RE: Are they truly scale
The BVM F4 is actually pretty good but can be improved in some areas and mine will be if I fly it in the next JWM. Mine is based on a USN F4J (you cannot use this kit to build an accurate Spey powered F4, the fuselage is very different) and the following need changing:
The nosecone profile , needs to be much more pointed at the front.
The front nose landing gear door is wrong shape.
Afterburner petals need much improving, and the intake lips need to be reprofiled, the model's are too thick.
Stab. is much thicker than scale, needs slotted leading edge.
Tyre profiles are hopeless (they look like slicks) and nosewheel profile is poor. (mainwheels are quite good)
The Fletcher tank profile is incorrect at the forward section.
The flaps and ailerons need reprofiling in plan view and a stub section needs to be added to the fuselage at the flap roots.
All trailing edges are too thick.
The canopy frame sits on top of the clear sections whereas the canopy frames and transparency should be flush. (the aerodynamic noise in a real jet cockpit with such a configuration would be horrendous)
There is an F4J at the American museum at Duxford.
I would add that these are relatively minor changes to what is basically a very good model indeed (flies great) to bring it up to a serious and competitive standard for the JWM.
Regards,
David Gladwin