For many years during the 1950's the F-89 Scorpion was one of several types of aircraft that were tasked with protecting our borders from hostile incursions by Soviet aircraft. It was decided that guns were no longer needed to bring down attacking aircraft, so most interceptors were armed only with missiles. In the case of the early F-89s, this meant small, unguided rockets very similar to the German R4Ms of late in the war. The theory being that if you fired enough of them at a bomber, you were bound to get enough hits to bring it down. The F-89 carried all of its rockets in wingtip pods. These were able to be fired in small salvos or all at one time.

These aircraft were generally quite colorfully marked and are popular subjects with modelers.

This particular sheet has markings for two aircraft. There are enough common markings and stencils to do one of the two aircraft, though you could easily use the kit decals for the other. Also included are two natural metal surrounds for the insignia of one of the subjects.

The first aircraft is from the 76 FIS. This one has red stripes on the tip pods and the rudder. You will have to paint the yellow and blue on the tip pods.

The next aircraft is from the 66 FIS. Arctic Red wing and tail markings make this a colorful aircraft. The tip pods will have to be painted yellow. The modeler will also have to mask off the USAF areas on the wings before painting red so that the bare metal sections will show through.

A very nice sheet that will make a couple of colorful aircraft.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has over 1700 visits a day, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.