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Welp since we don't have one of these fancy recon thingamabobs in the GB yet, It's high time one was added doncha think? So with out further ado I present direct all the way from Heller, An RF-84F Thunderflash in 1/48 no less. In addition to the regular kit Some aftermarket harness' and I'll be doing as it was assigned to the 363rd TRW/29th TRS. Let the good time roll!

Hi! Anniversary of Operation Musketeer/Mousquetaire/Kadesh/Suez war is approaching and I have been thinking about building one of more colourful aircraft taking part for a start. French F-84Fs and RF-84Fs, with various stripes and squadron badges, fit this description nicely. From gathered material I figured out about the identification stripes (single yellow stripe with black outline until the end of October, yellow-black stripes from 1st November on) and from available articles and books I learned about not so uniformed reality of improvised use of yellow paint on Cyprus, planes wearing both types of stripes and white, dark gray and possibly even blue stripes. Still, what bothers me the most are supposed Israeli markings on French fighter-bombers and reconnaissance planes, based in Israel. Israeli markings had been mentioned in several publications and there are plenty of colour profiles of both Thunderstreaks and Thunderflashes with stars of David, but I have not seen a single photo of the actual aircraft with such markings. In fact, all the photos of French planes in Israel bases show them marked with standard French cocarde. Any thoughts? Cheers Jure

Recently completed my 1/72 Sword RF-84F Thunderflash. Went with the RNoAF markings in the kit. The decals in this kit were superb, with loads of miniscule stencil markings. The original engraving was very fine so I re-scribed everything. Added some canopy locking mechanism latches from an Eduard F-16 etched set. Used a little cars lens for the landing light & added the rod actuator for the nose leg. Drilled out the gun ports. Mig acrylics & Vallejo Metal color Aluminium underside with a Mig enamel pin wash. Royal Norwegian Air Force RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957; RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr RNoAF RF-84F 51-17053 AZ-G 717.Esk Sola Norway 1957 by Martin Laurance, on Flickr Many thanks for looking. Martin

Hi, Finally came round to posting 1/48 Tanmodel RF-84 Thunderflash in the RFI section. A nice kit but not without challenges. Please see also the WIP thread of this model. Airbrushed with AK Xtreme metal polished Aluminium and a flory dark brown dirt wash. Red and black Mr Color paints and some brushed highlights with revell aqua color. Decals by DutchDecal which adhered quite nicely. Despite the kit at times being little fiddly............ I can't wait for Tanmodel's 1/48 buccaneer when hopefully at some point (if ever) it will be on the web-shelves. Hope you like it. Did notice a few glitches myself, so critique is welcome too. Would quite like to do a Belgian or a RNLAF camouflaged version another time. That's all, thanks for watching.

Hi, Alongside an F-15 I am building, I started work on Tanmodels RF-84 Thunderflash. So far a nice kit with quite some detail in the camera bay area. Did some work on the cockpit and Camera's and fuselage. Trying to figure out what scheme I will go for. I am thinking of either the Dutch metal or camouflage scheme. Or perhaps a Belgian Thunderflash? Well some way to go still.... The Belgian scheme does look cool. That's all for now, to be continued

Source: http://www.themodellingnews.com/2014/04/guess-who-is-about-to-launch-new-f-84f.html#more Strong rumours say KittyHawk is working on a 1/32nd Republic RF-84F Thunderflash kit. Time will tell. V.P.

Hello, Here's my just finished 1/48 RF-84F. It's the Tanmodel kit, and I used Caracal Decals to do it as one from the 38th TRS, 10th TRW, based at Spangdahlem AB in West Germany between 1955 and 1958. This is part of a little project of mine to build all the different planes and units that were based at Spangdahlem at some point. This is the 5th build for that, after an F-4G, A-10A, F-15C and F-105F. The Tanmodel kit is a lovely model, in my opinion. The panel lines and rivets are a bit deep, and a little inconsistent, and the camera assembly in the nose is a bit tricky to build, but overal it builds up very nice. The decals are a mix of the kit ones, Caracal and the USAF decals on the wings come from an Eagle Strike F-102 sheet. It was painted with Vallejo Metal Color. Thanks for looking, Pete

Tanmodel has announced a 1/48th Republic RF-84F Thunderflash kit as in design with future ref.2201. Source: http://www.tanmodel.com/index_en.html V.P.

