Republic F-84LR Thunderbird

[63cpe]

I guess most of you are familiar with the Republic F-84 Thunderjet and its siblings like the XF-84H Thunderscreech. But what if the Thunderscreech had been more successful? Possibly this could have happened:

The F-84LR was created as a Long Ranged development of the XF-84 H for escort duties of the B-36 and B-47. As the XF-84 H it was an heavily modified F-84F airframe, installing a 5,850 hp (4,360 kW) Allison T40-A-1 turboprop engine in a centrally-located housing behind the cockpit with a long extension shaft to the nose-mounted propeller. The turbine engine also provided thrust through its exhaust; an afterburner could further increase power to 7,230 hp (5,391 kW). Thrust was adjusted by changing the blade pitch of the 16 feet (4.88 m) Curtiss-Wright Turbo-electric co-axial contra-rotating three-bladed propellers. It had delta wings with a span of  37ft 9 in (11.52 m) to counter the propeller's torque and hold enough fuel for it's long ranged duties.

It had a design top speed of 670 mph (1,080 km/h) (Mach 0.9) and proved to have an operational top speed of 623 mph (1,003 km/h) (Mach 0.83). Because the airframes were essentially modified F-84F airframes, the Bu No's of the F-84F frames were continued.

In the pictures is an F-84LR from 96Th Bomber Wing SAC, Altus AFB, Oklahoma, April 1955 without it's usual under wing tanks to extend it's range even further:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jetsonsspecial/sets/72157656935671542

It's actually the 1/72 Italeri F-84 F Thunderjet modified with Mig-25 wings, XFY-1 Pogo prop, nose and intakes.

I hope you like it!
David

[The Big Gimper]

Awesome build. How did you achieve the chrome finish?

[PR19_Kit]

Magnificent! Worthy of a Whiffie nomination as well I think. 

I've always though the KP XFY-1 Pogo was a superb scource of parts for Whiffery and you've proved it.

[63cpe]

Thanks! The Pogo has lots of whiffing possibilities! I bought myself about 6 pogo's last year.
This is only the first project with Pogo prop....ther's more to come! if i only had more time...

The chrome is Alclad II over high gloss black enamel and months of sanding....;-)

David

[sandiego89]

Wow, looks great!   

[Captain Canada]

Very nice. Looks great in that finish.

[zenrat]

Excellent.  You've obviously nailed Aclad Chrome.  I can only seem to get it right 1 time in 3.

I can imagine the B-36 crew getting on the radio to the escorting Thunderbirds.
"PLEASE FLY FURTHER AWAY FROM US, WE CAN'T HEAR OURSELVES THINK OVER HERE"

Or do you envisage them being quieter than a Thunderscreech?

[Dizzyfugu]

Very cool, and the finish is superb! 

[NARSES2]

Excellent, looks superb sitting there on the apron 

[Rick Lowe]

What the others have said - very nice work and the chrome wouldn't look out of place on a 50's Cruiser... 

I like the others in your album, too. Somehow, the B-1 just seems to work as a cut-down B-58 style bomber.  (again!)

Cheers

[DogfighterZen]

I like the F-84LR and the FB-112 also looks really good!

[63cpe]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your comments!

@Zenrat:
I can imagine the B-36 crew getting on the radio to the escorting Thunderbirds.
"PLEASE FLY FURTHER AWAY FROM US, WE CAN'T HEAR OURSELVES THINK OVER HERE"

Or do you envisage them being quieter than a Thunderscreech?

Hahaha, when decalling my thoughts ran the same....No way the Thunderbird will be quieter than the Thunderscreech. But on the otherhand I think the drone of the B-36 at speed is more present than the Thunderbird's. Nevertheless, I think it would be save for the B-36 crews to keep the thunderbird at at least 1/2 a mile away. But what would happen to enemy crews when attacking b-36's and suddenly experience nausea before being attacked?!

David

[Jesse220]

It's not bad, but you might want to remove the propellers

[PR19_Kit]

It's not bad, but you might want to remove the propellers

See the OP.

But what if the Thunderscreech had been more successful? Possibly this could have happened:

The whole point of 63cpe's model is that it HAS got propellers.......

[scooter]

The *original* Thunderscreech-



The OP's does look a lot better, though