HobbyMaster "HM" continues it''s benchmark of excellence with the release of this F-105B Thunderchief in Thunderbird colors. If you are a collector of Flight Demonstration Team type aircrafts or if you just would like to have this one in your hanger, than this model is a must have. HM has done a great job in reproducing the 1960''s Thud all dressed up for the dance. The actual Thunderbirds only used the F-105 for about 6 months but I''m glad that HM decided to give us this 1:72 scale big fighter plane representing an important part of our aviation legacy and history.
HM did a good job in the packaging with nice graphics and a short write up on the model. The plastic container that actually holds the model in place has some issues. The area where the model is secured at the wings can be a bit tricky trying to remore the model from it. Care must be taken so you don''t damage or break the extra long pitot tube on the left wing. Would have been nice if HM had provided a spare just in case.
The model has some weight to it, built with few plastic parts and is a big fighter type plane even in 1:72 scale. The fit and finish on this model is supper and there are no nasty gaps to complain about. The wings, horizontal stabilizer and tail all line up just right, no bending required. The paint and all the graphics are Tampo applied, no decals to discolor and wear off. The red on the model might be a little on the dark side, I''m not an expert on paint colors for the Thunderbirds. I wish that HM would have painted the panels on the model in different shades of silver for a more realistic look.
The cockpit is nicely detailed. It includes an ejection seat, control stick, detailed instrument panel and a heads-up display "HUD" for creature comforts. It also includes a pilot figure with a white helmet and olive drab flight suit and gear. If you would like to repaint the pilot like I do, I reccommend acrylic hobby paints as they adhere well to the rubber pilots and clean up is easy with just water. The canopy and windshield plastic is typical HM standard crystal clear and canopy operation up and down is easy and smooth.
The model comes with the insert and display one piece landing gear "LG" parts, which is great because you don''t have to mess with small LG actuators. It also includes a stand to display the model in the up and away mode with the LG up or down. HM did a good job in providing the interchangable exhaust airbrake pedals for that extra touch of realism. This offering doesn''t come with any external stores ie; fuel tanks, pods, bombs, as it is a Flight Demonstration Team aircraft.
Overall HM has done a supper job in bringing us this very nice replica of a historic combat aircraft painted in those special colors we''ve grown to love.