There is one US Phantom scheme that stands head and shoulders above all others in terms of its fame and attractiveness… that of VF-111 ‘Sundowners’. Many kits have included these beloved sharkmouth and sunburst markings, and they have also been replicated by many aftermarket decal firms.

If you plan to build a VF-111 F-4, the new landscape-format softback under Double Ugly!’s Fox Two imprint is arguably the go-to reference… especially as no other publisher has focused on this unit’s F-4s in a dedicated manner. This book, Sundowner Phantoms, is a modeller’s dream as it examines VF-111’s F-4B and N airframes across the entire career span, from 1971-77 – that period being bookended by the F-8 Crusader and F-14 Tomcat.

The 70-page product begins with a basic history of the unit, from its creation and entry into service as VF-11 with the F4F Wildcat, through operational phases on types such as the F8F Bearcat, F9F Panther/Cougar, F11F Tiger and F-8 Crusader. Fascinating nuggets of information come to light, such as the ‘birth’ and employment of VF-111’s mascot ‘Omar’ which, sadly, was almost never painted on the F-4s (Bullseye Model Aviation has produced it in 1/48, for a 1971-72 combat cruise airframe). However, modellers seeking detail for the unit’s various sunburst liveries on the Phantom are fully catered for, including the less spectacular garb whereby the sunburst is confined to the rudder alone. There is also interesting narrative on the unit’s Vietnam War participation, albeit ‘late in the game’.

Little nuances, such as yellow trim to the sunburst, are shown clearly in the myriad colour photos, as well as structural differences in the under-nose fairing shape, tail top arrangements and the like. Most of the images show parked aircraft, although there is a handful of aerial studies – but almost all are of good quality and display admirable clarity. Several photos show stores fitted, such as AIM-9 Sidewinders, Mk.82 bombs and .5in Zuni rockets in a LAU-10 pod, but most feature airframes carrying just a centreline fuel tank, and the occasional triple ejector rack and/or baggage pods.

Pleasingly, rarer variants of livery are also present, including VF-111’s 1976 subtle Bicentennial garb, a part-finished sharkmouth, and examples of seldom-seen Commander Air Group décor. Accompanying the photos and captions are useful data tables, offering information on subjects such as F-4B conversion to ‘N’ standard (with BuNo/date/Modex), receipt of F-4s from other units, and there’s a full table listing all Phantoms flown by VF-111. Completing the coverage are colour profile/plan/underside drawings of F-4B BuNo 153019/201/NL, which sports the Omar motif on its flap upper surfaces.

This book offers vital reference for anyone contemplating VF-111 F-4 builds, regardless of scale, and is highly recommended…