Released back in 1983, Monogram offered model builders another great aircraft in their "Century Series" releases. Along with the F-102 this was the U.S. venture into military delta wing production aircraft. "The Six" was another welcomed kit with an excellent level of detail in a relatively uncomplicated build that actually holds up pretty well to date.
Notable Kit Features:
Raised detailed cockpit and instrument panel (typical of Monogram kits)
Good ejection seats
Optional blown or framed canopy (which can be positioned open or closed)
Nicely detailed wheel wells and gear
Well detailed weapons bays
Detailed jet engine exhaust
Wing flaps are molded in the drooped position
Speed brake molded in open position (but can be built closed)
Build Inspiration:
"The Six" is another large Century Series aircraft that was built exclusively for the Interceptor role in the USAF. With the Pratt & Whitney J75 engine powering this airframe (as well as the Thud) a stock F-106A set a world’s absolute speed record for single-engine aircraft of 1,525.695 mph on December 15, 1959. After picking up the kit I wasn't overly impressed with the decals so I went and found a nice Air Defence Gray (FS16473) checkerboard tail version complete with nose art "Defiance". (The same company - Bare Metal - also released the same Michigan ANG markings for the F-4C, which would be a nice side-kick to this build.) - Much to my surprise, these decals appear to still be available at Bare Metal .
Heads-Up Report:
Hard-to-reach seams along some of the missile fins
The flight controls are molded in place
Closing the gear doors may require a bit of work (not unusual for a kit)
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Bare-Metal Foil decals 48-31 F-106A 191 FIG Selfridge, MI
End Result:
The After-Build Report on this kit is that I would still recommend this Monogram build. It is a relatively straight-forward build with few challenges that a beginner could handle (with a closed weapons bay to simplify things) or an experienced builder could add onto. Keep in mind the kit does have raised panel lines which may turn some off however, they are quite finely done (or you can sand them off). The typical price point of this kit gives great value, as the kit detail is still good to excellent for a decades old kit (and about half to a quarter of the price of its competitor which give modelers a choice of product which is always a nice option...if you can find one as it was last released in 2010).
Note: The more recently released 1/48th scale Trumpeter version will get you the dual seat version F-106B Delta Dart kit.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers