Trumpeter 1/48 F-100D Super Sabre

 America's first supersonic fighter (at least able to go supersonic in a straight line) was the F-100. North American at the time was one of the premier aircraft manufacturers, well known for innovative and sturdy aircraft that would get the job done with minimal fuss. Very much a child of its time, the F-100 was initially armed with four cannon, but later was outfitted to carry bombs and even later, both air to air and air to ground missiles. Such was the success of the type that it served with distinction in Vietnam until replaced by the F-105. It then soldiered on in the ANG until nearly 1980.

In addition to the USAF, the F-100 was flown by France, Denmark, and Turkey in Europe. It was also heavily utilized by the RoCAF on Taiwan. Several were lost flying intelligence missions over communist China.

First off let me say the the general detailing of the kit is excellent. Even with its glitches it is generally more detailed than the other F-100Ds on the market from ESCI, and Monogram, though the latter kits have always had a great cockpit. Italeri, or Hasegawa. There are two bang seats provided, of which you only use one. The cockpit is quite nicely done and fits atop a full intake trunk. Decals are provided for instruments though the raised detail in these areas is quite nice and you may want to paint these instead. . There are two different designs of speed brake well and brake, though Trumpeter doesn't tell you which to use. Interestingly, this kit does not include the F-102 burner can so if you want to do an ANG version, you will have to source it from somewhere else if you wish this item. The F-100C kit has it.

The kit also has separate flaps and ailerons though they are designed to be modeled in the neutral position. Separate slats are given and it is appropriate to have the deployed while on the ground. Other features are both styles of refueling probe as well as a straight or stowed pitot tube. Landing gear and nicely done and  you are provided with a separate windscreen and canopy as well as a boarding ladder. For things under wings you are provided with the larger 335 gallon drop tanks, the Y-shaped Sidewinder pylon along with Sidewinders, and standard inner and outer pylons, though there are no other weapons to put on these. A buddy pod fuel tank is included, though I'm not sure how often it was used. Hit the Hasegawa weapons sets for your bombs. You also have a tail hook, but this was a later addition to check your references.

Now for the glitches. The biggest is the flattened bottom to the intake. Even if Trumpeter only looked at the box art, they'd have seen this is wrong. There is, however, a pair of corrections available. One is just the nose and the other is full trunking as well.  I should also mention that the tires are too tall. Wheels are fine, but I'd get resin replacements. I should also mention that while all F-100Ds did have the cranked refueling probe after about 1964/65, this should be researched as I don't think it applies to the box art plane. Should also point out that I've recently learned that the 335 gallon tanks included with the kit were also not issued until about the same time frame.

Instructions are typical Trumpeter and should cause no issues. There are four markings options;  two US and two French. There is one each in overall aluminum and in the SEA camouflage scheme. The decals are nicely printed. For those who want something different, there are aftermarket decals out there. While the older offerings were designed for the Monogram kit, they should fit this one with no issues.  

I built their 1/72 F-100C and found it to be a nice experience. I would expect this one to be the same. You really do need to get the replacement nose, however.

November 2019

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Thanks to me for getting this one.