IPMS Detail Review: Matador Models 1/144 F-4 Ejection Seats

Matador Models

1/144 F-4 Ejection Seats

Stock Number: 144.36

Reviewed By Jim Pearsall, IPMS# 2209

MSRP: $1.38 (75 pence) for a set of two seats.
Website: www.matadormodels.co.uk

Recently I did a review of the Model Art Profile on the F-4EJ. That review is here.

In it, I said I ought to build the Aggressor "MiG"...and I did. But, on the way, I happened to read that there wasn’t a good F-4 in 1/144. I mildly disagree with that. The old 1/144 LS Phantom is pretty good in shape and size. It lacks correct underwing stores and weapons, and the interior….well, more on that a bit later. But that’s true of many kits, and that’s why there’s a great selection of aftermarket stuff to correct these problems. LS themselves produced a weapons set in 1/144. So now it’s time to talk interior.

The seats from Matador Models are just little gems. They are finely cast white metal units, two to a package. Compared to the "kitchen chairs" provided in the kits, they are marvelous. Keep in mind that these seats are about Ľ inch high. I got painting information from the Ejection Site, (www.ejectionsite.com), and painted them as well as I could. Given the fact that they’re tiny and, even with magnifiers, those details are hard to see.

Mounting them in the aircraft was painless. They fit where the original seats go and look really good.

The result was gratifying. The LS canopy is thin enough that you can see that I put those seats in there.

If you’re building 1/144, check out Matador’s catalog. You will find a series of cockpits and details which will make you smile. It’s not easy to order from them, as they don’t appear to do e-mail, only snail-mail or fax. Matador gives a 5% discount to IPMS members if you order £25 or more. With the 15% discount for not paying VAT, this pays the 20% overseas postage. But at 75 pence per item, it’d take a LOT of these to get that discount!

Conclusion:

This is a great addition to the LS F-4 kit. Mine was from an AMT box, but the LS name is still on the sprues. I highly recommend these seats, both as an easy add-on, and as a nose weight.

By the way, in the latest issue of that same magazine is a review of Platz’s new 1/144 F-4 Phantom. The review doesn’t go much into fineness or accuracy, but does bemoan the lack of cockpit detail. So, if you’re going to spend the bucks to get that new Phantom kit, consider getting decent seats for it.

Thanks to my wallet for the review copy and to the IPMS for allowing me to review it here.

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