Preorder Expected Arrival - FEB 2025

The F-105 Thunderchief, nicknamed "Red River Showboat," was a prominent fighter-bomber aircraft used extensively by the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War. Assigned to various squadrons, including the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), the F-105 gained renown for its role in conducting high-speed, low-altitude bombing missions over North Vietnam. The nickname "Red River Showboat" reflected its distinctive red tail markings and its operational base near the Red River in Thailand. Despite its vulnerability to enemy defenses, the F-105's rugged design and heavy payload capacity made it a vital asset in USAF's efforts to disrupt enemy logistics and infrastructure.

Designed as a replacement for the F-84F Thuderstreak, the F-105 first flew on October 2, 1955. This Mach-2 capable aircraft was used for strike bombing during the Vietnam War. It was armed with a cannon and missiles and was also designed to carry a nuclear weapon. The single-seat F-105 was the largest single-engine fighter ever to serve with the USAF, and could deliver a greater bomb load than any of the 10-man strategic bombers that served during WWII. Despite these impressive statistics, the F-105 was also the only US aircraft in history to be removed from combat because of high rates of attrition.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-105 Thunderchief is a large, heavy model in this scale. This model has many fine features, including an accurately rendered "wasp waist" fuselage, a hinged canopy that locks securely in place leaving almost no visible gap, and cockpit details that include pad-printed screens and dial instrument panel. There is a M61 Vulcan cannon port, moveable horizontal stabilators that rotate in unison and an exhaust nozzle that can be configured. The solid metal wing has a plastic engine intake, which allows for correct replication of sharp edges. Most releases include a full range of ordnance (exceptions include air show releases).

Info: F-105F Thunderchief - USAF 355th TFW, 354th TFS, #63-8331 Red River Showboat, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand