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Post by Mark O on Mar 20, 2014 15:31:42 GMT 9
I found this photo on eBay the other day, and immediately noticed two things. First, it is a decal set with markings for 56-0467 as she looked for the speed record, and second, said "Pre-Production" on the cover sheet.  Hmmm... I sent an email off to Greg Drawbaugh of Draw Decal, and he was kind enough to reply that this set will be released in 1/72, and 1/48 scale in about two weeks. He also indicated that they are considering other F-106 decal sets, "depending on demand." Good news! I replied to him that it is certainly his decision, but I would prefer to see some F-106 sets in markings no other maker has produced. (Specifically, I would like to see the 329th, the 83rd, early 539th, the very early 318th, and a few others!) What markings would you all like to see? I figure unless we let him know...  |
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Post by Diamondback on Mar 20, 2014 23:12:53 GMT 9
Caracal Decals is also hatching a set for Guard Sixes in 1/48, and is open to more if the Guard set sells. I'd vote for 318th in Early ("Compass"), Mid ("4-point") and Late ("8-point") mrakings myself, ideally with the 8-point having a separate rear leg decal for 59-0054's unique upturned aft point. But what I'd REALLY like to see is a set for Boss Birds, both three-stripe squadron flagships and two-stripers marked for DO's and similar sorts. (See 59-0057's gallery for an example.) Yeah, I know my focus is a little limited... but my primary connection to the Six only served with one squadron in ADC, having bounced from SAC to PACAF to USAFE and finally landing here.  |
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Post by Marvin Pine on Mar 21, 2014 2:03:32 GMT 9
I'd like to see a 87th set in 1/48.
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Post by pat perry on Mar 21, 2014 2:31:45 GMT 9
As long as we are dreaming, I'd like to see for 1/48 and 1/72 models for both regular USAF and Air Guard 1- A set of stock decals with the standard stuff found on all F-106s, National Stars, US Air Force, Ejection seat triangles, Weapons load placards, etc. 2- A set of custom sheets with squadron unique decals and their variations over the years. Maybe some actual nose art and front wheel well door art from back in the day. Of course this sheet might end up being 4x4 feet in size.  3- Either the standard or custom set (or both) could have several sets of individual numbers from 0-9 in large and small so you could replicate your own tail and/or FE numbers for the bird you worked on or the one you liked the most. Like Si says on Duck Dynasty, "Hey, we're dream'in here." Pat P. |
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Post by Mark O on Mar 21, 2014 3:10:38 GMT 9
To the best of my knowledge these are the F-106 squadrons that have NOT been produced in decal form.
11th, 319th, 329th, 437th*, 438th, 498th, and 83rd FISs. (*The 437th can be made from existing 456th sets, and I doubt anyone will ever do a 437th specific set.)
Now, one can argue more specifically such as, "late" 194th, or "early" 539th, (etc.), but the point is there are very few sets that a hard-core modeler CANNOT find OF THE SETS that have been made. Someone has one, and it usually shows up, IF you know where to look (or ask) for it.
Pat P. - 100% concur on the stencil set. That info is out there somewhere. We just haven't found it yet. When someone does, and makes it into an F-106 stencil set IT WILL SELL! Number sheets are easily found for both scales, so that's an easy fix. (4'x4'?!!)
Marvin - The 87th FIS sets in 1/48 are very common. Are you looking for a specific tail number? See my comment above.
D-back - With the exception of the first version of the Northern Star (which I too would like to see), the other 318th markings are also very common. (Which I'm sure you know!) "Boss bird", or command stripes are a good idea, as I believe many modelers love the extra splash of colors.
Since there aren't any Sixes showing up at Armed Forces Day open houses at military bases these days, I figure the folks that see the aircraft on display around the country get a kick out of the markings they see, and many will want to build a kit with those markings. 58-0787 in 49th colors is popular, but a version in 71st FIS markings would be even better! Only the "early" 71st markings are available, so if someone made one with the blue chevron, they could also add a 94th FIS decal (or a couple other tail numbers, and a 319th decal), and -- "BAM" -- more options! (Imagine someone doing a little diorama of 787 after it landed in the wheat field!!) 59-0158 is in 329th FIS colors out at Edwards, so there's another great example just waiting to be produced in decal form. And for the life of me I can't figure out why no one has ever done an 83rd, or 498th FIS!
(BTW, I'll start adding decals to the new photo page under the "RCs & Modelers" section over the next few days. Busy morning, and now I gotta get ready for work.)
Mark O. |
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Post by Diamondback on Mar 21, 2014 5:47:59 GMT 9
Really, I see several options here for building up a "Decal Package", but I thought I'd toss in my thoughts about how I'd try to do it if I were in the decal business.
1st sheet - common stencils and markings for all Sixes. This means only having to prepare the art once, and less different pieces of inventory as publisher.
2nd - tail and FE-numbers sheets. My ideal here would be, in recognition of some folks' impaired dexterity, complete preassembled numbers for the entire force--one sheet early with the FE-xxx buzz-numbers, one with the late O-prefix tailnumber, one just plain 5-digit, maybe one with the late FY-last 3 format in use today if any Sixes made it that far. Or maybe just use Pat's inventory records to make up a separate tailnumber sheet for each squadron, reduce the wastage of unnneeded and unused decals that way, though that adds inventory.
3rd - squadron/ac-specific art. For example, cases where tail-art came very close to the tail-numbers (example, late 318th--but I'll bet a few other squadrons did it too) maybe leave an open rectangle where the tailnumber decal goes in with different tailnumber inserts including the portion of the artwork inside that box. Command stripes would go on this sheet where appropriate.
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Post by Marvin Pine on Mar 21, 2014 9:25:05 GMT 9
Mark I'd like either 97 or 231 and if the B-model kit comes out 160.
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Post by Jim on Mar 21, 2014 12:40:37 GMT 9
what's wrong with the 27th, any aircraft, the most complex tail flash in all of ADC?
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Post by Mark O on Mar 21, 2014 14:36:42 GMT 9
what's wrong with the 27th, any aircraft, the most complex tail flash in all of ADC? Not a damn thing wrong with the 27th colors Jim! Always a very, popular set, but it has been done. I would like to see some that have NOT been done. That's all. |
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Post by Mark O on Mar 21, 2014 14:52:12 GMT 9
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MOW
Administrator 
Owner/Operator
Currently: Offline
Posts: 5,822 
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Post by MOW on Mar 21, 2014 20:29:40 GMT 9
Make them all I say! That would be nice if he did. |
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Post by Mark O on May 13, 2014 21:48:52 GMT 9
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