Sheet:

Superscale 48-804: F-84F Thunderstreak

Units: 79 and 113 FBS

Price

$7.00

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

The F-84F is one of those aircraft that tends to be forgotten by many modelers. That's a bit odd when one considers that it was built in very large numbers and was a mainstay of NATO air forces for at least a decade. It is a classic 50s jet fighter and has been kitted by a number of companies over the years. In 1/48, the modeler has a choice of two very similar kits; one by Heller and one by Monogram. The Monogram kit was recently reissued and the Heller version is also available from time to time. Most modelers will choose the Monogram version as it has a bit of an edge over the Heller kit. Both are 70's molds with raised panel lines and somewhat iffy fit. However, they both can be made into very nice models.

This sheet covers two of them, both in bare metal finishes.

The first is from the 79th FBS/20th FBW based in the UK in 1957. The F-84F was capable of carrying a tactical nuclear weapon so that was its reason for being based in the British Isles. The modeler will have to match the yellow on the decals in order to paint the canopy frame. Superscale has gone to great lengths to design its markings to fit over difficult airframe sections, so you should have little trouble applying the nose decal if you follow the directions given.

The other aircraft is from the 113 FBS of the Indiana ANG. I must confess that I've not seen this particular scheme before, however, since Dave Cook (who works at the 113th) supplied the info for it, I'll go with its accuracy.

There are enough common markings to enable you to do one of the two planes.

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