Colors & Markings of the F-102 Delta Dagger

Detail & Scale
Digital Colors & Markings Series, Volume 2

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

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The Detail & Scale series of books has a reputation for providing some of the best research on the market.  With the advent of the digital books this is even more true than before.  The digital format allows the author to update the digital book as new information becomes available.  It also is unlimited in the number of photos and text they can provide.  There are no restrictions on the colors or number of color photos that accompany traditional printed books.  That is why the digital books offer more and better photos than the original books in the D&S series.  Another benefit of the digital format is the ability to blow up pictures with the touch and to print the photos on your computer should you choose to. 

This is the first book authored solely by Rock Roszak.  He had previously worked with Bert Kinzey on the other Detail & Scale books, so this book is in keeping with the finest traditions of the original series.

This book shows the three primary color schemes used on the Deuce throughout its operational life.  It covers the 65 squadrons that flew it in the five major Air Force commands.  Each command is broken down into chapters along with squadron histories and these are all lavishly covered in photos and profiles.  There were other users of the F-102 and these test squadrons and target drones are covered as well.  Each squadron is covered with the paint schemes and unit markings.  A treasure trove of information that is compiled for the first time in one place.  All the photos are captioned and capable of being enlarged.

The list of personnel that helped with this publication is a who’s who of aviation history, as well as, F-102 personnel and prestigious organizations. 

The digital format takes some getting used to but there is an instructional portion of the iPad version on how best to use it.  Once you get used to it the digital format is easier to use than a real paper book.  The added benefit is that you can have a bunch of books on your iPad or Kindle device and not take up any additional room.  There is of course a Table of Contents, but there are also thumbnails at the bottom of the book.  As I mentioned before the pictures can be blown up and if the orientation of the photo is landscape you can simply turn the device to get the bigger picture prior to expanding it.

The first chapter talks and illustrates the three primary color schemes worn by the F-102 during its career from the early days of Aircraft Grey (FS16473), then the SEA camouflage paint scheme, and finally aluminized silver lacquer.  Here is where the inclusion of the color photographs comes to be highlighted.  Discussion of the markings, as well as, the colors of the aircraft are included in this section.  Some great information is contained in this chapter alone. 

The second chapter talks about the Deuce in the Air Defense Command (ADC) squadrons.  The unit badges are included and are a wealth of information for a decal company.  They also provide a direct link to that unit in the chapter. 

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The third chapter covers the F-102 as part of the Alaskan Air Command, where it guarded the northern approaches against Russian bomber aircraft.  The artic markings are quite colorful. 

United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) is the next chapter and sport some of the most colorful tail markings carried on the Deuce.  ‘

Not to be outdone, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is the next chapter.  This chapter includes the deployment to Vietnam.  The inclusion of the air to air refueling probe under Projects Thirsty Camel and Hot Spice are interesting. 

The Air National Guard were the last units, besides drone targets to use the F-102 on operations. 

Miscellaneous Users are the final chapter.  Included in this section is the use of the Deuce at the end of its career as a target drone.  NASA also used the F-102.  A main focus of this section is the drone use.  The really worn-out looks of the aircraft would be a boon for any modeler looking to do a jet with a difference.

This digital book is awesome, as are the rest of the Detail & Scale digital books.  It is larger and covers more material in a better way than can be done in print.  Of course, it isn’t for everyone.  It does require an iPad or a Kindle app to view, but once you learn to use them the digital format is perfect for the historian, modeler or just aviation enthusiast. 

Thanks to Detail & Scale or the sample.

Review Copyright © 2016 by Floyd S. Werner Jr.
This Page Created on 22 November, 2017
Last updated 22 November, 2017

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