Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model

Republic Aviation F-105D-25-RE Thunderchief - "61-0183", 562nd TFS, 23rd TFW (6441 TFW), USAF, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, 1965, “Project Look-Alike”

1:72 Scale.  Length: 10.75".  Wingspan: 5.75"

This model replicates a F-105 Thunderchief flown by the 562nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at McConnell Air Force Base before its deployment in 1965 to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base (from which it participated in five months of sustained combat operations over Vietnam). No.61-0183 was one of eighty F-105D-25 series which was equipped with conventional warfare modifications. On July 6 1973, this Thunderchief was sent to MASDC (Military Aircraft Storage & Disposition Center) for storage and was scrapped in 1984.

This F-105 has the generic markings that took effect with "Project Look-Alike", but retained the legacy sharkmouth worn by the aircraft of the 23rd TFW who descended from the 'Flying Tigers' in China. When the 23rd deployed to Vietnam in 1965, they were controlled by the 6441 TFW.

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter/bomber. As the largest single engine fighter ever employed by the USAF, the F-105 would be adapted to deliver a greater bomb load than the ten-man, four-engine, bombers of WWII. The F-105 was the primary strike bomber over North Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War. Over 20,000 F-105 sorties were flown with 382 Aircraft lost (nearly half of the 833 produced) including 62 operational losses. Although it lacked the agility of the enemies MiG fighters, Thunderchiefs were credited with downing 27.5 enemy aircraft. First flown in 1955, the F-105 entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1958.


Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.

This die-cast model of an F-105 Thunderchief features: