AOA Decals

1/32 VF-143 Pukin' Dogs: Taproom 102 decal sheet

Product # 32-016 for Tamiya 1/32 F-4J Phantom

Product  Article by Steve Bamford on Aug 16 2016

 

      

VF-143 PUKIN' DOGS: TAPROOM 102 - USN F-4J Phantom in the Vietnam War 

This decal sheet from AOA Decals covers one specific F-4J Phantom (BuNo 155887) as she appeared during three Vietnam cruises while with the same squadron (VF-143 Pukin' Dogs, callsign "Taproom") and also same modex each time (102). Not a MiG killer, just one example of the many, many other Phantoms that took part in the war daily. The Pukin' Dogs Vietnam F-4B's have been covered in decal form before (again, because of MiG kills), their later wartime F-4Js have been neglected until now.

For the 1972-73 cruise, this aircraft also bore the name of VF-143's XO, CDR Harley Hall, who sadly become the last Navy combat loss on 27 January 1973 flying Taproom 113 and last American to be listed as POW. While his RIO was later released, there is still controversy and contradictions surrounding the ultimate fate of CDR Hall. CDR Hall was previously Blue Angels Officer-In-Charge/Flight Leader (Plane 1), him and his Blue Angel team were featured in the 1975 documentary Threshold - The Blue Angel Experience.

Click on images below to see larger images

Three Marking Options Included:

  • F-4J Phantom, USS Constellation 1969-70, BuNo 155887

  • F-4J Phantom, USS Enterprise 1971-72, BuNo 155887

  • F-4J Phantom, USS Enterprise 1972-73, BuNo 155887

Unlike vast majority of AOA releases, only the minimal stenciling/common markings are provided. F-4's were liberally covered with stencils and is too large of a project to be covered for this release.

Decals also included for external fuel tanks and intake FOD covers.

The 3 Phantoms on this decal sheet are the same aircraft during 3 different deployments in it's combat career.  The colorful markings will make into an excellent looking Phantom.

You can buy this decal sheet directly from AOA Decals.

Steve Bamford

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford