Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model

McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II – 153777, VF-74 “Bedevilers”, U.S. Navy, Oceana NAS, VA, 1981, 20th Anniversary Phantom II

1:72 Scale.  Length: 9.75".  Wingspan: 6.5"


Limited production of approximately 500 models worldwide

VF-74 “Bedevilers” were the first USN squadron to be deployed with the F-4 Phantom II. In July 1961 VF-74 traded their Douglas F4D Skyrays for the F4H-1/F-4B thereby becoming the “First In Phantom”. During the next twenty years VF-74 would fly three variants of the Phantoms 13 times on Mediterranean cruises and twice to SEA. In those twenty years #15777 spent time with other squadrons but by 1981 returned to VF-74 and given the special scheme “20 years 1961 – 1981 First In Phantoms”. In 1984 #15777 was sent to the bone yard.

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat twin-engine jet fighter originally developed for the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. Proven to be highly adaptable, it also became a major part of the air wings of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. The Phantom was used extensively by all three of these services in the Vietnam War, serving as the principal fighter / bomber for the Navy and Air Force and in ground-attack and reconnaissance roles. The F-4 Phantom II was also sold to and operated by the armed forces of 11 other nations.

The F-4 Phantom entered service in 1960 and continued to form a major part of U.S. military air power throughout the 1970s and 1980s, being gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16 in the U.S Air Force; the F-14 and F/A-18 in the U.S. Navy and the F/A-18 in the U.S Marine Corps. The F-4 was used in the reconnaissance and Wild Weasel roles in the 1991 Gulf War, finally leaving service in 1996. It was produced from 1958 to 1981 with a total of 5,195 built in several variants.

The F-4J Phantom II was produced for the U.S Navy and U.S Marine Corps. The “J” variant was basically an upgraded “B” with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the noticeable changes to the “J” variant is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun, but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid-1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new F-14 Tomcat.


Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an F-4J Phantom II features: