Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1960
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II Diecast Model
USN VF-111 Sundowners, NL201, Gary Weigand/Bill Freckleton, USS Coral Sea, Gulf of Tonkin, March 6th 1972 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
In 1971 VF-111 "Sundowners" transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II. On March 6, 1972 F-4B Bu. No 153019 – 201 was operating from the USS Coral Sea using the call-sign "Old Nick 201". At the controls were Lt. Gary Weigand and LtJG Bill Freckleton when they encountered a MiG-17 over the Gulf of Tonkin and destroyed it with an AIM-9D making this F-4B a MiG killer. The "Sundowners" later transitioned to the F-4N variant. Aircraft, F-4B, NL 201, Bu.No. 153019 was restored to the original paint scheme by one of the later VF-111 squadrons. "Old Nick 201" is perched on a pedestal just inside the main gate at NAS Key West, Florida.
The Sundowners were originally commissioned as VF-11 at NAS North Island on October 10, 1942. The name Sundowners refers to the squadron's job of shooting down Japanese "Suns", but it also refers to an old nautical term. A Sundowner was also a ship's captain who directed his crew towards hard work until the day was ended. The term originated in the days of sailing ships when grog was customarily served on ships. A strict captain might withhold the ration until dark, but others allowed the grog to be served when the sun dipped below the yardarm.
Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-4 Phantom II is highly detailed and very popular among collectors. This model has an intricately crafted fuselage, with rear and forward canopies that open to expose cockpit interior details such as instrument panel dials, control stick and ejector seat handles. The solid metal wing has raised wing-tips and a dog-toothed leading edge that blends seamlessly into the fuselage. Each release includes a full complement of removable ordnance. Variants in this series have notable differences in the nose and/or tail fin and slight variations in the engines' exhaust. Carrier-based variants have elevators with a raised leading edge, and land-based variants have standard leading edges.
© Copyright 2003-2014 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
