Convair F-106B Delta Dart
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Kit Review
Trumpeter produced the F-106A (#02891) in the latter part of 2014, well now they have revised the tooling to offer the two-seat, combat capable training B-variant.
The kit is much the same as the A-series, you just get one new main sprue ('M') with the new fuselage, plus another sprue containing the revised weapons bay ('L') and a second set of seat parts ('D'). Surface detail is engraved throughout, with very fine rivets only around the major panels. Construction starts with the two ejection seats, both of which have etched seat belts.
The cockpit tub has moulded side console and instrument panel details, but there are also decals that go over the top. The nose wheel bay is built up into a box and there is no wasted engine, just a long exhaust pipe. The new weapons bay has separate end bulkheads and the intakes and splitter plates are a separate sub-assembly for each side. The wheel well insert is separate and nicely detailed, and this fits into the one-piece lower wing. Once that is mounted to the fuselage, the upper wing halves can be added and the separate ailerons and flaps installed. The vertical fin is in two halves, with the rudder separate and the air brake at the base can be posed open. The canopy is in two parts and is beautifully clear, with Trumpeter showing their usual care in packing these parts by wrapping them with thin foam. The main canopy can be posed open, there is a prop to keep it open and there are etched rear-view mirrors. The undercarriage parts are well detailed and the wheels are split vertically and have good tread detail. All the various rams and doors look to have good detail and positive locating tabs. The single weapon for the main bay has two of the four fins moulded in situ, whilst the other two are separate. You get the option to have the weapons bay doors open or closed, but we suspect most will go with them open. The missiles on the trapeze arms are also included and you can pose these retracted or extended.
Colour Options
There are two schemes in the kit.
• S/No.57-2514, 177th TFW, New Jersey Air National Guard
• S/No.57-2533/02, 125th FW, Florida Air National Guard
Both options are in the overall grey scheme. The decals are well printed, even the national insignia colours don't look that bright, and you get a full set of airframe and ordnance stencils.
Conclusion
An excellent kit that takes the place of the old Monogram example by dint of more detail and lovely engraved panel lines etc. This is certainly one we highly recommend to all post-war USAF fans.
Our thanks to Pocketbond for the review sample, check out this and all other ranges they import by visiting their website www.pocketbond.co.uk.
Trumpeter produced the F-106A (#02891) in the latter part of 2014, well now they have revised the tooling to offer the two-seat, combat capable training B-variant.
The kit is much the same as the A-series, you just get one new main sprue ('M') with the new fuselage, plus another sprue containing the revised weapons bay ('L') and a second set of seat parts ('D'). Surface detail is engraved throughout, with very fine rivets only around the major panels. Construction starts with the two ejection seats, both of which have etched seat belts.
The cockpit tub has moulded side console and instrument panel details, but there are also decals that go over the top. The nose wheel bay is built up into a box and there is no wasted engine, just a long exhaust pipe. The new weapons bay has separate end bulkheads and the intakes and splitter plates are a separate sub-assembly for each side. The wheel well insert is separate and nicely detailed, and this fits into the one-piece lower wing. Once that is mounted to the fuselage, the upper wing halves can be added and the separate ailerons and flaps installed. The vertical fin is in two halves, with the rudder separate and the air brake at the base can be posed open. The canopy is in two parts and is beautifully clear, with Trumpeter showing their usual care in packing these parts by wrapping them with thin foam. The main canopy can be posed open, there is a prop to keep it open and there are etched rear-view mirrors. The undercarriage parts are well detailed and the wheels are split vertically and have good tread detail. All the various rams and doors look to have good detail and positive locating tabs. The single weapon for the main bay has two of the four fins moulded in situ, whilst the other two are separate. You get the option to have the weapons bay doors open or closed, but we suspect most will go with them open. The missiles on the trapeze arms are also included and you can pose these retracted or extended.Colour Options
There are two schemes in the kit.
• S/No.57-2514, 177th TFW, New Jersey Air National Guard
• S/No.57-2533/02, 125th FW, Florida Air National Guard
Both options are in the overall grey scheme. The decals are well printed, even the national insignia colours don't look that bright, and you get a full set of airframe and ordnance stencils.
Conclusion
An excellent kit that takes the place of the old Monogram example by dint of more detail and lovely engraved panel lines etc. This is certainly one we highly recommend to all post-war USAF fans.
Our thanks to Pocketbond for the review sample, check out this and all other ranges they import by visiting their website www.pocketbond.co.uk.
