Introduction

The F-106 was a direct development of the F-102 first conceived of in 1951. This supersonic all weather interceptor had a number of advanced features for its time including fully enclosed weapons bay and a delta wing platform. The F-106 further developed the concept with a more powerful Pratt and Whiney J75 engine and the unique area rule or coke bottle fuselage that enabled the F-106 to reach twice the speed of sound. The F-106 was equipped with the first guided missiles used by the USAF. The Aim 4E was semi radar guided and the Aim 4G was a heat seeker. The aircraft could also carry nuclear weapons. The F-106 never saw combat but did intercept countless Soviet bombers over the course of its career. They served over 20 years with the USAF and 16 years with various ANG units. Notable is the fact that the F-106 finished its run with the lowest single engine aircraft accident rate of any USAF aircraft.

Yet another landing gear set from our friends at Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC). Like the other sets I’ve used these are an exact reproduction of the kit parts in white metal. My first impression every time I use SAC parts is they look rough in the package but are indistinguishable from the kit parts once painted and installed. This set is no different. I have to confess up front, I had started the kit before I saw this on the review list so I couldn’t use the whole set. The nose gear leg cannot be added after the fuselage is together so I missed the boat on that one. As for the main gear legs I decided to do one of each to see if any difference is apparent, there isn’t. I could go either way on this set. The real F-106 had a very robust landing gear design that Trumpeter has captured beautifully in plastic. In some ways the plastic has its advantages. Each gear leg is a multi-part assembly and the ability to manipulate the parts as the glue sets were a plus.