Discontinued – Hobby Master 1:72 F-105B Thunderchief

Hobby Master 1:72 F-105B Thunderchief

The “B” variant of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief was the initial production version and
became operational in May 1958 replacing the F-84 Thunderjet. On December 11, 1959
an F-105B set a world speed record of 1,216.48 mph over a 62 mile course. The F-105B
never saw combat and only 75 were produced before the all-weather “D” variant became
available in 1964. The F-105Bs were transferred to ANG and AFRES units with their last
flight in 1981 when they were sent to be scrapped. At least five aircraft were spared and
sent to museums.

On May 26, 1958 the first F-105 received by 335th Fighter-Day Squadron, 4th Fighter-
Day Wing was the one and only F-105B-6RE built and was serial 54-111. It was
considered the first F-105 delivered to an operational unit. Their job was to put the
Thunderchief through its paces and find any deficiencies, which they did. On July 1, 1958
the unit was renamed the 4th TFW and the 335th became the 335th TFS. In early 1964
the 4th TFW transitioned to the F-105D/F.