1/32 Trumpeter F-105 Thud

Gallery Article by Ian T. M. Holahan on Sept 28 2015

 

      

This is my newly finished Trumpeter 1/32 scale Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Generally speaking, the model went together well. The instrument panel utilized the tell-tale Trumpeter film insert which was applied over a white background. The ejection seat was somewhat simple, as was the actual seat in the Thud. I left off the back cushion which was supplied with the kit but I did add a small cushion where the lower back of the pilot would be located. Straps made from tape were added to the seat along with some photo-etch hardware. A Verlinden sectional map was added to the side of the instrument panel and a helmet was added to the canopy rail. The plane went together well but the plastic was somewhat rough and grainy. The surfaces of the model were sanded smooth and then primed with the superb Model Master Enamel Primer. Once all the gaps and blemishes were sanded smooth, another shot of primer was added and the aircraft was now ready for the top coat. Trumpeter engineered the wing with separate control surfaces but I ended up positioning everything neutral, as real Thuds looked when on the ground. 

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The SEA camo was then added to the model. I used Aeromaster paint for the camo application. As each layer was added, post shading was applied using lightened tones of the top coat color. At this point, all panel lines were drawn with a .005 Micron Ink Pen. The panel lines were then shot with Tamiya Smoke which was applied at low pressure, via my airbrush. Fluid leaks and stains were added to the plane using Burnt Umber oil paint which was streaked back with a brush. Bare metal chipping was added to worn areas using Floquil Old Silver. Some Interior Green Primer chips were applied to the finish as well. Since this airplane was very heavy, I used the Scale Aircraft Conversion metal landing gear set. The landing gear fit well and definitely was sturdy enough to bear the weight of the airplane. At this point Pledge Floor wax was sprayed on the model. After the Pledge dried, I went over the rivets with a wash of Testors CreateFX Black, which was thinned with water. 

The decals were then applied to the plane. I used the old Albatros "Thud Alley" decal sheet for the markings and they laid down well on the model. I chose to depict "JEANIE II/ I DREAM OF JEANIE" from the 357th TFS of the 355TFW, Takhli RTAFB flown by Capt. Jack Spillers in '67 during the Vietnam War. Capt. Spillers went on to complete 114 missions over Vietnam and "JEANIE II" was among the fortunate fifty percent of the Thuds which survived the conflict. However, this airframe was later lost while in the service of the Virginia ANG in the 70's. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely. All in all, this was a somewhat daunting project purely because of the sheer size of the model. The project spanned over eight months but at the end the kit built up into a respectable replica of the mighty Thunderchief. Best wishes!

Ian T. M. Holahan

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Photos and text © by Ian T. M. Holahan