Caracal Models 1/48 Luftwaffe F-4F 'Norm 81' Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Here is the latest from Caracal, this set covers the Luftwaffe F-4F Phantom II and provides 10 examples that use the Norm 81a or Norm 81b camouflage patterns. These decals are all printed single layer by Cartograf and the printing looks great as usual.

The aircraft presented in this set include:

• F-4F, 72-1237, JG 71, 38+27
• F-4F, 72-1168, JG 73, 37+58
• F-4F, 72-1187, JG 72, 37+77
• F-4F, 72-1195, JG 72, 37+85
• F-4F, 72-1198, JG 74, 37+88
• F-4F ICE, 72-1253, WTD61, 38+43
• F-4F ICE, 72-1223, WTD61, 38+13
• F-4F, 72-1206, JG 73, 37+96
• F-4F, 72-1148, JG 73, 37+38
• F-4F, 72-1248, JG 71, 38+38

In addition to the ten subjects covered by profiles and decals, this set provides ample numbers to replicate virtually any other F-4F in Luftwaffe service. The decal set also provides two sets of airframe stencils, one set in early style and one in the later style. Two of the subjects are test airframes for the F-4F ICE (Improved Combat Efficiency) program, though the service aircraft that had completed ICE upgrades do not have significant external differences on the airframe, one significant difference is that ICE aircraft were armed with the AIM-120 AMRAAM in addition to the AIM-9 Sidewinder. None of the F-4Fs were capable of employing the AIM-7 Sparrow.

For more information about this set and the other releases from Caracal Models, visit their website at http://caracalmodels.com.

My sincere thanks to Caracal Models for this review sample!