Republic Thunderstreak FGA.1A

[Rafael]

Well, I can exhale now. This build really had me gripping my chair's armrests. Only to find it looks .... GORGEOUS!.

Sure the decaling should have been a PITA fro the extensive stenciling, but really, The markings are killer!!

As is the Camo scheme applied. Bravo Zulu!!!

Rafa
(Ian, You have me on the verge of a nerve attack. BRITISH PUCARAAAAAA, please!!!!!)

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Kit: RoG (nee Monogram) F-84F Thunderstreak
Scale: 1:48
Paint: All enamels, Humbrol & Xtracolour
Decals: Eagle Strike (modified from the F-86 sheet), Cutting Edge and all stencils from the kit.
Xtras: Bl**dy big pebble from the beach, superglued into the nose to keep the b*gger from tailsitting !

When, in 1959 a disastrous fire at the Hawker factory in Kingston-upon-Thames destroyed the production line for the new Hunter FGA.9, a number of theories were brought forward, the first that it was the work of American agents, concerned about the excellent export potential of a ground-attack version of the Hunter. A second theory that the blaze was stated by Soviet inspired espionage agents.

Whatever the actual origin of the fire, accident or design– it has never been fully established – the result was the same. Once again the RAF had an immediate vacancy for a ground attack aircraft.

SAAB offered the Lansen, Dassault offered the Mirage III and rather cheekily the Soviets offered the MiG 17..... with some strings attached!

In the end the most immediately available was the American Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. The reason, there were plenty already in Europe, and VFW Fokker were set-up to provide spares and maintenance. A number of pilots had been on exchange with foreign squadrons equipped with the F-84 so the type was somewhat familiar. Finally those American ground-crews that had worked on the type when it was based within USAFE were, for the most part, still in the service and could be quickly brought back to train and work alongside RAF ground-crews.

Never greatly popular with either those that flew it, or those that maintained it, the Thunderstreak FGA.1A equipped just six front line squadrons for four years from 1959. The last 'Thunderhog' was finally retired from Drone Controller duties at Llanbedr in 1972.

Republic Thunderstreak FGA.1A
92 Squadron
RAF Odiham, Hants.
1960



















As ever all comments, abuse or questions, warmly welcomed. Thanks for looking.

Ian

[kitnut617]

What a great looking model, beautifully done!!

[Radish]

It's certainly a looker, Ian.
I love 92 sqn markings...glorious.

I once had an idea for a triple-blue F-101B aggressor in 92 sqn colours

and I built my RAF f-8E in those markings too

[Brian da Basher]

That Thunderstreak is absolutely killer! You've managed to really bring this kit alive with that awesome camo paintjob and those colorful squadron markings! The details like those kill markings are icing on the cake! You've displayed very impressive skill and imagination!

Brian da Basher

[kitbasher]

Top marks - well done.  It's totally convincing. 

[Maverick]

Superb build Ian, from concept to execution there was a quantum leap of perfection.  Really very nice.

[Mossie]

Lovely!  Looks the part, definately.

[AeroplaneDriver]

Superb work Ian!! 
Nice backstory too!

[Sisko]

Bloody nice work mate!!!!

I can't belive I missed this. Oh well found now and I am happy that I did.

[Bryan H.]

That's one slick looking F-84!  The RAF are so natural looking - although there are few aircraft RAF marking don't look good on!     Great work!

Bryan

[SPINNERS]

Chapeau!

[Howard of Effingham]

excellent IHG! 

[nev]

Yep, that works 

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

The details like those kill markings are icing on the cake! Brian da Basher

Ahem, (Embarassed cough), they aren't kill marks, sir, it's just stencilling !, Ahem.

Ian