Ghostbase Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 Looks like my next project will be the ancient Monogram 1/48th Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. I have the newer Italeri (Kinetic) and HobbyBoss kits in the stash however the 1984 Monogram offering is still supposed to be the most accurate kit and it comes with the Mk.7 atomic bomb! I would appreciate any help with the Mk.7 atomic bomb as follows: 1) Which pylon was it attached to on the F-84F? I think it was in the place of one of the fuel tanks on the fuselage, not on the outer wing pylon however any advice appreciated. 2) What colour was the Mk.7 painted? All I can find on the interweb is silver with a brown nose and yellow stripes. Were there training shapes and if so what colour were they? 3) I know that USAF Thunderstreaks based in the UK could carry the Mk.7 bomb. What about European operators - West Germany especially? Thanks in advance Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 (edited) Hi Michael, Find yourself the Schiffer book on the F-84F. That has lots of images that will help you. The "special weapon" was carried on a specialised pylon. I can get you some scans when I get to my PC on Monday if it helps you. Martin Edited November 25, 2017 by RidgeRunner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hook Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Does the first pic on this site help?: http://www.strategic-air-command.com/weapons/nuke-photos.htm Cheers, Andre 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostbase Posted November 26, 2017 Author Share Posted November 26, 2017 13 hours ago, RidgeRunner said: Hi Michael, Find yourself the Schiffer book on the F-84F. That has lots of images that will help you. The "special weapon" was carried on a specialised pylon. I can get you some scans when I get to my PC on Monday if it helps you. Martin Thanks for the steer Martin, I have very little reference material on the F-84F. Helps to know that a specialised pylon was used, is just where was it located on the wing. 55 minutes ago, Hook said: Does the first pic on this site help?: http://www.strategic-air-command.com/weapons/nuke-photos.htm Cheers, Andre Thanks Andre, that confirms the colour scheme nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Fox Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 AFAIK the special weapon pylon was in place of the port inner fuel tank pylon, ( source F-84 In Action, Squadron/Signal publications). I believe the appropriate parts are in the Monogram boxing. The same source has a colour plate showing the training shape to be medium blue with two white bands, one in front of the forward sway brace, one aft of the rear brace. there is also a white line from the 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock position halfway between the forward white band and the tip of the pylon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Yes. Port inner on a special pylon. 81st TFW at Bentwaters/Woodbridge operated the F-84F with the Mk 7 store. Colours were as you stated. Training rounds were all silver. Here is the pylon, and also an aircraft carrying the Mk7. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 16 hours ago, RidgeRunner said: Find yourself the Schiffer book on the F-84F. That has lots of images that will help you. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPUBLIC-F84-A-Photo-Chronicle-Schiffer-Military-Aviation-History-Paperback/391887034685?epid=86489832&hash=item5b3e49993d:g:RF8AAOSwLVZV4t9a its worth it. Also the If you can get this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aerofax-Minigraph-Magazine-15-Republic-F-84-Swept-Wing-Variants-Aircraft-Plane/110971220387?hash=item19d66671a3:m:mxbndaSXIoDov3vlit_mu4Q at a good price it is worth it. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tailspin Turtle Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Note that the bomb was loaded somewhat nose down for ground clearance and cruise drag minimization. It appears that folding one fin might not have been required. Scroll down here for an image with it loaded: http://aviadejavu.ru/Site/Crafts/Craft21031.