1/89 3663-149 ITC F-108 Rapier with Booster and Launching Platform
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
Very rare kit. Features elevating launch platform and booster rocket for zero-length launch. The F-108 was a proposed interceptor and escort for the B-70 tri-sonic bomber and ITC was quick to capitalize on this new design. The kit was produced quickly and the rest is history. When the F-108 hit the shelves, it did not look like the design. Photos had been released by the US Air Force of the mock-up that were not available when ITC made the molds. This and the cancellation of the F-108 program lead to a very short release life for the Rapier and ITC quickly pulled it from the shelves. Very interesting kit with raised and recessed panel line detail. The kit comes with a proposed zero-length launching system and fall-away rocket booster. The booster is detachable (if you wish). The aircraft has moving canards and the launcher elevates to launching position then back to storage position. Molded in the correct ivory plastic with metal parts for the elevation mechanism. The kit includes the correct decals and instructions as well. The decals are flat and have very minimal yellowing. The instructions are excellent as well. Kit is 100% complete and has not been painted but has been started and has significant assembly. Please read carefully: Booster halves and nozzles (3 parts) have been assembled. Quality of assembly is excellent with no gaps and no glue showing. The fins have very neatly broken off and need to be reinstalled. Aircraft body and center tail section (3 parts) have been built. Quality of assembly is excellent with no gaps and a slight bit of cement showing on a flat area - easily sanded smooth and polished out. Launcher has been partially built; it still needs significant assembly. 7 parts have been assembled here - two base sides, lower ramp, 2 bracket to the upper ramp, and a bracket to the ramp floor. Quality of assembly is excellent with no gaps and no glue showing.. Again, the kit is 100% complete with all parts, uncut decal sheet and instructions. Never painted and all assembly is of superior quality, done by a very serious and talented modeler. Box top displays better than the 'Good' rating, but the lower short end panel is missing about 2 inches of litho and has corner splits. Ideal builder kit.
This item has been sold.
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