FineScale Modeler 12 1998

The straight-winged Republic F-84G Thunderjet became the USAF's premier fighter bomber during the Korean War. When more modern types replaced it in USAF service, Thunderjets flew with the air forces of several NATO countries, as well as China and Thailand. Tamiya's T-jet kit features beautifully recessed panel lines and top-notch surface details. A ball bearing is provided as a nose weight. The cockpit has a detailed seat and side consoles, and the instrument panel has raised detail as well as decal gauges. It you choose not to install the pilot figure, a decal is provided for the seat harness, and a boarding ladder is included, too. Options include exposing the detailed machine-gun bay, dropping the flaps, deploying the speed brake, and installing alternate wing tips should you decide not to use the tip tanks. Underwing stores include a pair of 500-pound bombs or another set of fuel tanks. Rocket-Assist Take Off (RATO) bottles (a common accessory for heavily laden Thunderjets) are also included. Comprehensive decals for two colorful machines arc provided. They are thick but perfectly printed. Fit is exceptional, and you really notice how well it goes together at the wing/fuselage and wing/tip tank joints. The trailing edges of the wings and tail planes are sharp. The only assembly problem was locating the cockpit bulkhead just aft of the gun bay. Mine might be too low, as there is a gap around the upper sides and top where it should meet the fuselage. Tamiya lists its own paint numbers and names, but I substituted Floquil old silver for the overall paint scheme and painted details with Model Master enamels. The decals responded well to Solvaset. Their thickness helps prevent tears when positioning the large pieces. I was surprised at how well the clear film blended with the silver finish. I liked the sectioned USAF decal that fits on the separate landing-gear doors.

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