An airplane that has always been a favorite with most jet fans is the F-105D. When it comes to kits, there are, apparently, two in 1/48 scale. One is the venerable, but still quite nice kit by Monogram. This has been, reissued several times, a few of them in Revell boxes so is still relatively obtainable. This kit was molded based on the aircraft as they flew near the end of their lives. This sheet is for the planes as they first entered service so a considerable number of details have to be removed or filled in to be correct for an early F-105. This sheet is designed for the Hobby Boss kit. This is one I've not yet seen, but have to assume that it is pretty much the same in terms of appearance to the Monogram kit due to the items needing to be modified.

This includes reducing the spine, filling in the gun gas vents, removing the strike camera and ECM pods, removing the afterburner cooling intakes from the rear, and removing all of the various reinforcement plates that were added to extend the aircraft's life span.  Now while the instructions don't mention this last one, if the Hobby Boss kit is properly molded, it will have these things on it. All of the others are noted in the decal instruction sheet.

Thunderchiefs of this era were all painted in aluminum lacquer. No bare metal aside from the burner petals. Black radomes and Olive Drab anti-glare panels as well. The 49th TFW plane is the boss bird with multiple colors in the nose and tail markings. The green banded plane is from the 335 TFS/4 TFW. Actually, I don't recall seeing any other 4 TFW F-105 squadron of this time period reproduced on a sheet.

The decals are superbly done by Cartograf and include full insignia and data for one plane. it is a nice touch that the markings that go over the gear doors are done in sections. The big green bands for the 335 TFS are also done for you so no painting worries. Instructions are full color with a data marking guide to help in placement. I was surprised to see that the lower insignia is over the gear door as in all these years, I've placed it farther out on the wing as it is on the upper side. 

Another fine sheet and while it says it is for the Hobby Boss kit, I'd bet that it will fit the Monogram one as well with a bit of fudging.

June 2009

Thanks to www.squadron.com for the review sheet. Get yours today from your local hobby shop or on-line retailer.

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