F-105D Thunderchief "Polish Glider 1:72 Die Cast Model HA25109

F-105D Thunderchief “Polish Glider,” Maj. Don Kutyna, 44th TFS, 355th TFW, Takhli RTAFB, 1970 Scale 1:72 Die Cast Model Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Weapons that are not permanently attached. Comes with crew figure. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. The F-105D was first accepted on September 28 1960 and became the major variant with 610 aircraft being built. Intended for a nuclear strike role but since the nuclear threat became less likely the role became a high-speed bomber. The Pitot tube was moved to the nose that had been extended approximately 15 inches more than the “B”. The “D” received strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook in case it over shot the runway. During 1966 and 1967 F-105Ds managed to down 25 MiGs using the 20-mm cannon and 2 other using Side-Winder missiles. Colonel Paul Douglas Jr. was a WWII P-47 Ace with 8 aerial victories and 27 aircraft destroyed on the ground. In 1968-1969 Col. Douglas was Commander of the 388th TFW at Korat, Thailand. In February 1970 he retired as a Brigadier General having been awarded over 60 decorations. F-105D-5-RE was s/n 59-1743 and was delivered to the USAF in November 1960. During the aircraft’s time in Vietnam it suffered combat damage several times and has worn many different names. “Darn Dago”, “Arkansas Traveler” when it was Col. Douglas’s aircraft, “Lead Zeppelin” and Hanoi Express”. The aircraft was retired in March 1981 with 45,000 flight hours and was transferred to Hill AFB, Utah where it was restored as the “Arkansas Traveler”. The "JJ" tail code denotes the 34th TFS of the 388th at Korat RTAB, Thailand.