4 September 2025: An update of Hypersonic Models 1/72 tanks
There were at least three different suppliers of the F-4 370-gallon external tanks that were slightly but clearly different externally. See http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/things-under-wings-f4h-f-4-phantom.html
Few F-4 kits provide the original McAir tank, which did not have a constant diameter at any point from either end to the middle and did have flanges on both sides at the midpoint of the tank. Jeffrey Kubiak of Hypersonic Models originally provided a 1/72 option for this several years ago when he lived in the UK:
These were 1/72 scale, accurate in size, and include the handed pylons to which the tanks were attached. The resin in my example, provided by Hypersonic, was flawless. (These are also available in 1/48th. at the time)
However, Jeffrey has since moved to Japan and has been updating his product line. For his replacement of this aftermarket item, see https://www.hypersonicmodels.com/products/coming-soon/mcdonnell-370-gal-wing-tanks-f-4-phantom-1-72
"A revamped, re-designed and 100% 3D printed set of McD 370gal wing tanks in 1:72, with pylon mounting pins designed to be a drop fit for the FM F-4 kits. Mainly aiming for the F-4B of course, but also applicable for F-4C, F-4D, F-4N and F-4J (the latter rarely though as the tanks had mostly been replaced by Fletchers by then).
I have no idea when shipping to the US may be available again. This is of course doing great harm to my business (the US has always been my main customer base, from day one, when I was still in the UK).
My products can be bought at Victory Models in the US, I hope they themselves can survive. There is a way to ship trade orders to them for not a lot more cost than using Japan Post, but it's not viable for insividual customer orders.
It's all, hmmm, less than ideal....
Jeffrey"
This is the current Hypersonics website: https://www.hypersonicmodels.com/all-products/all-products
