Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

Republic F-105F Thunderchief – #63-8301, Major Leo Thorsness and Capt. Johnson, 357th TFS, 355th TFW, USAF, April 19, 1967, Vietnam War

1:72 Scale.  Length: 10.75".  Wingspan: 5.75"


Limited production of approximately 800 models worldwide

On April 19, 1967 Maj. Thorsness and Capt. Johnson flew their F-105F Thunderchief #63-8301 along with their wingmen on a mission to destroy surface-to-air missile sites. They destroyed their first objective and upon attacking the second SAM site the wingman was hit by ground fire and the crew bailed out. 63-8301 circled the parachutes to give SAR their location. 63-8301 then spotted a MiG-17 and destroyed it. Low on fuel, Major Thorsness began to leave but returned to take on four more MiG-17s, destroying one while the other three fled.

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter/bomber aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force. First flown in 1955 the F-105 entered service in 1958. As the largest single engine fighter ever employed by the USAF, the F105 would be adapted to deliver a greater bomb load than the ten-man, four-engine bombers of World War II. The F-105 was the primary strike bomber over North Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War. Over 20,000 F-105 sorties were flown with 382 Aircraft lost (nearly half of the 833 produced) including 62 operational losses. Although it lacked the agility of the enemies MiG fighters, Thunderchiefs were credited with downing 27.5 enemy aircraft.


Hobby Master is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an F-105 Thunderchief features: