1/48 Trumpeter F-100F Misty FAC

Gallery Article by Bob Bartolacci on Dec 20 2010

 

In Viet Nam in 1967 a top secret squadron with the callsign -- MISTY was created.  This squadron consisted of combat-experienced fighter pilots with the sole purpose of identifying enemy targets and thus disrupting the flow of supplies down the Ho Chi Minh trail.

The Misty FAC two seater F-100 jets would fly low and fast (350 to 550 MPH) while constantly jinking to avoid being hit by enemy anti-aircraft weapons.  The Misty jets were armed with only their cannons and marking rockets.  Once targets were spotted, the Misty pilot would direct in USAF and USN bombers for strike missions.

This was dangerous work for these volunteer pilots and 28% of them were shot down. 

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The plane I chose to build was saved from the scrap heap and lovingly restored ovedr a 5 year period to it's former glory and now resides proudly in place of honor at the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

For my model I used the 1/48 Trumpeter F-100F kit.  I hope you enjoy the photos.

Bob Bartolacci

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Photos and text © by Bob Bartolacci