Twobobs Aviation Graphics

1/48 F-4F Press to Test "Elephant"

Sheet Number: 48-176

Reviewed by  Scott Hollingshead, IPMS# 34786

MSRP: $16 Web Site: www.twobobs.net If you are looking for a new and unique set of markings for your next Phantom build, I would highly suggest that you check out this offering from TwoBobs. To celebrate their 50th anniversary on September 15, 2007, the folks at Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 (or WTD61), which is the main test and evaluation unit for flying systems in the German armed forces, painted a Tornado and a Phantom bright orange similar to the color used on test equipment installed on their planes. In addition to the colorful markings, aerodynamic and flight formulas were written on the plane, and "Spooky" was added to the underside. This wonderful set of decals was printed by Microscale Industries, so they will work just fine with Micro Set and Micro Sol, if you utilize those products. The decals are thin, in register, and had a minimal amount of carrier film around the ones on the two main sheets, but the third, smaller sheet is completely covered with carrier film. All of the markings for this special aircraft are included in this set; the one exception being that the modeler needs to airbrush lines for "Spooky" juggling test squadron and "50" symbols. The single 8-1/2 by 11 inch page instructions show left, right, top, and bottom color drawings of the aircraft, seventeen small color photographs of the real plane, and one large photograph showing the top of the real plane. There are also color "chips" for the orange and black paints used on this Phantom with a single Lifecolor paint listed for the orange, and Testors, Humbrol, Gunze, and Xtracrylics paints listed for the black. The sheet thanks Andreas Zeitler for his photographs that helped to create these markings, and lists his web site. The sheet mentions as I did that the white lines must be airbrushed on for "Spooky" doing his juggling act. Lastly, the sheet lists the manufacturers of 1/48 scale kits of the F-4 E/F, cockpit sets, update sets, ejection seats, and a detail set. My thanks to TwoBobs for the review sample provided to the IPMS. TwoBobs decals are available directly from their web site at www.twobobs.net. Recommended

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