Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and RF-84F Thunderflash by Charles Stafrace

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and RF-84F Thunderflash, Warpaint Series number 100

A softcover publication in A4 format in English, written by Charles Stafrace. The Warpaint Series devotes each volume to one aircraft type and combines its history with reference material for modelers. It is not a kit or an accessory, but a book.

What the book contains

• the development of the F-84F fighter-bomber and of its RF-84F reconnaissance version
• the operational history with the US Air Force and with allied air forces
• period black-and-white and color photographs
• color profiles with camouflage schemes and drawings in 1:72 scale

About the aircraft

The F-84F Thunderstreak grew out of the straight-wing Thunderjet through the conversion to a swept wing and a more powerful engine, and in the 1950s it became one of the most widespread fighter-bombers of western Europe. The RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance version had its air intakes moved into the wing roots because of the cameras in the nose, which gave it an unmistakable silhouette. Besides the US Air Force a number of European air forces operated it, and the machines therefore carried a colorful range of camouflage and natural metal schemes. The Thunderstreak was in its day also deployed as a carrier of tactical weapons, and some of the aircraft got a second life under military aid programs with air forces that then gave them their own markings and finishes. For a modeler that means a machine from several countries can be built from one kit, and it is exactly this choice that the book serves as reference for.

Who it is for

For modelers who build one of the F-84F or RF-84F kits and are looking for reference for markings and camouflage, and for readers interested in Cold War aviation. The text is in English; the drawings and the photographs will be used even by someone who does not study the language.