McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo “Polka Dots” Die-Cast Model

Precision made at 1:72 scale, this model replicates an RF-101C from the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron that served in Vietnam.

Developed from the XF-88 program of the 1950s, the F-101 Voodoo is a high-altitude and high-speed escort fighter that was designed to protect bombers such as the B-36 Peacemaker. Upon production, it was realized that new high-speed, high-altitude strike bombers such as the B-52 negated the need for escort fighters of the Voodoo’s type. Interception would be much more difficult for enemy forces and therefore the aircraft would need to be adapted to fit a tactical air defense role. By the end of 1961, over 800 of the type had been manufactured across nearly a dozen unique variants.

• Features a high-quality camouflage livery with engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details.
• Includes deployed or retracted landing gear and display stand to show the aircraft in flight.
• Comes with a pair of underbody fuel tanks which simply press-fit into place.
• Measures 11.5”l with a 6.75” wingspan at 1:72 scale.
• Highly collectible and officially licensed model.

The first of the three new redesigns, the F-101A, was outfitted for traditional fighter bomber capability. It had a set of four 20mm M39 autocannons, air-to-air missile and nuclear standoff capability, and a low-level bombing system called LABS. Subsequently, the F-101B variant was the specifically designed air-defense option of the type, with AIM-4 and AIR-2A rockets for combat that were carried in a nose weapons bay but omitting the set of nose-mounted cannons. Additionally, it mounted the new Pratt & Whitney J57-P-55 turbojets, Final of the three, the F-101C was a further development from both sides. It carried the same optional gun package or recon equipment, but added a strengthened wing and fuselage for improved maneuvering performance.

Registered as 56-0176 for the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, this unarmed RF-101C was one of the “pathfinders” over South-East Asia in support of Vietnam war efforts. Featuring the nose art and nickname “Gerry’s Clown” during the 1960s, this specific jet was flown out of Tan Son Nhut Air Base. With many sorties under its belt and two years after the conflict had ended, it was transferred to the 153rd TRS, seeing out a final year before retirement in the 1980s. Die-Cast version features a high-quality paint scheme, pad printed details, engraved panel lines, and surface detailing. Includes retracted or deployed landing gear, fuel tanks, and display stand to show the model in flight. Measures 11.5” in length with a 6.75” wingspan at 1:72 scale.