Hobby Master F-100D Super Sabre, Don Schmenk, Vietnam 1969.

The North American F-100 Supersabre served the USAF from 1954 to 1971 and the ANG until 1979. The F-100 commonly referred to as the "Hun", a shortened version of "one hundred" was the first US fighter capable of attaining supersonic speed in level flight. The Hun was used extensively as close-air-support in South Vietnam. The F-100 suffered from landing gear and brake parachute failures, electrical problems, refueling probes that broke off during some maneuvers and the occasional wing failure. Over 500 of the 1,274 F-104Ds that were built were lost mostly due to these failures.

North American F-100D Super Sabre

Designed as a high-performance evolution of the F-86 Sabre, the F-100 Super Sabre was first flown on May 25, 1953. This swept-wing aircraft was the first in the "Century Series" and the first operational USAF aircraft capable of supersonic speed in level flight. It was adapted for use as a fighter-bomber and was the Air Force's primary close-support aircraft through much of the Vietnam War. Despite its promise, the F-100 proved to be a dangerous aircraft, by the end of its USAF service in 1972, a total of 889 F-100s had been lost in accidents, claiming the lives of 324 pilots.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-100 Super Sabre is constructed almost entirely from diecast metal, with only the smallest amount of plastic used. The fuselage is almost seamless, with a hinged articulating canopy that opens for viewing of the cockpit interior. The engine intake has near-razor sharp edges with an unusually long pitot tube, and the surface surrounding the engine is correctly unpainted. The wing has crisp panel lines, hand-painted navigation lights and a complete set of ordnance including rocket, bombs and fuel tanks. Variants include the A, C and D; the D features a larger wing, aerodynamic fences on the wings and two types of refueling probes.

Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series

The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.