Admiral/ Bad Cat's new aircraft in 1:18

[FieroDude]

And the cool part about this bird is you will be able to see it on the horizon. I am still trying to get my brain in tune with how big it will be. I think it is time for me to get cracking on the vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and restoring the woodwork upstairs--I have about 10 months to make room!

[KAGNEW]

WOW
hey V V i've been super busy and not following the board much
what a dream come true

F-4 never did i think all i can say is will i be broke for a while
F-4s and Sandys everywhere.

i think i died and went to heaven

[Birddog]

G’day BadCatMatt

As F-4C/D operations in Vietnam where fighter, bomber and fighter/bomber then I think the ability to set the plane for each of these roles would give the fans the flexibility to set the aircraft up the way they want it.

Here are some load-out examples:

Pure Fighter:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
3x drop tanks# (one on the centreline)
4x Sparrows* (in Sparrow bays, *if and ECM pod is carried then this would take up one of the sparrow bays)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (# delete the centreline tank and replace it with one of these)

Bomber:
Anything up to 12 Snakeyes (6 per wing on a pair of triple ejector racks located on the outer pylons)
2x Mk84 LGBs (on the inner pylons if the LGBs are to be carried then a Pave Spike would be required to be carried in one of the Sparrow bays)

Fighter Bomber:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
6x Fuse extended Mk 83s (1 triple ejector rack per inner pylon)
1x ECM pack (in one Sparrow bay)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (centreline)
The outer pylons could be left empty or a pair of Mk 82s on double ejector rack or a single Sidewinder per pylon.

As for napalm canisters I think these look better on the Skyraider.

Just my opinions of what would look nice.

I think I definitely have to agree with Spud except for the napalm canisters. If Admiral does make their ordinance interchangable, then they will already have them made for the Skyraider so I say throw them in there as well so that the option is there.

[Plane Nuts]

G’day BadCatMatt

As F-4C/D operations in Vietnam where fighter, bomber and fighter/bomber then I think the ability to set the plane for each of these roles would give the fans the flexibility to set the aircraft up the way they want it.

Here are some load-out examples:

Pure Fighter:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
3x drop tanks# (one on the centreline)
4x Sparrows* (in Sparrow bays, *if and ECM pod is carried then this would take up one of the sparrow bays)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (# delete the centreline tank and replace it with one of these)

Bomber:
Anything up to 12 Snakeyes (6 per wing on a pair of triple ejector racks located on the outer pylons)
2x Mk84 LGBs (on the inner pylons if the LGBs are to be carried then a Pave Spike would be required to be carried in one of the Sparrow bays)

Fighter Bomber:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
6x Fuse extended Mk 83s (1 triple ejector rack per inner pylon)
1x ECM pack (in one Sparrow bay)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (centreline)
The outer pylons could be left empty or a pair of Mk 82s on double ejector rack or a single Sidewinder per pylon.

As for napalm canisters I think these look better on the Skyraider.

Just my opinions of what would look nice.

Umm yeah...Ok... I can go for these!!!

[Black_Dragon_One]

jason

almost all my tax dollar will go to you guy... for planes...

now only 21st century pack 40 m14 halftrack and fuse come my way....

[MiG29K]

I guess what I'm asking is, "What kind of stuff do you guys want to hang off this airplane?"

The more precise input we get, the more of a chance we can make it happen. Since we do not do the manufacturing, Admiral does, our role is more of a lobbyist than a creator. But we have to know what to lobby for as the product comes to fruition.

We are familiar with researching an aircraft but want to avoid making the all-too-common mistake of championing what we think is cool as opposed to what the members of the marketplace desire. In short, we want to work for you and sell you a product that will be the centerpiece of your collection for years to come.

I'll give an idea a try... On the release of the F-4, perhaps it can be made where it has a common airframe and basic configuration and make it modular (Common to all versions of the plane). Since it looks like the "C" version is gonna be out, the plane can have the "modular parts" already fitted on it for the "C" version. That way, spare parts can be bought to configure the plane for whichever letter model a buyer wants. So if Joe Shmendrickson wants a "J" model or have the chin gun mount on it...all he has to do is swap out panels and parts to get the version he wants. As far as Missiles, Pods, and other External Stores, make the weapon attachments with standard connectors so they can be used on other future aircraft. Since the F-18 and F-16 had very bizarre and ill fitting non-compatible weapons, I built a set that could be used on both planes, borrowing some ideas of the poly-cap connectors from Tamiya. The missiles and rails I made are connected similarly like LEGO pieces. There are interchangeable pins with standardized connections. (I have the pics of the modular missiles/pods if this is confusing otherwise I hope this makes sense.)

