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McDonnell
Douglas F-4M / FGR.2
1:32 Scale
Tamyia F-4J Conversion Kit.
This conversion set,
in conjunction with the Tamyia 1:32 Scale F-4J
Kit, is designed to allow the modeller to build a
British FGR.2 Phantom as used by the RAF. The conversion
includes drop in replacement upper and lower fuselage and
wings, seamless intakes, Spey burner cans, fin caps, fin
winglets, and aux engine intake parts.
FAQ
- Is this a re-release
of the conversion set that existed
previously? No. This is a new
conversion set with new masters. It is not
a "re-pop" of the previous kit.
That said, both conversion sets originate
from roughly the same source. Frank
Mitchell's Excellent FGR.2.
His Conversion Guide and
his gracious help was used extensively to
create the new masters and ensure
accuracy for this set.
- When will this be
released? No date yet. The masters are
still being created and creating molds will be an
expensive undertaking. I fund these projects from
the revenue generated by the decals and resin
parts I already sell. Which means I
could have the masters finished before I can pay
for creating molds this large. So if you want
this to happen faster, buy more of my current
stuff :)
- What will the cost be?
No price yet as that is dependent on the
final cost of making the molds. That said,
it will be less expensive than the
conversion set that existed a few years ago.
- Do you take
pre-orders? No. No money changes hands
until I have stock to sell. It's true that
pre-orders provide needed capital for supplies,
but I'd still not be able to guarantee a delivery
date and would rather not be responsible for
peoples money until there's something to put in
the mail.
- How many are you
making? The current plan is to limit the
run to 100 units for sale plus half a dozen or so
for reviewers and as gifts to those that have
provided significant help in the process.
Once those 100 are sold I'll revaluate to see if
another run makes sense (and if the molds are up
to it).
- Will the kit includes
decals, seats, and other goodies? Decals
for at least one or two airframes will be
included. Other goodies are not likely as they
only add to the cost of the kit. The seats used
in the FGR.2 are available in this scale from
other sources so it's possible to simply buy
those if you wish to use them. There will be no
cockpit.
- Will this kit work
with the 1:32 Revell F-4J? I have no
idea. I've never seen the Revell J kit. If you'd
like to donate one, please contact me :)
- Are the intakes
seamless? Yes. They're single part
intakes designed to fit over the kit ramps.
- Will there be Photo
Etched parts? Unlikely. I have no access
to a PE supplier and adding these sorts of parts
may just add to the cost.
- Could this project be
cancelled? Yes. This is something I do
out of my personal workshop on my personal
time, so is subject to lifes events. It's
another reason I don't take pre-orders.
- What is the state of
the project now? As of this writing
(January 2012), the seamless intake parts are
completed. The rear area of the upper and lower
fuselage have been widened to Spey
specifications, and aux intake holes cut into the
side of the fuselage. Yet to do are the masters
for the burner cans, aux intakes doors and
interior, and fin caps. Cleaned up and rescribing
is an ongoing process.
- What if Company X
releases a full retail kit? Well then
I'll just build my masters into a single model
and enjoy that for what it is.
- Do you need any help?
Yes! I would appreciate any reference materials
anyone wishes to share with me. Also, due to the
size of some of the parts involved, it is likely
that some of the parts will need to be outsourced
for mold making and casting. If you're an
experienced resin caster with access to a
pressure pot at least 12" deep, please
contact me with your cost estimates.
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