Box art of the 1/72 F-4E (late) at Clark Air Base with PN tailcode and sharkmouth nose, canopies open on the mid-1980s ramp scene.

FineMolds’ new-tool 1/72 F-4E (Late) ‘Clark Air Base’ hits stores

By Juan Carlos Orellana | Artrovo Gundam | Sept. 1, 2025

SANTA CLARITA, CA - FineMolds has started retail for its new-tool 1/72 F-4E Phantom II (late), “Clark Air Base,” with shipments leaving the factory Aug. 29 and store arrivals beginning Monday, Sept. 1 on a rolling basis across Japan. The manufacturer lists the kit at ¥4,950 tax-in.

This release targets the late-model F-4E with the real-world upgrade that made the jet more maneuverable: leading-edge slats on the wings. FineMolds says the “soft wing” is captured with new tooling, and the outer-panel slats are separate parts to sharpen the look once assembled.

Unpainted test shot showing the new soft-wing outer-panel slats as separate parts on the F-4E’s left wing leading edge.
New-tool “soft wing” with separate slats captures the late-E upgrade.

Builders also get a newly molded TISEO (television sight) on the left wing—done with a clear lens—plus a decal set for the U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing based at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The package art nods to the mid-1980s ramp scene that many Pacific spotters will recognize.

Annotated prototype highlighting soft-wing slats and newly molded left-wing TISEO with clear lens, plus other late-E details.
Feature callouts point out the soft wing and the newly molded TISEO lens.

Retailers began listing the kit over the weekend with the official MSRP and early-September arrival windows. The FineMolds product page confirms the JAN code and shows the FF06 catalog number, giving shops an anchor for inventory and restock tracking.

Completed 1/72 F-4E (late) in SEA camouflage with PN tailcode and sharkmouth, front three-quarter studio view.
Official build photo of the late E in SEA camo with sharkmouth.

FineMolds has been iterating a coherent 1/72 Phantom family over the past few years; the late-E fills the USAF “slatted wing” slot that many modelers have built via aftermarket conversions. Having the slats and TISEO in the box—without surgery—should broaden the appeal for newcomers and make side-by-side comparisons with earlier “hard-wing” E kits easier.

Four side-view marking profiles for 3rd TFW/3rd TFS F-4E aircraft at Clark AB, including sharkmouth options and PN tailcodes.
Decal guide includes multiple PN-coded 3rd TFW/3rd TFS options from 1980–1991.

Weapons options remain a choice for the builder. As with other FineMolds Phantoms, the company highlights separate accessory sets (missiles, belts, pitot tubes) for anyone planning a full loadout or extra cockpit detail.

Underside view of the F-4E showing pylons and ordnance; some stores depicted come from separate FineMolds accessory sets.
Example stores fit; certain weapons shown are from separate FineMolds sets.

U.S. availability is import-driven. In prior cycles, FineMolds aircraft have reached American shops a few weeks after the Japanese street date; watch U.S. retailers and distributors for purchase orders once domestic allocations firm up.

Fact box:

  • Scale/subject: 1/72 McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (late) — “Clark Air Base”

  • Manufacturer/catalog: FineMolds FF06

  • MSRP (JP): ¥4,950 tax-in (about $34 at recent rates)

  • Release timing (JP): factory shipments Aug. 29; store arrivals from Sept. 1, 2025

  • Key tooling: new “soft wing” with separate slats; newly molded TISEO with clear lens

  • Markings: 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing / 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (PACAF, Clark AB)

  • JAN: 4536318710066

  • Extras: compatible FineMolds detail-up sets (missiles, seat belts, pitot) sold separately

  • Retail status: general retail in Japan; U.S. availability expected via import

Sources (accessed Sept. 1, 2025):

  • FineMolds — official product page: shipment notice (Aug. 29), rolling retail from Sept. 1, MSRP ¥4,950, JAN 4536318710066, soft-wing/TISEO details. finemolds.co.jp

  • Dengeki Hobby — same-day feature confirming the new-tool “soft wing,” late-model focus and sales beginning Sept. 1 onward. 電撃ホビーウェブ

  • HobbySearch (1999.co.jp) — retailer listing with FF06 code, JAN, MSRP and soft-wing/TISEO description; early-September arrival. 1999.co.jp

  • HobbyLink Japan — retailer page carrying the “Clark Air Base” late-E and release window. HLJ+1

  • Aeroscale — news note summarizing the late-E’s slatted wing and TISEO features as part of the new tooling. AeroScale

  • XE — USD/JPY reference around Sept. 1, 2025 (≈¥147 per $1) used for “about $34.” Xe

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