F-84G Thunderjet

[81-er]

My entry for this GB is going to be the 1/72 F-84G from the Thunderbirds boxing (60762):

 

 

Two main sprues for this one (plus a clear sprue not pictured). This boxing comes with a metal plating to the parts:

 

 

As that’s only ever a pain (patches to fix where the sprue attaches, glue not sticking etc) I’ve given those parts a nice bath in Mr Muscle oven cleaner (with some parts taken off the sprues to fit in the ice cream container for that). To my surprise the base plastic is actually a translucent white:

 

 

This boxing was released in 2001, though I’m not sure exactly when this particular example was made as I picked it up second hand at the de Havilland Museum show in May for the princely sum of £12. The decals look to be in decent shape, so I’ll attempt the kit scheme as the first plan. Those decals look rather large and the shape of the wing tanks in particular look like there might be some fun with wrinkles and/or overlaps, but I’ll give it a go. If that doesn’t work, I’m pretty sure I can find a backup scheme from the multitude the F-84 wore during its service life…

 

James

[Karearea]

Neat choice, I think this is absolute top of my ‘wish they’d rerelease it’ list along with the Dewoitine D.520

[Col.]

Nice. This will make for a colourful model once done  

 

9 hours ago, 81-er said:

To my surprise the base plastic is actually a translucent white.

That seems to be a relatively recent feature on the 'chromed' parts of Tamiya kits. Their Virago motorsickle was the same and caught me by surprise as well.

[81-er]

7 hours ago, Karearea said:

Neat choice, I think this is absolute top of my ‘wish they’d rerelease it’ list along with the Dewoitine D.520

The Dewoitine is on my wishlist too

 

2 minutes ago, Col. said:

Nice. This will make for a colourful model once done  

 

That seems to be a relatively recent feature on the 'chromed' parts of Tamiya kits. Their Virago motorsickle was the same and caught me by surprise as well.

Thanks Col  I've not had a "chromed" Tamiya kit before, other than some chromed parts for an RC Lunchbox which were black plastic underneath. I'm more used to finding a creamy white plastic under chrome from other suppliers

 

James

[modelling minion]

Fantastic choice mate, I have no doubt that whatever scheme you choose she will turn out brilliantly.

[Mjwomack]

19 hours ago, 81-er said:

As that’s only ever a pain (patches to fix where the sprue attaches, glue not sticking etc)

Completely puts me off chromed kits- and resent stripping them back to apply my own finish.

 

19 hours ago, 81-er said:

To my surprise the base plastic is actually a translucent white:

 

doe it glow in the dark? Makes me think of the Revell glow in the dark kits, such as Pirate ship of yesteryear. I suspect you'll going to say it doesn't so I guess it's closer to the plastic in the Arrii/ Eidai kits? Actually they looking even more translucent than that? What does it 'feel ' like? I'm imagining soapy and generally unpleasant- but THIS is a Tamiya kit so that can't be right.

[Col.]

16 minutes ago, Mjwomack said:

What does it 'feel ' like? I'm imagining soapy and generally unpleasant- but THIS is a Tamiya kit so that can't be right.

Strangely smooth. Although that could be my eyes leading my sense of touch off into a false sensation.

[stevej60]

Looks a beautiful kit James always been a favourite aircraft of mine having done a few Heller kits but this looks a different level,I've got the Big 1/32 

hobbyboss kit in the stash hopefully it might fit into a GB next year.

[Wings unlevel]

That scheme is as complex as the kit is simple, James.Should be fun!

[81-er]

On 22/08/2025 at 18:10, modelling minion said:

Fantastic choice mate, I have no doubt that whatever scheme you choose she will turn out brilliantly.

Thanks mate  

 

On 22/08/2025 at 19:12, Mjwomack said:

doe it glow in the dark? Makes me think of the Revell glow in the dark kits, such as Pirate ship of yesteryear. I suspect you'll going to say it doesn't so I guess it's closer to the plastic in the Arrii/ Eidai kits? Actually they looking even more translucent than that? What does it 'feel ' like? I'm imagining soapy and generally unpleasant- but THIS is a Tamiya kit so that can't be right.

No glowing in the dark, unfortunately. What does it feel like? Rich, Corinthian leather... Er, hang on, wrong forum. Ahem. Just like the styrene in the 109 kit I'm building in the Blitzbuild, only slightly see-through

 

On 22/08/2025 at 21:04, stevej60 said:

Looks a beautiful kit James always been a favourite aircraft of mine having done a few Heller kits but this looks a different level,I've got the Big 1/32 

hobbyboss kit in the stash hopefully it might fit into a GB next year.

Thanks Steve  It does look like a beauty (I've got the 1/48 kit in the stash as well, which also looks superb). 

 

19 hours ago, Wings unlevel said:

That scheme is as complex as the kit is simple, James.Should be fun!

Thanks Gerard  In theory the scheme is just a case of paint it all NMF, paint the anti glare panel, then it's decals all the way. In practice, well I guess I'll find out soon enough!

 

James

[Mjwomack]

19 hours ago, 81-er said:

What does it feel like? Rich, Corinthian leather..

As I've said we don't judge, only encourage but are you sure this is the right form of modelling😱🤔

[81-er]

Well, it’s about time I updated this one! Things have been ticking along in the background, I’ve got the base colours on the fuselage internals, I’ve painted the main gear bays in YZC, and assembled the wings:

 

 

The nose bay is packed with weight, and it’s been painted in Xtreme Metal aluminium along with the gear legs and gear door exteriors. Those need masking so I can paint the insides YZC:

 

 

The cockpit tub, IP, and the sliding bit under the canopy have the base colours on and a bit of dry brushing, and the wheels have been primed:

 

 

The IP decal is on without issue and settling, which bodes well for the rest of the decals:

 

 

Finally, I picked up a resin bang seat (actually for an F-84F, but I figured it was close enough), and that’s had the base colours blocked on. I still need to paint the belts & details:

 

 

James

[Col.]

That's tidy work James. I can see this all coming together beautifully soon.

[2996 Victor]

Lovely work, James, and +1 from me for Thunderjet fans! I'm another one who's never tried one of those plated kits - quite frankly they scare me

 

Anyway, looking forward to your next update.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[81-er]

Thanks gents  One odd thing I am finding about this one is the plastic doesn't always want to stick with my ususal glues (quick-setting TET or the black Mr Cement). I'm not sure if this is down to the plastic being a different type to a non-plated kit, or if there's something left behind from either the plating or removing of that that's altered the behaviour when glued. Either way, I'm still progressing

 

James

[modelling minion]

Thats very nice work mate, she's coming along very nicely indeed. 

[81-er]

Thanks mate  I haven't forgotten about the bigger one I bought from you, that's also on the list to be finished by Telford

 

James

[Planebuilder62]

Hi @81-er

The Tamiya Thunderbird decals actually go on very nicely but you do need 3 things:

1. Pre paint the tip tanks red, white and blue, and the nose ring red. The reason is the decals need cutting to make them conform to the tanks. Tamiya LP range has a red that matches, the blue is Insignia blue.

2 Cut the tank decals when they are on the tanks. 

3. Use a strong decal setting solution like Daco Red. Microset is not strong enogh.

 

Oh yes, take your time. When using strong decal solvents, if you accidently hold the model with this stuff doing its job then its easy to make a mess. If you want this kit ready for Telford it could get rushed and not be as you hope

 

Reg

[81-er]

Thanks Reg  I had already been planning to try something very much along those lines, but it's good to know the decals should fit reasonably well. This one isn't destined to be ready for Telford, that's a 1/48 Revell one I started back in January

 

James