I've started watching the new PBS Ken Burns documentary and it's inspired me to tackle a subject related to that sad and sorry conflict.
One of the aircraft closely associated with the Vietnam War is the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. It was used extensively during the conflict as a fighter bomber and quite a few were lost. However, being from the Republic stable, they were tough birds and many made it home despite substantial damage
The kit is one I've had in the stash since the mid 80s I think so it's about time it was tackled. Although it is from Hasegawa, it is one of their earlier kits and dates from 1966. It therefore lacks a lot of the finesse we normally associate with more modern Hasegawa kits. It also features raised panel lines - although the rivet detail is recessed.
As you can see from the pictures below, there are not that many parts. You can also see that I did, at one point, make a start on painting the pilot figure, who comes integrally moulded with his seat. That certainly gives the kit's age away. I am minded to drop the pilot (apologies to any Joan Armatrading fans) and fabricate a seat out of plastic card.
It will be painted in the USAF South East Asia camouflage scheme similar to that on the rather nice box art - although I plan to use some old Modeldecal sheet which depicts an F-105 that was actually based in South East Asia during the conflict. The kit decals are for a post Vietnam War aircraft.
