I had always wanted to build Spey engined Phantom and finally succumbed to the temptation of the Hasegawa 1:48 FGR2 kit that had been on the top shelf of my local model shop for some years.  Opening the box was an almost spiritual experience, superbly moulded parts, white metal undercarriage and seat details and an enormous decal sheet.  I said "almost" as this is still a model and not a life changing event, however "opening the box" does transport one for perhaps an instance back to the days of childhood Christmases when the world was still magical.

Once back in the world of grown-ups, I assembled the kit as per the instructions and painted it.

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Once back in the world of grown ups and following a period of therapy I assembled the kit as per the instructions - no fit problems of any sort - and primed the completed fuselage with Halfords grey auto primer. I brush painted the undersurfaces Humbrol light aircraft grey and applied the upper surface camouflage using cans of Humbrol spray enamel. Following a light coat of clear acrylic varnish I applied the kit decals for an FGR2 of No 41Squadron at RAF Conningsby in 1974. I added the Hasegawa supplied EMI recce pod, and other ordnance from the spares box.

The best 1:48 F4's about are by Hasegawa - I have now obtained the "Alcock and Brown(e)" special for a future project.

Darius Aibara