Republic RF-84F Thunderflash 1:48 TanModel Version 2 We first reviewed this excellent new kit from Tan Model here back in January. The plastic in this version is almost identical, however the guys at Tanmodel have listened to feedback and made some changes from the original boxing. A new extensive decal sheet has been printed by Cartograf in Italy with input from Dutch Decal, Daco, Mr. Kim Zimmerman and Mr. Jens Jensen. Given the extensive glazing of the RF-84 Tanmodel has now added a masking set. In addition there have been minor corrections to a few parts and a re-polishing of the moulds. There have been some corrections to the instruction sheets (numbering issues) and owners of the original kit can download the corrected instructions here if needed. The little extra of a mouse mat and poster included in the first boxing are not now included. Decals The new expansive decal sheet is printed by Cartograf and is upto their usual excellent quality. There are 7 options on the new sheet; 53-7571 KA-E No.729 Sqn. Kastrup Airbase Royal Danish A.F. Denmark 1958 FR-27, 42e Smaldeel, Bierset Airbase. Belgian A.F. Belgium 1970 FR-34, 42e Smaldeel, Bierset Airbase. Belgian A.F. Belgium July 1971 Adieu a Toi Petit Dernier with farewell badge. 51-17056, AZ-O No.717 Sqn. Rygge Airbase. Royal Norwegian A.F. Norway 1956 52-7367, 171st Tact. Rec. Sqn. Detroit Airbase. USAF Michigan National Guard US 1968 53-7566, 33-TJ ER 3/33 Moselle. Cognac Airbase. Armee de lAir France 1956 7450, 1. Havaussu 114. Taktik Jet Kesif Filosu, Eskisehir, Turk Hava Kuvvetleri Turkey 1956-1972 arasi Conclusion The original kit from Tanmodel was eagerly waited and we were not disappointed. This new tweaked boxing has improved the original and shown a model company willing to listen which we can all approve of. The inclusion of masks for the glazing is a great touch. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Distributed in the UK by

