Cutting Edge 1/32
F-4B/N Airframe Supplemental Conversion Set for Tamiya F-4C/D

Cutting Edge has stepped up to the plate with another series of interesting conversion sets - all with the sole purpose of transforming either the Tamiya 1/32 F-4C/D or Tamiya 1/32 F-4J kit into your choice of an F-4B or F-4N Phantom II. I was mildly puzzled when I saw the Cutting Edge 1/32 F-4B/C/D/ E/F/G/J/N Seamless Intakes as I thought it odd that there were no kits or conversions for the F-4B nor F-4N yet on the market. 'Yet' was the key word.

The conversion involves two conversion sets out of these three:

• CEC32180 is common to both Tamiya kitss
• CEC32185 (this set) provides all of the parts necessary to transform the Tamiya F-4C/D into the Navy F-4B/N.
• CEC32187 provides those parts for the Tamiya F-4J to backdate the airframe into the F-4B/N

Of course, if you're going to all of the time and effort to create the F-4B or F-4N, you're going to want these:

• CEC32183 seamless intakes
• CEC32183 J79 short nozzles

This supplemental conversion set picks up where the basic airframe set left off. In this case, you need to navalize the F-4C/D kit, which involves:

• Adding an air refueling probe and fairing
• Adding catapult bridle hooks under the wings
• Replacing the nose gear door with the three-light approach light system
• Slotted stabilators - the F-4C/D kit has unslotted stabilators in the kit which are what you'll need for most F-4Bs. These slotted stabs were added to some B-models and essentially all F-4Ns
• Navy-style inboard wing pylons and missile rails
• Replacement drogue chute door

This set must be combined with the basic airframe set listed above to complete the conversion, but you're probably going to want the seamless intake trunks while you're messing with the conversion. If you're starting with the F-4C/D kit, you already have the shorter afterburner nozzles used on the F-4B/N. Cutting Edge will be releasing these shorter nozzles in super-detailed resin very soon - you might want to consider these as well!

Definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to Meteor Productions for this review sample!