Sheet #

Microscale 72-307 for F-101B Voodoo

Price:

$6

Units:

various

Review By:

Scott Van Aken

Notes:

 

Ah yes, the thundering 'Won-oh-Wonder'; otherwise known as the F-101 Voodoo. This aircraft first started as the XF-88 and was to be a SAC bomber escort fighter. And that is what the early versions of the F-101 were. However, it was then realized that an interceptor was needed. One that was capable of carrying air to air missiles to knock down Soviet bombers as they made their way to the US. Thus was born the two seat F-101B.

Main armament for the -101B was the Falcon and Nuclear Genie. The Genie was designed to get into a bomber stream and then the nuke warhead would go off and wipe out the force. I dare say that the crew of the 101 would not exactly be safe. The aircraft was actually fitted with blast curtains to keep the crew from being blinded by the detonation of the warhead. Thankfully, the weapon was never used as intended and from all reports, wasn't really that reliable.

The F-101 was the mainstay of the ADC and though supplemented by the F-102 and later F-106, it wasn't replaced until the F-4 Phantom started becoming available. Then all F-101Bs were given to the ANG to replace their F-94s and other older aircraft. It was there that they finally ended their service. 

The aircraft was also flown by the Canadians who liked the Voodoo and kept it in service until it was replaced by the even newer CF-18 Hornet.

This sheet harkens back to the initial use of the F-101B by regular Air Force ADC squadrons. The markings are quite colorful and really add to the huge Voodoo. Though designed for the really horrible Matchbox kit, they should work equally as well with the newer and much nicer Revell Voodoo. Unfortunately, the Revell kit has been out of production for quite a while, which is a real shame. It is still somewhat available at swap meets and such, but isn't an inexpensive kit as it is so highly desired.

First scheme is from the Air Defence Weapons Center, which was based at Tyndall AFB and charged with basic training of ADC units as well as testing and modifying systems. They also ran the annual William Tell gunnery meets.

Next is an 84 FIS F-101B based at Hamilton AFB near San Francisco. This unit went on to fly F-106s and then became an 'aggressor' unit flying T-33s until it was disbanded around 1986.

Finally bit nicest scheme (in my opinion) is that of the 60th FIS from Hanson Field, Ma. This one has the nice blue fuselage marking with red lightning bolts on the tail.

All aircraft are overall ADC grey FS 14673. The sheet include all markings except for national insignia. A very nice sheet for a very neat aircraft.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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