F-105 D Thunderstick II 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5866 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150821*
F-105 D Thunderstick II 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5866 Review

Review and Photos by Doug Bartley

 Experience in Vietnam demonstrated the need for a better visual and blind bombing capability. In March 1968, the Air Force ordered development of an upgraded bombing/navigation system, incorporating a Singer-General Precision inertial navigation system, improvements to the AN/APN-131 navigation radar, and solid-state circuitry for the R-14A radar, which was re-designated R-14K. Furthermore, the digital AN/ARN-92 long-range navigation receiver replaced the problematic AN/ARN-85 receiver. The additional avionics were housed in a long, raised dorsal spine. The modified bombing/navigation system was known as Thunderstick II. F-105s with this system could achieve a bombing circular error of probability (CEP) of 50 feet (15 m) from an altitude of 15,000 ft (4,600 m). Although the first Thunderstick II aircraft flew in 1969, they were not used in Vietnam. A total of 30 F-105Ds received this modification.

For the Modeler: This review covers the F-105 D Thunderstick II 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5866. It is a skill level 2 plastic kit molded in light gray with a clear canopy containing 87 parts. The kit does have a positionable Canopy, Stabilizers and Speed brakes as well as a nice selection of under wing ordinance consisting of 6 M117 750lb bombs (two with extended fuses), two Mk 82 500 lb bombs with extended fuses also, and under wing fuel drop tanks. This kit also features a detailed cockpit with a pilot figure. This kit has been released previously in other versions. Upon opening the box one finds that the parts are molded in light grey, transparent clear, and decals for two different Aircraft: 1.) AFRes 457th Tactical Fighter Squadron stationed at Carswell AFB, Texas 1976 and 2.) USAF 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron stationed at McConnel AFB, Kansas. Completed dimensions are; Length 16-7/8“ Wingspan 8¾”.

 

Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; extensive paint and finishing information; adhesive selections and applications; cockpit construction and detailing; decal preparation and application; cockpit and intake placement; complete pilot figure painting; altered assembly sequence for fit and finish; adding nose weight; making the glass look real using Future floor wax; using gloss paint for decal application; identification and repair of the copyright script; interior and instrument panel finishing; finishing the ordinance; complete camouflage painting technique; extra parts discussed; canopy detailing; decal selection, preparation, and application, and repairs; detailing the wheel wells; applying gloss coats for decal adhesion; instruction clarifications; using setting solutions for great looking decals; over-coating with clear flat spray; using tape to eliminate wing-root gaps; are all fully examined in this pictorial 19 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.

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