Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1957 McDonnell Douglas RF-4C “Playboy” 69-351, 14th TRS, Vietnam War

True 1/72 scale Professionally painted Great attention to detail All markings are Tampoed (pad applied)

Option to display the model on a stand that is provided Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions Canopies can be displayed open or closed Crew figures Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic Highly collectable

The first production RF- 4C flew in May 1964. The RF- 4C was an unarmed recon variant designed for information gathering. This variant is quite easy to recognize from other F-4 variants because of the distinctive nose. The larger nose was designed to accommodate radar, sensors and flat windows for cameras. During its years of service the RF-4C used two nose variations. The original design was the angular version with a later design that had a smoother rounded camera bulge. There were 503 RF- 4cs built with 499 being officially accepted by the USAF.

Because of the war in Vietnam the 14th TRS was activated In October 1966. The unit was issued new RF-4C Phantom IIs and after training arrived at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in October 1967 assigned to the 432nd TRW. Mid way into 1971 the 14th TRS were the only tactical reconnaissance unit in Vietnam. During their time in Vietnam the RF-4s didn’t carry any weapons and relied on speed and speed and altitude to evade Migs and SAMs. In December 1975 the 432nd TRW was inactivated this included the 14th TRS and their RF-4s were sent to Shaw AFB, South Carolina.

Specifications for the McDonnell RF- 4C Phantom II Dimensions Wingspan - 38 ft 5 in Wing area - 530 sq ft Length - 62 ft 11 in Height - 16 ft 6 in

Performance Engine - 2 X General Electric J79-GE-15 turbojets Thrust 10,300 lb.s.t. dry 17,000 lb.s.t. with afterburner Fuel Maximum internal fuselage tanks Up to block 40 aircraft - 1,260 U.S. gallons Aircraft block 41 and on - 1,142 U.S. gallons Maximum external tanks Center-line - 600 U.S. gallons On outer pylons - 2 X tanks (1/wing) 370 U.S. gallons