F-106A Delta Dart

The first impression of the Delta Dart is just how big it is for a single-engine 1/72 fighter. The kit is nearly 12 inches long when completed. The big plane is almost entirely one color, Air Defense Command Gray, only broken up by the black radome and gray anti-glare panel. Fortunately, the markings are fairly colorful, to break up the monotony a bit. The first option, shown on the box, is for a Massachusetts Air Guard plane with light blue Cape Cod markings, from exercises in 1985. The second set of markings has a large yellow lightning bolt on the tail, for the Air Force's ADTAC unit in 1984. The kit goes together fairly easily, since there aren't too many parts. Fit is mostly flawless, with a minimum of filler required. Detail is somewhat lacking for a kit of this size; the cockpit is mostly hidden from view by the heavily-framed canopy, but could still benefit from some detailing, like ejection pull handles or seatbelts. The landing gear bays have some ridges which look sort of like structural beams, but are fairly disappointing. The weapons bay is almost completely empty, apart from the trapeze arms which hold the Falcon missiles. The bays could definitely benefit from some added wires, or actuator arms in the missile bay. If you try to build the missile bay closed, be prepared for some fit issues; the only time you'll likely need putty is if you close the bay. The panel lines are fine raised, and the kit is covered in very subtle raised rivets. Unlike most old kits, the rivets actually make the kit look better. The weapons include four AIM-4 Falcons and two large drop tanks. Like many old Hasegawa stores, the Falcons are passable, but somewhat chunky, and do not come with markings. These could be improved with replacements from the Hase Weapons Set. Overall, the kit could use a lot of work, but it's your only option for an F-106 in 1/72 scale. (Although, Trumpeter does make a Delta Dart in 1/48 scale)

good kit, good fit but hold on a bit. from the start this kit will present you with head scratching dilemmas. missles deployed or smooth skinned. the latter would seem to be the easiest but then again with missiles deployed it offers a different perspective. hence the dilemma, it would seem that the aircraft would have to be airborne, in which case the closed canopy and pilot make since however if it is on the ground then the canopy should be open and no pilot. to do this you will have to cut the canopy. the kit also does not come with the AIM-2A Genie. I cannot find this missile in any of the Hasagawa bomb/missile kits. it was a nuclear tipped air to air missile. I would suggest the hasagawa kit with ground personnel and missile loaders to make a small diorama with the canopy up. for 11 bucks it makes a good looking model. would recommend to all.

This is a good fun kit to build. Not too difficult. It went together smoothly. The missile bay only has parts to build it in the open position. I suppose the bay could be built closed, but I don't have the ability to make that look good. It is an older kit with raised panel lines, but the price point is good.