though the application can be a very time-consuming process I feel the effort is well worth it, and in the end it is time well spent. I built one Academy F-4 Phantom a few years ago and the kit included some stencils. The AOA sheet has many more. Whenever I bring a model to our local club meetings that has stencils I often receive positive comments on the model's appearance.

Conclusion

Although the product literature shows this set to be for the Academy Phantom, I plan to use it on a Hasegawa F-4J that I acquired as a gift from a good friend a few years back. The Hasegawa decals do include some stencils, but not the scope provided by the AOA sheet. The Hasegawa kit decals also have a much more glossy appearance than the AOA set.

You will need to enjoy adding decals, many decals, to your models to appreciate this set. Because of the effort involved it may not be to the liking of some, but for those of us who are willing to invest the time and effort in adding realism to the model, this is the decal set for you. Several nights of effort will be required to place all the decals and marking.

This is a high quality set of decals, and will be money well spent. If purchased on-line shipping in the States is included in the cost of the decals.

Very highly recommended.

I wish to thank AOA Decals and IPMS USA for the opportunity to review this set of decals.