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak & RF-84F Thunderflash Warpaint Series No.100 The F-84F Thunderstreak was originally planned to augment the USAF's front-line fighter requirements in the early 1950's; however, engine and aerodynamic teething problems delayed production until 1954. Although the Thunderstreak was not classed as a superior or outstanding aircraft, its performance being overshadowed by the F-86 Sabre, the aircaft was produced in large numbers and served with the USAF and many other nations air forces for many years. The underpowered Wright J65 engine did not give the F-84F the aerodynamic ability to perform as a fighter and was therefore quickly reduced to the fighter-bomber role. As such, it served with the USAFs Tactical and Strategic Air Commands and also with numerous European air forces. It provided a much-needed deterrent during the critical early years of the Cold War and the 1960s, especially with NATO air forces. The book has been well researched by Charles Stafrace; with both the R-84F Thunderstreak and the RF-84F Thunderflash being covered in this 100th edition from Guideline Publications. As is usual with all the previous Warpaint Series, this book is superbly illustrated by Richard J. Caruana. Each profile image shows full colour details of the colour schemes and marking placements. In addition, there are short narratives alongside each image on the respective aircraft and, in some cases, close up details of the nose art or emblem are illustrated. The story and history of the aircraft is supplemented with informative tables of reference data, including production numbers and allocations. Many of the 2,000 plus airframes also served with foreign nations, mainly as part of the NATO deterrent force during the Cold War period. Details of countries allocations and squadrons can be found within the text and additonal tabulated data. Both airframe types are covered, the F-84F Thunderstreak and the RF-84F Thunderflash, and full colour profile illustrations are provided; as with the views above of some RF-84F Reconnaissance fighters. Included within the book are two A3 size general arrangement plans which have been drawn at 1:72 scale; a small section of the RF-84 plan has been reproduced above as an example. The plans are printed back to back; with the F-84F Thunderstreak on one page and the RF-84F Thunderflash on the other. The plans are stapled in place thereby allowing easy removal if required. Some of the photographs, both colour and black-white, are very impressive and could provide ideas for modelling dioramas, as with the refuelling scene above. There are quite a few tabulated lists in this edition, as shown by the list above of aircraft belonging to the Turkish Air Force; this listing also includes the origins of the aircraft transferred. Conclusion The Republic F-84F and its sister the RF-84F may not have been the most powerful, or best looking, aircraft in the USAF's inventory but it did fill a necessary gap; although it appeared too late for the Korean Conflict and was virtually obsolete to be of any use in Vietnam. This book is one that should appeal to those with an interest in early jets, especially those at the forefront of the change from straight-wing to swept-wing types of the United States Air Force. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Republic RF-84F Thunderflash 1:48 TanModel The Republic F-84F was essentially a new aircraft, however due to budget issues it was promoted as a development of the straight winged F-84E. The original XF-96A was the last F-84E fitted with a swept wing but it was found that performance over the straight winged airframe was marginal at best. However at the time it was ordered into production with the hope that the J65 engine (a licence built Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire) would improve performance. Adoption of this engine saw the fuselage stretched vertically creating an oval cross section. Production was slow and encountered many difficulties resulting from the idea the airframe was a development of the F-84E. In reality only 15% of the tooling was the same. Spar production was also delayed as the available machinery was being used for B-47 spars which were given priority. Despite production starting on 1952 the aircraft was not declared operational until 1954. Like many aircraft of the period it was decided to make a dedicated reconnaissance version of the aircraft. This was to be the RF-84 with the Thunderstreak name changed to the apt Thunderflash. The main difference n the airframe was that as Cameras were to be carried in the nose the air intakes were re-located tot he inner wing roots on either side. The aircraft retained the four wing mounted guns of the F-84F with the ability to carry up to 15 cameras. Computerised controls were introduced to adjust the cameras for light, speed and altitude setting with a periscope giving the pilot a better view of the target. A voice recorder was added in order that the pilot could add observations to the visual imagery. The RF-84F suffered the same production problems as the F-84F and as such did not enter service until 1954, it was retired from front line service in 1957 being replaced by the Voodoo. The aircraft did enter Air National Guard service before being retired from the US inventory in 1972. 