MPC (Airfix) 1/72 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

MPC (AIRFIX) 1:72 REPUBLIC F-84F THUNDERSTREAK
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: John Lacey (rec.models.scale)

Aircraft History

One of Republic’s ‘Thunder’ family of aircraft from the fabulous 50s, the F-84F began life as a nuclear striker with SAC and went on to join TAC and NATO as a conventional ‘bomb truck’ even seeing combat with the Armee de l’Air over the Suez in 1956.

Kit Parts

This is a reissue of Airfix’s Thunderstreak moulded in white styrene with ‘classic’ raised panel lines and thickish clear parts from the 1970s. The cockpit includes a pilot figure and has a nice degree of detail for the scale. No detail is provided for the wheel wells, though the intake and exhaust are ‘blanked off’ but still bereft of detail. Clear parts include a canopy and separate windscreen, side window panels, a dorsal light and a instrument panel piece.

Options

Stores include two styles of drop tank and two bombs, these replacing the outer tanks, whilst other options include ‘wheels up or down’ and airbrakes open or closed.

Instructions

These are a double sided sheet folded in half with a brief aircraft history, the first two and last of ten construction steps and a decaling and painting guide on one side with the remaining construction steps on the reverse.

Colour Options

Markings are provided for one machine in overall natural metal from the USAF’s 78^th FBS ‘Bushmasters’ based in England in 1958, or so the instructions say. The instructions fail to note that the 78^th was part of the 20^th FBW based at RAF Woodbridge and interestingly, the wing history notes they replaced their birds with F-100Ds in 1958, so this aircraft must be in its final guise with the Bushmasters.

Decals

The decals themselves are in excellent register and include some stencilling.

Impressions

I, for one, am more than happy having this kit in my possession as it’s a real blast from the past and am happy enough with it’s shortcomings.

Conclusion

In 72^nd scale, Italeri also offer an F-84F (one I’m after!!). That said, this kit is still a worthwhile buy for the type, giving a fair impression of the robust Republic fighter bomber. Recommended.

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