Ok curly boy last word on the Phantom for now been as you asked so politely. ha ha ha

Technically if we are repainting the Phantom to represent the scheme worn when she shot down the Mig the star obviously shouldnt be there.

But it was applied at a later date and it is a talking point for the public plus I think it looks pretty good. so the plan is to represent it yes. As for the date marked within the star I havnt as yet given it to much thought. there is lots of other jobs to think about before we get to that stage. Ive seen pics of Mig kill Phantoms that have the date within the star and also stars without the date. But yes it might be nice to have the date in the star. Interestingly the previous care taker (for want of a better name) painted over the star that was on the aircraft when we received it. Even now when the light catches the area you can still see the imprint from the date the yanks applied. And believe it or not they put the wrong date within the star.

Anyway if you want any more info or have any questions drop me a personnal message at any time and I will reply to the best of my knowledge.

But yes I will start a thread as soon as I can and I will include lots of pics for you to look at. I will also mention your kind comments to RobMac who did the thread and the work on the Sea Vixen. Its kind comments from you guys and the public that make the hardwork even more worthwhile.

Finally yes we should go back to chattin about the F104. Over the last few days the guys working on it have applied many stencil markings and if you think she looks good in LesB’s pics you should see her now.

Hello all,

Yes the two F4C’s are both still with us. The elder of the two ladies 37414 (the seventh F4C to be built) is in storage although it is very visible to the visiting public. Unfortunately when the aircraft was dimantled by the USAF at Woodbridge the USAF dismanteling crew simply cut the wings straight of leaving us no way to put them back on.

The complete example 37699 which as you state is a genuine Mig Killer is still with the Museum on loan from the USAF. Its funny the Phantom should be mentioned here as in the last few weeks Ive just been tasked with restoring her and have started to begin doing some work on the grand old lady.Yes thats why im known as Phantom Phixer

Its been about 5-6 years since she was last painted and now its her turn to be given the magic touch. When we last painted the aircraft we put her back into the Nam colours she wore when the Mig kill was recorded. Externally the aircrafts present livery is fading a little and also in places peeling but it is the paint scheme we applied that is peeling. The USAF Air national Guard scheme she was delivered in is still underneath and very intact.

It has to be said the aircraft is in remarkably sound condition and that our American friends certainly knew how to build a plane to last.

Due to the time of the year Im only presently doing some smaller jobs making the airframe ready for a repaint next year. Important jobs it has to be said but not as obvious to the public as a repaint. So far Ive been cleaning the Undercarriage bays and also removing paint from the various formation strips around the airframe.Im not going to ruin the surprise but watch this space re the strips.

Ive also had a number of the under belly access panels open and have done some general house keeping duties within them. Opening them was like a time warp as they still have the original stikers/placards and Mc Donnell inspection stamps on them.
I know that this internal work will not be seen by the general public but its there in original condition and been looked after. Once this is done then I will move onto other areas of the airframe that require slight attention.

If people are interested in the Phantom and the work Im doing on her I will gladly start a thread as other members of the Midland Air Museum have done and keep you all updated on her progress and supply pictures for you all.

Regards Phantom Phixer

I believe that Cranfield only ever held the rear fuselage section which obviously includes the fin and tailplane.

If im correct this is presently in store at the Midland Air Museum.

many apologies Albert. Think the deviation from the original thread is my fault as I suggested an international theme so I could have a C5. It annoys me sometimes when people deviate of my original thread and I appear to have hijacked some bodies. Sorry.