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Here's one in Belgian markings with the Mk 7 pylon. It's obviously withdrawn, so whether it was ever mission capable in Belgian hands is another matter. http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/Republic F-84F Thunderstreak/F84F FU145 Koksijde 21Aug65.jpg Another shot with a loaded store. In this instance the store or fins have been rotated for ground clearance. Normally the Mk7 was loaded wit the fins in a 'Y' configuration. And a drawing in W German markings. Notice the JATO pack. http://village.photos/members/Frank-Bell/My-Photos/329056/0379-01-1-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finn Posted November 26, 2017 Share Posted November 26, 2017 Go here: https://app.box.com/s/3ca2864b8fc8f253e8b0 check the PDF on Aircraft Fission bombs, it has some pics of a F-84 with the Mk 7. Jari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 22 hours ago, RidgeRunner said: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPUBLIC-F84-A-Photo-Chronicle-Schiffer-Military-Aviation-History-Paperback/391887034685?epid=86489832&hash=item5b3e49993d:g:RF8AAOSwLVZV4t9a its worth it. Also the If you can get this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aerofax-Minigraph-Magazine-15-Republic-F-84-Swept-Wing-Variants-Aircraft-Plane/110971220387?hash=item19d66671a3:m:mxbndaSXIoDov3vlit_mu4Q at a good price it is worth it. Martin I checked both and to be honest there are few images of the pylon and bomb in these books. I was mistaken. There are still both excellent for the F-84, though! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 UK-based 92nd FBS with a Mk.7 shape (note fin orientation): And another 92nd FBS F-84F, but this time with a practice bomb dispenser on the nuke pylon (!) And then a few more 92nd FBS and a 77th FBS Thunderstreak with the pylon installed: 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob de Bie Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 (edited) On 11/25/2017 at 10:50 PM, Ghostbase said: Looks like my next project will be the ancient Monogram 1/48th Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. I have the newer Italeri (Kinetic) and HobbyBoss kits in the stash however the 1984 Monogram offering is still supposed to be the most accurate kit and it comes with the Mk.7 atomic bomb! 3) I know that USAF Thunderstreaks based in the UK could carry the Mk.7 bomb. What about European operators - West Germany especially? A snippet about Dutch Streaks: in the book 'Jachtvliegers' former 312 squadron pilot Steve Netto gives a six-page account of the Cuba crisis, during which he stood on nuclear alert with 4, 8 and then 12 Streaks. He reports several times that the weapon was a B28. Considering his very serious tone, I don't think he would remember that wrong. But I don't think I've ever seen a photo of an F-84F with a B28. I'm curious now! I would guess it had a different pylon than the Mk7 pylon. Rob Edited December 1, 2017 by Rob de Bie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creepy Pete Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 On 25-11-2017 at 10:50 PM, Ghostbase said: 3) I know that USAF Thunderstreaks based in the UK could carry the Mk.7 bomb. What about European operators - West Germany especially? Thanks in advance Michael Yup, Staffel 1 of JaBoG 33 at Büchel starting training in 1958 for the nuclear strike role with the F-84F and the Mk.7 to be more prepared when the Starfighter would enter service from about 1960 onwards 2 hours ago, Rob de Bie said: A snippet about Dutch Streaks: in the book 'Jachtvliegers' former 312 squadron pilot Steve Netto gives a six-page account of the Cuba crisis, during which he stood on nuclear alert with 4, 8 and then 12 Streaks. He reports several times that the weapon was a B28. Consdering his very serious tone, I don't think he remember that wrong. But I don't think I've ever seen a photo of an F-84F with a B28. I'm curious now! I would guess it had a different pylon than the Mk7 pylon. Rob Interesting. That would be a bit unusual. The pylon looks pretty much standard on this one, though: https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/full_size_0297/1446344-large.jpg Also note the RATO bottles under fuselage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 On 11/27/2017 at 12:33 PM, Sabrejet said: UK-based 92nd FBS with a Mk.7 shape (note fin orientation): And another 92nd FBS F-84F, but this time with a practice bomb dispenser on the nuke pylon (!) And then a few more 92nd FBS and a 77th FBS Thunderstreak with the pylon installed: Jeez, Louise, SJ! Is there a 50's era weenie cooker you don't have a voluminous photo collection of? I'm gonna need a bigger hard drive! Regards, Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskey Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 On 11/26/2017 at 7:04 AM, bentwaters81tfw said: Yes. Port inner on a special pylon. 