RF-84F Thunderflash- Hobby Model in 1/33 scale

[Isaac]

Starting a new build soon.

I purchased this Hobby model kit of the RF-84F Thunderflash during a visit to Poland a few years ago. Since then, I followed up and purchased the GPM laser frames as well as new plastic wheels for this kit ( interesting that they are moving to plastic cast wheels instead of the wood wheels ). Only thing missing is a proper canopy for it ( which I will have to vacuform later ).

This is an average complexity build even though it has an interior compartments for the cameras. The kit has been posted on a few forums before ( like Konradus ). I hope to build it well.


I will follow up with a bit of history and my walk around pictures I took of this aircraft while in Istanbul at the Turkish aviation museum ).


Here are some pics of the kit and accessories.






Cheers


Isaac

[willygoat]

This should be good! I've been eyeing this kit for a while now.

[nighthawk78]

Looks like a nice kit and the instructions look good

[MacSongLi]

Very nice, this will be a good thread.

Gary

[YOAVHOZMI]

good luck with it issac. it seem to be a good model.

YOAV

[Isaac]

The Republic company ( makers of the famous WW2 P-47 Thunderbolt fighter ) built the RF-84F Thunderflash which is the reconnaissance version of the F-84F Thunderstreak. This is a 1950’s vintage aircraft derived from the straight winged F-84G Thunderjet used during the Korean war. The Thunderstreak was supposed to be a competitor to the North American Sabre jet, but in reality was a marginal improvement. However, this aircraft and the recon version were widely used by US and NATO Air forces.

The Recon version had a new nose to house all the bulky cameras used in those days. In order to do that, the aircraft engine intake was modified from nose intakes to side intakes in a modified wing root. This had even worse effect on performance, but I suppose as long as no one is shooting at you, it was OK.

One of the big issues with the aircraft was the lack of internal fuel capacity. So this machine always had huge external tanks.

Here is a bit of background on the aircraft
Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


I got to see a few versions of this aircraft. One at the USAF museum in Dayton Ohio, and another at the Turkish aviation museum in Istanbul.

Here are some pics of the actual aircraft I saw in Istanbul.


P-47 Thunderbolt



F-84F Thunderjet ( straight wing )




F-84F Thunderstreak ( swept wing )



RF-84F ( Recon version ) and subject of this build.




If anyone knows of photos of the nose camera bay, I appreciate it for reference.


The build will commence soon.



Isaac

[yaelb]

An interesting model, Isaac. I will be watching your build.

[Isaac]

This is a Hobby model kit originally printed in 2/2008. It comes in a nice A-4 size booklet with all the parts laid out in a logical order. The pages are not overly crowded with parts. The aircraft sports a standard NATO European camo of green and grey on top and light grey on the bottom. It is in the Netherlands markings. Not an expert on Dutch aviation, I assume it is correct.

There are numerous sketches, however there are none for the cockpit! You will need to resort to some other's builds for a pictorial reference. Do not be in a rush and study the parts and their assembly. Also, not sure about the camera layout in the bays?


The interesting aspect of this kit is the camera bay in the nose. There are multiple pieces that will need to have the window ports cut out and clear plastic pieces added to the inside. Then add the interior to line it up. The hatches on top look more like a car's engine hood than an airplane.


Additionally, there is a detailed speed brake on each side of the aft fuselage as well as the landing gear and bays.


My strong recommendation to anyone building this kit or the follow on F-84F, is that the canopy is not flat sheet. It has a a curvature to it and needs to be formed.


The build will start soon.



Cheers

Isaac

[charleswlkr54]

Interesting thing is that it was a modified RF-84 that actually turned the RB-36 into a flying aircraft carrier. Mainly tirning the enevators dpwnmard and adding a hook jus forward if the cockpit for the trapeze. Unlike the Goblin, this actually saw service for about a year back in the 50's.

[Isaac]

Started with the cockpit section. Parts are simple and limited detail.




The ejection seat is also very simplistic, but OK. I am sure if you want you can make your own seat and interior.



As I said, there are no drawings or sketches showing the cockpit area or interior.


Pictures are self explanatory.



Isaac