Convair F-106A/B
Delta Dart Parts 1 & 2

Xtradecal, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Xtradecal's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87 B/K/R Stuka decals
are available online from Squadron.com

These are two most welcome sets that compliment the new F-106A kit from Meng, and the yet to be released F-106A and F-106B kits from Trumpeter; plus of course they will suit the old but still worthy Hasegawa F-106A.

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The Decals

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual polythene zip-lock bag. The instructions are very nicely produced in colour, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is given for each subject. A list of Xtracolor and Xtracrylix paint codes is also provided for the colours required along with their FS595 numbers.

With one exception, each entry in the colours & markings guides has a modeller’s note that advises to use the kit Stencils and standard markings, which makes good sense. However, both parts also include one complete set of stars & bars national insignia plus USAF markings that are shown as being applicable to each scheme. No harm is done by this, but it made me check to see if the decals supplied were in some way for a no-standard option.  Part 1 also has Modellers notes for ‘The Red Baron’ regarding its canopy style and short exhaust nozzle, whilst the notes the ‘Project Eclipse’ aircraft mentions the towing bracket ahead of the canopy and absence of an arrestor hook.

The sheets reviewed here cover a total of eighteen options (10 for Part 1 and 8 for part 2); some of which are quite colourful, and all interesting in my opinion. The subjects covered by Part 1 are:

• F-106A, 56-0459, The Red Baron, Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, 1950s;

• F-106A, 56-0457, 318th Green Dragons FIS, McChord AFB, 1982;

• F-106A, 57-2500/FE-500, 95th 'Mr Bones' FIS, Andrews AFB, 1963;

• F-106A, 58-0779/FE-779, 94th Hat in the Ring FIS, Selfridge AFB, 1960;

• F-106A, 59-0011, 94th Hat in the Ring FIS, Andrews AFB, 1967;

• F-106A, 59-0010,5th Spittin Kittens FIS, Major Paul Norton, Minot AFB 1979;

• F-106A, 59-0031/FE-031, 27th Falcons FIS, Loring AFB, 1969;

• QF-106A, 59-0130, NASA Project Eclipse, Edwards AFB, 1997-1998;

• F-106B, 57-2513, 539th Iron Hand FIS, McGuire AFB, 1965; and

• F-106B, 57-2513, Rockwell B-1 Test Sqn, Kelly AFB, 1979.

And by Part 2 are:

• F-106A, 59-0037, 119th Jersey Devils FIS, New Jersey Airport, 1970s;

• F-106A, 57-2457, 539th Iron Hand FIS, McGuire AFB, 1960;

• F-106A, 58-0783, 2nd Horney Horses FIS, Wurtsmith AFB, 1960s;

• F-106A, 57-2497, 84th Black Panthers FIS, Castle AFB, 1974;

• F-106A, 59-0088, 87th Red Bulls FIS, Sawyer AFB, 1970s;

• F-106A, 59-0031, 83rd FIS, McConnell AFB, 1971;

• F-106A, 59-0061, Chase Aircraft for the B-1 Tests, Lt.Col Bob Chamberlain, Kelly AFB, 1985; and

• F-106B, 59-0165, NORAD CO General Chappie James Jnr, Air Defense Weapons Center, Tyndall AFB, 1976.;

The decals appear superbly printed by Microscale Decals, with excellent colour density and registration. Both parts consist of three sheets, in each case one of which is an errata sheet providing black rather than blue codes for three subject in Part 1 and a single subject in part 2:

Part 1

Part 2

These are superbly well produced decals. They provide some interesting colourful markings for any of the available or soon to be released F-106 kits. They represent excellent value, and I highly recommend them.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 19 August, 2016
Last updated 19 August, 2016

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