[immeww2]

I think my tax refund just got used up with all these upcoming new releases.

[Threetoughtrucks]

It's even better than you guys think.

For those of you who didn't read my post of the Toy Fair, I had a nice talk with Admiral's CEO. I asked him about his choice of a F-4 against something like a B-25 with a similar price range but how the B-25 has far more widespread name recognition among the general public than a F-4.

HE AGREED AND SAID, DEPENDING ON SALES OF SOMETHING THE SIZE AND PRICE OF THE F-4, A B-25 IS ON THEIR LISTS OF "CAN DO", "MIGHT DO" PLANES.

That sure made my day.

TTT

[kevrut]

3T,
reading that, just made my day.
Kevin.

[Spudkopf]

G’day BadCatMatt
I have an idea that I'd like to run by you, instead of offering one fixed scheme for the F-4, maybe you could take a simular approach as you did with the exclusive F-16s, in that you could provide the base aircraft without the tail codes or serials applied and make these available on a separate decal sheet (either dry rub on style decals or waterslide decals), this would allow the end customer much more flexibility in choosing the actual scheme that they want and they would not just end up with a clone of what everyone else has, this method would allow the possibility of creating many different aircraft from the one model with minimal effort.

I know this would be my own personal preference but I'd be interested in what you and others here have to think. Or maybe you could offer a fully finished version for those who want that sort of thing and a blank tail version for others.

Jason
I know you have said in the past that this sort of thing can cause production line issues, however if the option only affects the tail units of the F-4 then this may not be as bigger an issue, I must admit that I’d also like the same thing considered for the Skyraider as well because making the tail codes and serials separate would make it very easy to create both USAF an VNAF versions using the same paint scheme).

With the further option of after market decals ( not that I know anybody that does that kind of thing ) this could then make each aircraft an even more exclusive and individual piece for the owner.

Well just some food for thought thanks for listening.

[JimBob55]

Yes, I agree fully with Spud. One basic paint scheme with maybe just the national markings, with no other markings painted on. Include or offer a variety of numbers, squadron or other markings. This would work for most aircraft. F-4 and AD in Navy and USAF (camo) paint, Dauntless in early blue over gray and later tri-color camo, etc.

From my viewpoint, this seemed to work with BBI's F-18 Blue Angel and the F-16 Air National Guard. Were aftermarket decals offered for the AT F-86 that came with no markings? Did these work from the manufacturer and retailer viewpoint?


JimBob

[VMF115]

G’day BadCatMatt

As F-4C/D operations in Vietnam where fighter, bomber and fighter/bomber then I think the ability to set the plane for each of these roles would give the fans the flexibility to set the aircraft up the way they want it.

Here are some load-out examples:

Pure Fighter:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
3x drop tanks# (one on the centreline)
4x Sparrows* (in Sparrow bays, *if and ECM pod is carried then this would take up one of the sparrow bays)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (# delete the centreline tank and replace it with one of these)

Bomber:
Anything up to 12 Snakeyes (6 per wing on a pair of triple ejector racks located on the outer pylons)
2x Mk84 LGBs (on the inner pylons if the LGBs are to be carried then a Pave Spike would be required to be carried in one of the Sparrow bays)

Fighter Bomber:
4x Sidewinders (2 per inner pylons)
6x Fuse extended Mk 83s (1 triple ejector rack per inner pylon)
1x ECM pack (in one Sparrow bay)
1x Vulcan Cannon Pod (centreline)
The outer pylons could be left empty or a pair of Mk 82s on double ejector rack or a single Sidewinder per pylon.

As for napalm canisters I think these look better on the Skyraider.

Just my opinions of what would look nice.

I think I definitely have to agree with Spud except for the napalm canisters. If Admiral does make their ordinance interchangable, then they will already have them made for the Skyraider so I say throw them in there as well so that the option is there.

OK badcatmatt, I want all of those made.

I also want an F-4F in my collection too.

