HOBBY MASTER AIR POWER SERIES

Historical Note:

On Nov. 27, 1957, four U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilots belonging to the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing successfully completed Operation Sun Run by establishing three new transcontinental speed records in a McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo aircraft. The record-breaking mission showcased the speed and range of the RF-101C, an improved version of the first supersonic photo reconnaissance aircraft, the RF-101A. The new Los Angeles to New York record was established at 3 hours, 7 minutes and 43.63 seconds, while the New York to Los Angeles record was 3 hours, 36 minutes and 32.33 seconds.

Designed to meet a USAAF requirement for a long-range turbojet powered fighter, the F-101 was first flown (as the XF-88 prototype) on October 20th, 1948. Its initial mission as bomber escort was modified during development to include that of all-weather interceptor, nuclear fighter-bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. Reconnaissance variants saw extensive use during the Vietnam war while interceptors remained in service with several Air National Guard units until 1982. Ultimately, the Voodoo's career was rather short-lived although it did help pave the way towards the highly successful F-4 Phantom II that replaced it.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-101 Voodoo is a large model in this scale and is constructed from diecast metal with plastic components used for replication of fine scale details such as the model's nose and engine exhausts. The short stubby solid metal wings are cleverly fitted to the fuselage with almost no visible seams and feature razor thin aerodynamic wing fences and crisp panel lines. The hinged canopy opens near vertical for easy placement of crew figures and viewing the highly detailed pad-printed front and rear instrument panels. The series covers fighter variants with a rotating weapons palate under the forward fuselage and reconnaissance variants with transparent camera windows in the nose.

Info:       RF-101C Voodoo - USAF 363rd TRW, #56-0163, Operation Sun Run, November 27th 1957