The fully assembled model comes with a stained solid mahogany (or mahogany with steel arm) stand and is ready to display on your desk, bookcase or wherever you desire. The photographs you see have not been manipulated or digitally edited - they are exactly as the model looks in real life, but unfortunately even digital photography cannot do full justice to the look and feel of the model once you receive it!
PlaneArts have been producing models for over 20 years which are honed to perfection by the dexterity of our Skilled Master Craftsmen and carefully checked at all stages of manufacture by our dedicated Quality Assurance Team. We promote internationally on eBay to ensure our products get the best exposure worldwide. Due to a high level of demand and the huge diversity of aircraft types and liveries most models are made to order and take about 9-10 weeks to produce (excluding National and Public Holidays). You will also notice that we offer models often way below the price of other companies advertising on the eBay. We are able do this because of the direct manufacturing and selling basis of our business - models direct from the factory and not from an intermediary or trading / marketing company. All models are shipped internationally through FedEx, UPS or DHL Express Courier (Door to Door worldwide within about 3 business days). Fully traceable and insured against damage or loss).
Apart from those models you see in our eBay store - using your photos or images, we will make you a personalized replica model of your aircraft with your own individual paint scheme, logos, registration number, antennas and all the details that make your airplane special. You can even upgrade and personalize your model with a fully customized transparent interior to match your seats, colors, instrument panel and all other important interior details. Alternatively, we can copy any current or historic commercial or military airplane or helicopter that has ever flown just by giving us images or photos. Each meticulously detailed scale model is custom manufactured and precisely engineered to your exact specifications. We will build you a model that will not only meet your expectations but will go far beyond and with detail that will amaze you!
If you do not see the model you require in our eBay Store please message us on eBay with a description and images of what you require including the size or scale of the desired model and we will then do a dedicated listing for you on eBay. Our Customer Service Team will then help you with questions you may have and upon request update you on the status of your order. Our Production Team will work with you personally during construction until your model is ready to taxi on its journey to your own door in its foam fitted heavy duty export packaging.
To watch a video of the professional protective packing of PlaneArts models destined for all parts of the globe, please also click on the image below to start the video which will open in a separate page in your browser (the tab on in your browser for this page will still stay open so you can go back to the eBay listing)
Packing Process
Production video will open in a new window
[isdntekvideo]
The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo “Polka Dots” of the 14th USAF Squadron at Misawa
The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo, affectionately nicknamed “Polka Dots,” served as a pivotal asset in the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the United States Air Force, stationed at Misawa Air Base in Japan during the late 1950s and 1960s. This aircraft, known for its distinctive and unconventional camouflage pattern, played a crucial role in the Cold War reconnaissance missions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Historical Context and Development:
The RF-101C Voodoo was a part of the broader F-101 Voodoo series, a supersonic military aircraft designed by McDonnell Aircraft. Originally developed as a long-range bomber escort (a mission that became obsolete with the advent of intercontinental ballistic missiles), the Voodoo was adapted for reconnaissance and became the first supersonic photo-reconnaissance aircraft operated by the USAF.
The “Polka Dots” Camouflage:
The “Polka Dots” nickname derived from the unique camouflage scheme applied to the RF-101Cs of the 14th Squadron. Unlike typical military aircraft that featured uniform color patterns designed to blend with the sky or ground, the “Polka Dots” Voodoos featured large, irregular black and white dots over the standard gray and green. This pattern was intended to disrupt enemy radar and visual identification, a necessity given the aircraft’s reconnaissance missions over hostile territory.
Deployment at Misawa Air Base:
Misawa Air Base, located in the northern part of Honshu, Japan, was a strategic location for the United States during the Cold War. The 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, including its RF-101Cs, was stationed here to provide critical surveillance over the Soviet Union and other areas of interest in the Pacific. The Voodoo’s exceptional speed and high-altitude capabilities made it an excellent platform for strategic reconnaissance, capable of outrunning threats and gathering vital data.
Missions and Operational History:
During their service, the “Polka Dots” RF-101Cs undertook numerous high-risk missions. Their objectives typically involved deep penetration aerial photography of military installations, troop movements, and other strategic targets across Eastern Asia and the Soviet Far East. These missions were fraught with danger, as the aircraft often had to operate within reach of enemy air defenses.
Legacy and Impact:
The RF-101C “Polka Dots” not only contributed significantly to the intelligence capabilities of the United States during a tense period of the Cold War but also demonstrated the technological advances in military aviation. The aircraft’s ability to gather crucial intelligence at supersonic speeds added a new dimension to aerial reconnaissance, influencing the development of future reconnaissance aircraft.
The decommissioning of the RF-101C and the eventual inactivation of the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron marked the end of an era. However, the legacy of the “Polka Dots” Voodoo endures, highlighting the ingenuity and bravery of Cold War-era reconnaissance operations.
Conclusion:
The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo “Polka Dots” remains a symbol of aeronautical innovation and cold war military strategy. Its unique camouflage, high-speed performance, and critical missions contribute to its distinguished place in military aviation history. As we look back at the Cold War’s aviation developments, the “Polka Dots” Voodoo stands out for its significant role in shaping the outcome of geopolitical conflicts during that era.
