Trumpeter F-105

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Has any one started on the F-105 from Trumpeter? I got mine over a month ago and today I really started looking at it. I have a few questions to any one who has started building it.

  1. Can the ammo drum be seen once the fuselage is closed up?

  2. Why install all parts to the engine when the tail cone can not be removes once the vertical stabilizer is installed?

  3. Why paint and detail the engine for the above reason?

  4. There is no drag chute compartment, only the top of the engine, so why pose the drag chute door open?

2

Berny~

Hang on until the January issue comes out later this month; the cover story is an “FSM Builds” expanded review on this kit by Larry Schramm. The kit has some problems that need fixing; not insurmountable, but Larry’s review will help. However, I won’t blow the whole story if I answer your questions:

The ammo drum and the engine are hidden when the model is assembled, and yes, without a chute compartment interior, there’s no point to posing it open, at least not until the aftermarket companies get going with detail sets. Larry built the engine for the article, and it’s gorgeous (at least we have the photos [:)]).

3

Thanks Lawrence.

I haven’t received my copy yet. I was looking through one today at the base and saw where next months issue will have the F-105 review. Looking forward to reading it. Now, if I would only receive this months issue.

4

I started building my Wild Weasel, but I noticed the cockpit isn’t exactly stellar. I put it away, and I’m hoping Cutting Edge comes out with a cockpit as good as their A-10 cockpit.

5

John P.

The cockpit isn’t the only thing that is lacking. There is a lot of detail but very little can be seen with the model closed up. The PE flap hinges look very fragile and I am not sure they would hold up. It looks like it would be a bear to install and keep them in the proper position.

One good point, there is a lot of ordinance. There is enough there to load at least three aircraft. This is the first model I have seen with the older ALQ-71 ECM pod. Most have only the ALQ-87 and ALQ-119. I would like to see a ALQ-101 pod though. The MER’s are not very detailed.

I know it looks like I am nit-picking but for a kit to cost $100+, I was wanting more.