Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2506
Republic F-105D Thunderchief Diecast Model
USAF 355th TFW, 354th TFS, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, Dropping the Doumer Bridge August 1967 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Republic F-105D Thunderchief | | 10.75" | | 5.75" |
The "Doumer Bridge" was named after Paul Doumer, Governor-General d'Indochine from 1897-1902. In 1954 when the French had been ousted from Vietnam the name was changed to "Long Bien Bridge" but this wasn't recognized by anyone outside North Vietnam. The bridge was approximately one-mile long and consisted 13 spans that carried two highways and a rail lime. This was a major entry way into Hanoi and was considered a major target by the US. On August 11, 1967 the first attack on the structure was made by 36 F-105s each fitted with two 2,000 pound bombs. The raid had destroyed 3 spans of the bridge but two months later the bridge was operational again. On October 21, 1967 a second raid was made by 21 F-105s and again the bridge was operational two months later. This meant a third raid by fifty F-105s was needed. This time five consecutive spans were put out of commission and stayed like that until March 1968 when US President Johnson halted the bombing. The strike force on the bridge would be led by the 355th TFW. The 354th TFS was activated on November 12, 1942 until November 20, 1946. On November 1, 1952 the group was re-activated but only until January 1, 1958. On April 13, 1962 the 354th was once again brought back and lasted until April 30, 1982.
Designed as a replacement for the F-84F Thuderstreak, the F-105 first flew on October 2, 1955. This Mach-2 capable aircraft was used for strike bombing during the Vietnam War. It was armed with a cannon and missiles and was also designed to carry a nuclear weapon. The single-seat F-105 was the largest single-engine fighter ever to serve with the USAF, and could deliver a greater bomb load than any of the 10-man strategic bombers that served during WWII. Despite these impressive statistics, the F-105 was also the only US aircraft in history to be removed from combat because of high rates of attrition. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-105 Thunderchief is a large, heavy model in this scale. This model has many fine features, including an accurately rendered "wasp waist" fuselage, a hinged canopy that locks securely in place leaving almost no visible gap, and cockpit details that include pad-printed screens and dial instrument panel. There is a M61 Vulcan cannon port, moveable horizontal stabalators that rotate in unison and an exhaust nozzle that can be configured. The solid metal wing has a plastic engine intake, which allows for correct replication of sharp edges. Most releases include a full range of ordnance (exceptions include air show releases).
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
