Those whose interest is the Korean war, realize that probably the most important jet powered fighter-bomber of that conflict was the F-84. Though the F-80 did a yeoman's job, it really wasn't designed nor able to perform the task as well as the Thunderjet. Though the 84 was to be a long range escort fighter, the folks at Republic always built their aircraft with great strength, so when the proper engine arrived for the Thunderjet airframe, it was natural that it be able to perform the ground attack task as well.

Aeromaster delved into 1/72 sheets after a slow and cautious start. This is the first of two sheet for the F-84, specifically the Tamiya or Academy version, though you could just as easily apply them to the older Heller kit. There are markings for three aircraft with enough common stuff for two. The sheet has been cropped at the bottom to save on file size.

The first plane is listed in the instructions as an F-84G, but it is really an F-84E from the 9th FBS/49th FBG, resplendent in red and white stripes. As with the following sheet, one puts the tail stripes on BEFORE the tail planes to ensure a good fit.

Next is an F-84G from the 8th FBS/49th FBG. This sister plane to the previous scheme has its markings in black and yellow.

Finally, the lone E model on this sheet. This is the 49th FBW commander's plane as you can see from the red, yellow and blue stripes. It also has an impressive tally of mission marks on the fuselage side.

The F-84 was probably the most colorfully painted aircraft in the theatre and this sheet will have a scheme that will look great on your next Thunderjet.

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