81st TFW at Bentwaters/Woodbridge operated the F-84F with the Mk 7 store. Colours were as you stated. Training rounds were all silver. Here is the pylon, and also an aircraft carrying the Mk7. I gotta admit, I've never really have been interested in this a/c however after seeing these two photos I may start looking into, thanks! Fortunately I just came from my LHS and saw 2 of the Monogram 1/48 kits in the consignment pile lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob de Bie Posted December 1, 2017 Share Posted December 1, 2017 (edited) 12 hours ago, Creepy Pete said: Interesting. That would be a bit unusual. The pylon looks pretty much standard on this one, though: https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/full_size_0297/1446344-large.jpg Also note the RATO bottles under fuselage. The photo that you link to shows something that has always puzzled me, but it starts to make some sense now. The Volkel-based 311 and 312 nuclear strike squadron Streaks mostly flew with an asymmetric drop tank configuration, always leaving the left inboard pylon free, obviously for the nuke. But that empty pylon never was the type unique for the Mk7. So why would they do that?? But I'm starting to think now that the B28 was mounted under a 'standard' pylon, since it's a lot smaller than the Mk7. Or to be more specific, maybe a pylon that looked like the standard fuel tank pylon, but wired for the nuke. Last night I went through 'Thunderstreaks en Thunderflashes in Nederland', but as usual it is very vague on the subject of nuclear weapons. 'Gestaag Gespannen' reports that 311 squadron became the first non-US strike squadron in 1960. The last 312 squadron F-84Fs left Volkel for Eindhoven in 1965. These aircraft departed in the 'Volkel' asymmetric fuel tank configuration. The book reports that the weapon used was the Mk7, it does not mention the B28. I would guess the USAF used the Streak in the nuclear role up to roughly 1960, and other NATO countries only after 1960 since 311 was the first in 1960. That could explain the difference in the weapons used. The search continues.. Rob Edited December 1, 2017 by Rob de Bie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostbase Posted December 3, 2017 Author Share Posted December 3, 2017 Just to say thanks for the help and advice, and especially photos. Very helpful indeed. Michael 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob de Bie Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 I have two additional questions on this subject: 1. Does the Monogram kit come with the apprioprate pylon for the Mark 7 nuclear weapon? I searched for sprue photos on Ebay, found a few, but they did not answer this question 100% 2. Does someone have the left-over parts for the weapon and the pylon (if present) ? I want to discuss this subject with a few Dutch Streak pilots, and a model would help greatly I think. Thanks in advance! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 (edited) I believe the seperate pylon is in the kit. I’ve built a few of these over the years(would love build a few more). Memory tells me that the drop tanks have the pylons molded on but the bomb and its unique pylon are seperate. Dennis Edited June 6, 2018 by Corsairfoxfouruncle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 There were different boxings from Monogram. One has the pylon and store, the other comes with tanks and free fall HE bombs, so check which one it is before parting with coin. You need kit no 85-5437. The Heller kit does not come with a Mk7. or pylon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob de Bie Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 17 minutes ago, bentwaters81tfw said: There were different boxings from Monogram. One has the pylon and store, the other comes with tanks and free fall HE bombs, so check which one it is before parting with coin. You need kit no 85-5437. The Heller kit does not come with a Mk7. or pylon I searched Ebay on 85-5437, and indeed that's the one. If I am to believe the Ebay sprue photos, this kit comes with just one inboard fuel tank, is that correct? And I'm still not sure of the pylon situation, the two inboard pylons look very similar, although they have different pins to attach the stores. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 That is the right kit. The pylons are quite different, and you get 3 tanks and one store. I checked my kits before posting. I have a particular interest in this aircraft, which I am not disclosing at this point. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob de Bie Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 10 minutes ago, bentwaters81tfw said: That is the right kit. The pylons are quite different, and you get 3 tanks and one store. I checked my kits before posting. I have a particular interest in this aircraft, which I am not disclosing at this point. Thanks for the additional details! I now know exactly what to look for. If you have this particular issue, one additional question: did you buy it locally? I mean to ask whether it was imported in Europe. If not, I better look for the parts in the USA. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 6, 2018 Share Posted June 6, 2018 Either at a model show or ebay. The decal sheet is cracked on mine, so make sure you put a good coat of Microscale Decal Kote on it before using it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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