A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a United States Air Force McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II operated from RAF Alconbury during the closing years of the Cold War. Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA1958 depicts aircraft 68-0657, named “Starize”, of the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing during 1986.
The 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was based at RAF Alconbury in England and operated several specialised reconnaissance squadrons. Its aircraft provided NATO commanders with valuable tactical imagery and intelligence throughout Europe, maintaining a constant readiness to operate during periods of heightened Cold War tension.
The RF-4C was an unarmed photographic reconnaissance development of the Phantom II. In place of the fighter variant's radar and weapons systems, the elongated nose housed an extensive suite of cameras and sensors that could be used to gather intelligence from low, medium and high altitude.
Aircraft 68-0657 is reproduced with the individual name “Starize”, the AR tail code associated with RAF Alconbury and the blue identification colour used by the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. Its green and grey camouflage reflects the operational appearance of USAF reconnaissance aircraft based in Europe during the period.
Developed from the successful F-4 Phantom II, the RF-4C retained the type's powerful twin-engine performance, two-person cockpit and ability to operate at high speed over long distances. These characteristics made it an effective tactical reconnaissance platform capable of gathering imagery deep within contested airspace.
This Hobby Master release is particularly appealing to collectors of Cold War aircraft, USAF units based in Britain and reconnaissance aviation. The model features extensive diecast construction, detailed front and rear cockpits beneath separately positionable canopies, a carefully reproduced camera nose and removable external stores. It is supplied with its original Hobby Master presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA1958
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II
Serial: 68-0657
Aircraft Name: Starize
Unit: United States Air Force 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Wing: 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
Tail Code: AR
Role: Tactical photographic reconnaissance
Theatre / Base: RAF Alconbury, England
Date/Period: 1986
Operator / Country: United States Air Force / United States
Scale: 1:72
Range: Air Power Series
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Authentic 1st TRS and 10th TRW markings, Starize aircraft name, AR tail code, European camouflage, specialised camera nose, detailed front and rear cockpits, separately positionable canopies, removable external stores, detailed landing gear and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 10.5" or 26.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.25" or 15.9 cm