715 RF-84F would eventually be made by Republic. The majority of these would be supplied to NATO countries under the Mutual Assistance Program. They were operated by Belgium, Denmark, West Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway and Turkey. In fact the last aircraft used were only retired by The Hellenic Air Force in 1991. The Kit This is a new venture into 1/48 scale kits by TanModel following their inaugural 1/72 HURKUS-A kit. The kit arrives on 4 main spures of light grey plastic, a small supplemental sprue; and 2 clear sprues. Overall the quality is a on a par with other mainstream companies. Panel lines are recessed and rivet detail is restrained. A full colour CAD drawn instruction manual is provided, with a smaller booklet covering the decal options. In this boxing there is a colour poster of the decal options and a mouse mat depicting an airfield taxiway, though these two items are only available in the initial boxings. Construction starts conventionally enough with the cockpit. The ejection seat is the first thing to be made up. This consists of 8 parts which give a realistic version of the real seat used in these aircraft. The rear part of the seat and the seat rails are attached to the rear cockpit bulkhead. The main cockpit tub features moulded on side consoles along with inserts. The two part main instrument panel is made up and added, along with separate rudder pedals and the control column. Once the tub is made up and the seat installed this can be set aside for later. The next stage is to make up the air intake and jet exhaust. The intake is full depth upto the main engine fan which is provided in two parts to give a good depth to the plastic parts and provide a good looking part for those that want to peer down. The exhaust duct has then engine part at the correct depth with a tube leading up to the single part nozzle. Once made these two parts are set aside for later as well. The next area to receive the modellers attention is the forward camera compartment, this is after all the Thunderflash! Tanmodel seem to have done a very good job of the camera compartment. All of the main cameras are included. There are a lot of parts for the downward facing camera on the rear bulkhead, downward camera in the front of the nose, the three oblique cameras, and the forward facing camera. Care taken in this area will pay off for the modeller with all the detail available. Some of this detail will be seen normally through the camera windows and the kit does give the modeller the opportunity to open up these compartments. The Main fuselage halves are done with the compartments closed for those modellers who don't want to display them open, but they can be cut open and separate covers with their hinges are provided to model them in the open position. With all the detail in there I can see many modellers opening theses compartments up. Next up construction moves to the main fuselage. Some detail parts are added to the forward camera bays, and the top of the bays are cut open if the modeller wishes this. Next up the cockpit, intake, exhaust and camera bay sub-assemblies are put into the fuselage. Once these are all in it can be closed up. Once the main fuselage is closed up the external (but internal to the wing) intakes can be added, along with the boundary air separation plates. The instrument area under the front canopy with the Head up display is made up and added at this stage. Next up for construction are the wings. These are of conventional upper and lower in the main, with the main gear well being trapped between the two. A good touch is that the air intake in the wing root is moulded as a separate part thus the modeller does not have a seam to deal with. The flaps and ailerons are separate parts and can be posed as needed. The wings can now be added along with the tailplanes and the separate rudder. The next area of attention for the modeller is the canopy. Another good point for TanModel here is that separate canopies are provided for the open and closed option. A single part canopy is provided if the modeller wishes it closed. If modelling the canopy open then a good job has been made of the complicated canopy mechanism the F-84 had. Next up the wing fences are added, the rear airbrakes, camera compartment covers (if building them open) and all the camera windows are put in place. The undercarriage now needs to be tackled. It is noted that for all wheels the tyres and hubs are separate parts which should make painting them so much easier! I for one hate this part of detail painting so thanks for this The front leg and its retraction strut are a one part moulding. The scissor part is then added. The tyre is added to the hub. The FOD guard for the front wheel can then be attached around the wheel assembly. The front leg can then be attached along with the front main bay doors. Each main wheel consists of the main leg, small detail part, with the wheel hub and tyre again being separate parts. The main gear legs incorporate the one part of the door. The other two door parts are added onto the bays. Lastly for construction the underwing pylons and their tanks are made up and fitted. Clear Parts The kit contains one sprue for the canopy parts and another for the other clear parts such as the camera windows. The parts are well moulded and clear. As mentioned it is good that two types of main canopy are provided depending on whether the modeller would like the canopy open or not. . Decals There is a large decal sheet in the box, but no details of who printed them. The decals are glossy and with minimal carrier film. There are a couple of issues. The original French roundels are incorrect and these come on a separate sheet. The German flag markings are out of register on both the main sheet and the supplemental sheets, and will need to be trimmed up if used. The Blue in the USAF Stars & Bars appears too light. The clarity and depth of colour is not as good as some I have seen, however none of these are insurmountable issues. The decal sheet provides 5 sets of markings for the diverse users of the aircraft. Turkish Air Force; N7450, 114 Filo 1st AB, Turk Hava Kuvvetlen, Turkey 1965-1972. USAFE; 52-7292, 32nd Tactical Recon Sqn, Spangdahlem AB, West Germany 1955-1958. Luftwaffe; 53-7688, EA-244, Aufklarungsgeschwader 51 "Immelman", Erling AB, West Germany 1959. Italian Air Force, 27394, 3-44, 123 Gruppo 3 Aerobrigata, Villafranca AB, Italy 1968. Armée de l'air 27300, 33-CP. ER 4/33 "Belfort" RAF Akrotiri 1954 (With Suez Stripes). Hellenic Air Force, 28736, No.338 Mira, Larissa AB, Crete 1972. US Air National Guard, 52-7367. 171st Tactical Recon Sqn. Detroit AB, Michigan, 1968. Royal Netherlands Air Force, 51-27233, TP-6/P-4. No.306 Recon Sqn, RAF Laarbruch/Deelan AB, 1961. Conclusion We have waited a while for the this kit from TanModel but it has been worth it. A new tool Thunderflash is well overdue. Despite its limited service in the USAF the aircraft was used by many NATO air arms so we have quite a few options open to us as modellers. With this as the first 1/48th release we look forward to what TanModel brings us next. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Distributed in the UK by