F-105D Thunderchief

Trumpeter, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Trumpeter's 1/72 scale F-105D is available online from Squadron.com
 

Trumpeter's new 1/72 scale F-105D Thunderchief comprises 134 parts in light grey coloured plastic; 12 parts in clear; and markings for three aircraft.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The plastic parts are produced to a very high standard.

An impressive level of detail is included, especially on the aircraft's exterior. All control surfaces except the rudder are positionable, as are the exhaust petals. The gun bay is also nicely detailed, and a separate cover is supplied so this may be displayed open or closed. The refuelling probe may be built deployed or retracted.

Ordnance is impressive too, with four Mk.82 bombs, two AGM-12 missiles, two wing mounted drop tanks and a large centreline tank available to mount on your Thunderchief model.

The basic structures of the cockpit and the seat are well done, but the instrument panel and side consoles are blank faces with decal instruments, dials and switches. In this small scale, partially hidden by the coaming, this should not be a real shortcoming, but nevertheless I am certain that we will soon see photo-etched enhancements for this area. A harness is not supplied.

The plastic is very smooth. The surfaces of this model are detailed with finely recessed panel lines and rows of recessed rivets in selected areas. These rivets will not be to everyone's taste, and to my eye they look overdone on this 1/72 scale jet. Fortunately, the selective nature of their application will simplify the task of filling or toning these down with either putty or Mr Surfacer / Tamiya Surfacer.

There are no sink marks or other imperfections in any visible locations

The clear parts are thin and free of distortion. The windscreen and opening section are separate, so the canopy may easily be displayed open. Navigation lights are included as small clear parts too.

Markings for three aircraft are provided on a glossy decal sheet. Two of the aircraft are camouflaged in SEA colours, while the third option is painted in overall Aluminium (this is not a natural metal airframe).

The proportions and colours of the national markings look odd, so after market stars and bars might be the order of the day here.

The decals are nicely in register and the colours appear vibrant and opaque.

Trumpeter has delivered a very well detailed F-105D Thunderchief in 1/72 scale. The number of options and positionable parts is impressive too.

The question of surface detail is vexed, but at the end of the day it is a matter of personal taste. The photos on this page show the state of the surface detail straight from the box. Some modellers will be satisfied with the rivets, while others may wish to deal with them using putty or Surfacer products.

Recommended.

Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
Page Created 09 October, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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