[VMF115]

I guess what I'm asking is, "What kind of stuff do you guys want to hang off this airplane?"

The more precise input we get, the more of a chance we can make it happen. Since we do not do the manufacturing, Admiral does, our role is more of a lobbyist than a creator. But we have to know what to lobby for as the product comes to fruition.

We are familiar with researching an aircraft but want to avoid making the all-too-common mistake of championing what we think is cool as opposed to what the members of the marketplace desire. In short, we want to work for you and sell you a product that will be the centerpiece of your collection for years to come.

I'll give an idea a try... On the release of the F-4, perhaps it can be made where it has a common airframe and basic configuration and make it modular (Common to all versions of the plane). Since it looks like the "C" version is gonna be out, the plane can have the "modular parts" already fitted on it for the "C" version. That way, spare parts can be bought to configure the plane for whichever letter model a buyer wants. So if Joe Shmendrickson wants a "J" model or have the chin gun mount on it...all he has to do is swap out panels and parts to get the version he wants. As far as Missiles, Pods, and other External Stores, make the weapon attachments with standard connectors so they can be used on other future aircraft. Since the F-18 and F-16 had very bizarre and ill fitting non-compatible weapons, I built a set that could be used on both planes, borrowing some ideas of the poly-cap connectors from Tamiya. The missiles and rails I made are connected similarly like LEGO pieces. There are interchangeable pins with standardized connections. (I have the pics of the modular missiles/pods if this is confusing otherwise I hope this makes sense.)

Jason you need to talk to this man

[khatean]

Earlier post indicated stronger landing gear. I can only hope that either diecast components or some type metal reinforcement is used. Rubber tires or equivalent material would be a bonus.

[flpickupman]

This would look nice in 1/18th...

[digger]

I'll give an idea a try... On the release of the F-4, perhaps it can be made where it has a common airframe and basic configuration and make it modular (Common to all versions of the plane). Since it looks like the "C" version is gonna be out, the plane can have the "modular parts" already fitted on it for the "C" version. That way, spare parts can be bought to configure the plane for whichever letter model a buyer wants. So if Joe Shmendrickson wants a "J" model

There will be a J model - the bird is tooled for modification so over time I beelieve you will see the C, D & J. I think I got that right..again, Jason can confirm or deny. What you won't get (I don't think) is all 3 in one box.
Also, the person who said metal landing gears may be onto something..
The person who noted the ordinance could often be the same as what is on the A-1 is also onto something..

[Sabrefan]

Flpickupman, that is a nice Marine paint scheme. I am really looking forward to the paint schemes Admiral picks for the F-4.

[Jericoeagle1]

I thought these would make for some cool exclusive designs,









Here is an Iranian F-4, I'd really like to see an Israeli Version myself

[Flytiger]

Foringer and crew have a marketing coup on their hands with this baby! Do you have any idea how many current and retired Phantom drivers are out here?

Please, please, please bring some out in base-paint schemes before Christmas. The decal guys can produce almost anything and a gift of one of these in unit markings would be the thrill of the season.

[Sabrefan]

A Thunderbird F-4 would be cool, but it is an F-4E model, not a C model like the Admiral plane will be. I really like that Navy Bicentennial paint scheme. Man would that be cool.

[thetatau87]

A lot of the F-4 ordinance is a no brainer. Must haves are:

4 each of the sidewinder and sparrow
3 drop tanks
An assortment of Mk 81, 82, 83, 84 bombs with low drag guidance fins and high drag "snakeye" fins. Fuse extenders are also cool.
Triple ejector racks are a must too.

Other cool ordinance would be:
Gun pods
ECM pods
Early laser guided ordinance (I think the F-4 was one of the first to deliver this type of ordinance)
Shrike missiles for wild weasle variants
Napalm canisters

For the Skyraider add several different types of rocket pods and idivitual rockets.

[VMF115]

I like this one alot!!!!!!

[Sabrefan]

That black Phantom is SWEET!!!!!

[VMF115]

That black Phantom is SWEET!!!!!

As much as I like it I would rather see other schemes be made first.

[CW4USARMY]

Badcat Matt, I may the odd man out, but you get it made, and I'll buy a few, regardless of the arms configuration!! Hoping this leads to an A-10 or....gulp...a B-25!