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The “Century Series” released from Monogram during the ‘80s are now simply a Myth. Kits such as the F-100, F-101, F-102, F-106 (but sadly not the F-104) are now almost a legend among the enthusiasts, not only for their detail, but mainly for their realistic look, specially when represented on the ground: they “sit” just like their real counterparts!

Very difficult to find is now the single seater F-105D. In fact Monogram released also the F-105F and the Wild Weasel F-105G which are now more easy to find.
I’m a fortunate owner of a F-105D which I decided to build as an early Vietnam war example, with some modifications. In fact, the kit represents a later example. Before all, I had to rescribe all panels, as usual with the Monogram kits of that era, but the good plastic makes it very easy.
 

I had to remove the rear engine coolers fittings, the front landing gear lights, and the RWR antenna on the fin, all devices still not present in 1964/1965 on the first raids over North Vietnam.

The cockpit is very well detailed, with the raised instruments on the main panel. On the upper lip, I placed the HUD done with acetate. The cockpit interiors are Dark Gull Gray FS 36231 (Gunze H317) with panels, seat, and other areas in semi gloss Black. The seat cushion is Green with a red headrest

The overall fit is good, but requires some sanding and puttying. The exhaust petals were added after the painting, and were finished with a coat of flat Black with some SNJ powder dry brushing. The landing gears, wheels and wheel wells are good, all were painted in Aluminum with a light Brown oil paint weathering.
 

The example I represented is the FH-172 of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing during its early days South East Asia. Like many examples coming from Europe, it wore the big shark mouth on the nose, and the three Green stripes on the fuselages (reminders of the 1st Commando Group of the WW2). The insignia were from the old Superscale sheet 48-269, while stencilling was a mix of Monogram and spare decals. The color scheme in Aluminum Lacquer overall, which I did with a coat of matt Grey, plus a coat of SNJ powder and as last coat Future acrylic wax. The anti-glare panel is in Olive Drab FS 34088 (Gunze H304), while the fuselage stripes are Dark Green FS.34079 (Gunze H309).

The wing load is spectacular, with a lot of iron bombs (Dark Green) and two wing tanks (Aluminum / Dark Green).

I did not exaggerate with weathering, I used only some brown oil paint to underscore the panels.
Very impressive result, even for the big dimensions of the Thud!!

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