Trumper's kit from around six years ago is the obvious option for modelling the 2-seater Delta Dart in 1:48 (unless you want to modify the classic 1970s Monogram single-seater), and Iliad provide new individual insignia and codes for three operational aircraft, along with a pair of test aircraft:

1. F-106B s/n 57-2514, 27th FIS, Loring AFB, Maine, summer 1969

2. F-106B s/n 57-2535, Rockwell B-1B Flight Test Program, Palmdale, California, August 1988

3. F-106B s/n 57-2513, Rockwell B-1B Flight Test Program, 1987

4. F-106B s/n 57-2529, 539th FIS, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, 1961

5. F-106B s/n 57-2535, 194th FIS, California ANG, October 1968 (same aircraft as option 2 earlier in its career)

The decals look to be superb quality, being thin and glossy, with pin-sharp registration. The carrier film is trimmed closely around most items - the only excess being where it's used to group multiple elements.

The set relies on using national insignia from the Trumpeter kit and, admittedly without having had a chance to examine it, my hunch (based on previous Trumpeter/HobbyBoss kits) is that colours of the kit decals may be a bit bright. This will probably only really be an issue with Insignia Red, because Iliad always correctly use a deeper shade than is often found in kit decals. So, you may have to compromise a little to tie everything together in the two colour schemes that feature Insignia Red.

Iliad have included a small correction sheet with replacements for the tail markings for option 1, where a couple of the small black stars were omitted on one of the original decals. A nice touch is that they've included replacements for both sides - presumably just in case there was any colour variation between the print runs (needless to say, with Iliad's attention to detail, the yellow actually matches perfectly).

The decals are accompanied by a nicely produced set of instructions, with colour profiles and plan views, plus extra views showing the Remove Before Flight tags on the undercarriage and a colour reference photo of a air intake. Each scheme has useful notes highlighting points of interest.

Conclusion

This is a really nice set that offers some very attractive alternative colour schemes for 2-seat Delta Darts. I built the old Monogram kit around 30 years ago and was really struck by just what an impressive aircraft it is in 1:48, so Trumpeter's F-106B should be a real head-turner with these colourful alternative options.

Set #48037 is available now from Iliad Design - Price: $12.00

Many thanks to Iliad Design for the review sample.

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