Twobobs Aviation Graphics

1/48 F-100C USAFE Skyblazers decal sheet

Product # 48-208 for $35.00

Product Article by Steve Bamford on June 22 2012

 

 

Here's a decal sheet that has been a long awaited sheet requiring much exhaustive research.  With the help of family members of the actual pilots that flew these aircraft, Twobobs is proud to announce this monster set of markings for the Skyblazers from 1956-1961.

As you may know the Skyblazers started in early 1949 when pilots from 22nd fighter squadron from the of 36th fighter wing based in USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) airbase Furstenfeldbruk, Germany, start group flights with their Lockheed F-80B Shooting Star aircraft.  In May 1949 it was decided by the USAFE headquarters to create a aerobatic team using the F-80B aircraft over Europe and North Africa.  The new team performed for the first time with 4 planes in October 1949 at the British-occupied German base of Gutersloh.  The team performed for 13 years using a variety of jets including the Lockheed F-80B Shooting Star, Republic F-84E Thunderjet, F-84G, F-86F and F-100C Super Sabre.

In 1956 the team switched to the F-100C Super Sabre to begin training for the 1957 season.  Once the USAF Thunderbird team got planes with mid-air refueling capabilities, then it was possible for the Thunderbird team to perform in the US and Europe, making the Skyblazer team unnecessary.  The Skyblazer team was officially disbanded in January of 1962.  The F-100C Super Sabre flown by the Skyblazers for the 1959-1962 seasons is the focus focus of this decal sheet.

All marking options for multiple aircraft have been captured in this four sheet set. There are many variations from year to year and this product allows you to capture all these intricacies exactly.  This decal sheet covers the F-100C Skyblazers during the 1959-1960, 1960-1961 and the 1961-1962 airshow demonstration seasons.

As for the 19 aircraft featured on this sheet they include the following:

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42009 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Leader Capt. Bill Creech

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42010 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Right Wing Capt. Gordon Cells

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42002 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Left Wing Lt. G.L. Scharnhorst

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41980 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Slot Capt. Christensen

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41959 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Solo Capt. Pat Kramer

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41891 from the 1959-1960 season flown by Alternate Capt. Bill Armstrong

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42009 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Leader Capt. J. W. Armstrong

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42002 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Right Wing  Capt. Gordon Cells

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42010 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Left Wing Capt. Carl Funk

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41980 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Slot (until May the Leader) Capt. Pat Kramer

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41891 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Solo (until May the Slot) Capt. John Clayton

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41959 from the 1960-1961 season flown by Alternate Capt. Bill Gordon

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42009 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Leader Capt.  Pat Kramer

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42002 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Right Wing Lt. Kert Daderle

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 42010 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Left Wing Carl Funk

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41980 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Slot Capt. John Clayton

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41891 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Solo Capt. Will Gideon

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41959 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Alternate Lt. Gary Barnhill 

  • F-100C Skyblazers # 41992 from the 1961-1962 season flown by Slot Unknown pilot

 

Click on images below to see larger images

Recommended Kits: 

  • Trumpeter F-100C

  • Revellogram F-100D w/Cutting Edge "C" conversion

  • Aires Wheel Well Set

  • Aires Exhaust Nozzle

  • Eduard Detail Set

  • Eduard Paint Masks

The instructions are clear and include 4 views of each aircraft.  The decals are beautifully printed on 4 decal sheets.  Paint codes are called out in Testors, SNJ and  Humbrol.  Basically you paint your model white, add the baremetal areas around the rear area by the exhaust and below the tail, then all the stripes are applied with the decals.  You get enough National insignia to build 2 jets.  Al the jets look similar but there are differences from year to year so check the instruction sheets carefully as there are plenty of helpful notes on the instruction sheets.  There are also helpful notes and drawings to create the smoke dispenser.

One of the most historically relevant subjects ever done in decal form!  I loce the looks of the Skyblazers F-100 C's.  From their red/white/blue paint scheme to the blue tails with white stars......these are sharp looking jets.  I tip my hat to Bob over at Twobobs for putting in the effort to research this decal sheet.  Very cool indeed!!!

This sheet is available through http://www.twobobs.net/ and select US Hobby Shops.  Overseas customers can purchase these from Twobobs site or through Twobobs network of overseas distributors.  

Steve Bamford

Click on images below to see larger images

      

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford