@PlaneThought41
Phabulous (Red Devil) Phantom - 1/48th Monogram F-4J Phantom II
Updated: Sep 20, 2021
Here is yet another of my Monogram Phantom kit builds. First released back in the 80s it is still a respectable kit. It has the typical Monogram features of a nicely appointed, raised cockpit detail (although not correct in the rear pit for a J), correct shape, finely raised panel lines, and an affordable price. The fit in some places may be less than stellar, however I had this kit in the stash from way back and after opening it up to have a look again I was inspired to have another go at it, despite its age.

Quick Notes:
J model Phantom however rear cockpit has Airforce type consoles instead of Navy sidewall panels (Rear main instrument panel seem to be correct)
Nicely detailed ejection seats (partly molded into the pit)
Panel lines for Air Force refueling probe is still on spine and should be removed - Navy refueling door could be scribed on right side of nose
Fit of the engine intakes is a minor problem (across the F-4 series)
Underside wing fit with aircraft nose requires careful fitting and possibly some filler work to join smoothly
Raised panel lines and detail make sanding seams problematic as detail is removed in the process (or you could sand off the panel lines as I did on this one)
Separate speed brakes can be positioned open (although the actuator is molded into the well, so you will have to deal with that)
Horizontal stabilizer fit will require trimming as they sit too far off the fuselage
Air Force "arrowheads" on stabilizers should be removed for Navy "J"
Outboard wing tanks are molded onto pylons
Glass fit is OK but not great (can be positioned open or closed)
TER are molded onto inboard pylons, basic Air-Air armament (sink marks are often present in the Sparrows) come with the kit as well as bombs and a centre-line tank

This time around, my Monogram Phantom II was constructed in the markings of the USMC VMFA-232 "Red Devils" as I had partial markings left over from an earlier Shamrocks build. A little modification to the markings was necessary as I wanted a red tail version... into the spares for a rescue.

End Result:
Better F-4J kits are now available on the 1/48th scale market, however the Monogram Phantom II kits still produce a good result, that definitely looks the part, at a very reasonable cost. I still recommend and build these old classics when I can pick them up at a good price.
Completed build #229 - December 2019 using the 1/48th scale Monogram #5805 kit.
Feel free to ask any questions or comment on the build - Keep on building what you want, how you want and enjoy the build - Cheers