Argentinian F-4J

[anthonyp]

Here's my first posting of a completed plane on these forums.  Be gentle

I figure in my little alternate history universe, the USN didn't stop building Midway class ships after three, rather they began construction on CVB-44 (Langley), CVB-56 (Kitty Hawk), and CVB-57 (United States), but ceased construction once WWII was over.  All three had been launched and were in various stages of completion.  The Langley was eventually completed for use in the USN (and went on to serve until sunk in the Great Atlantic Turkey Shoot of 1988).  The Kitty Hawk and United States were at a less advanced stage when construction was halted.  The Kitty Hawk eventually was sold to Spain in 1951 (renamed "Santissima Trinidad") and the United States was sold to Argentina in 1954 and renamed "Cruz Meridional".

The Cruz Meridional was completed to the SCB110 refit configuration applied to the other members of the Midway class.  Later, to update it to use more modern aircraft, it was refit to the SCB110A configuration applied to the US's Coral Sea and Langley (Midway, FDR, and Spain's Midway all received the further SCB101 refit).

One of the aircraft that the refit allowed to be operated was the McDonnel Douglas F-4J.  Twenty-eight examples were purchased to form two squadrons for use on the Cruz Meridional.  In the late '70's, they were upgraded by a French company to fire the Exocet anti-shipping missile, much to the chagrin of the Royal Navy in 1982.  

The Jarred Rhinos (A play on the F-4J(AR) designation) continue to play a role in the Argentinian Navy, even though their role of fleet air defense has been taken over by newer French Rafale M's that came in a package deal with the old carrier Foch.

I built this thing out of a 1/72 Fujimi (read:  poor fitting) F-4J and some decals from an ancient Super Etenard model I bought off the bargain table at a local hobby store.  The missiles are from the old Testors NATO weapons set.

[anthonyp]

Another view

[anthonyp]

And another

[anthonyp]

One last view

[elmayerle]

Hmm, I do need to get back to playing with a concept for Argentinian Harriers acquired pre-Falklands.  They could make things a bit more itneresting, I'd imagine.

[nev]

I don't just like it, I love it!!!        

[Mike Wren]

cracking stuff Anthony, it looks spot on      

[Gary]

That's simply Phantastic...  No seriously.

It simply looks right and the colour scheme is excellent. Wow, talk about stepping up the level of competition!!!

[Captain Canada]

I don't just like it, I love it!!!      

What he said !

 

Great idea, Anthony...not just the carrier idea, but both of them ! The Malvinas Conflict holds a tonne of WI potential.......I've got a bunch of RCN and RCAF a/c done for a similar scenerio.

Keep 'em coming !

[Scooterman]

Wow.  Most impressive!

My idea was using a Spey powered Rhino (just because I have one not tagged for any project) but that J looks great!

[Radish]

           
Absolutley fecking brilliant!!!
             

[Keith Diamond]

very nice concept and excellent model to back it up  

[anthonyp]

Thanks, guys!

This looks to be my only entry in this group build, as the Argentinian markings were the only Latin/South American decals I had on hand.  Doesn't mean I don't have more to post, though  B)  

[Leigh]

Beautiful  

[dragon]

I salute you!  Beautiful and very brave (you are now a target for every Joyless Modelling Nazi in your area of the world).