F-4J "Showtime 106" 155769 VF-96 USS Constellation June 1972 in 1:72 scale
This is the F-4J "Showtime 106" 155769 VF-96 USS Constellation June 1972 in 1:72 scale by Hobby Master.
The F‑4J Phantom II “Showtime 106” (BuNo 155769) of VF‑96 “Fighting Falcons”, deployed aboard USS Constellation in June 1972, was a standout for its role in one of the Vietnam War’s most dramatic air battles. What truly set it apart was the mission on May 10, 1972—crewed by Lt Matthew Connelly and RIO Thomas Blonski—where it downed two MiG‑17s in a single sortie, directly contributing to VF‑96 becoming the Navy’s aces group. As an F‑4J, it featured upgraded APG‑59 radar, improved avionics, and enhanced missile capability, making it more lethal in look‑down/shoot‑down engagements than earlier Phantom variants. Despite suffering damage, it returned to Constellation—underscoring the Phantom’s ruggedness and the exceptional skill of its crew—making “Showtime 106” a celebrated symbol of Navy air dominance in Southeast Asia.
Hobby Master has earned a reputation as one of the top-tier brands for die-cast aircraft due to its meticulous attention to detail, durable metal build, and rich historical accuracy. Collectors often praise their models for realistic panel lines, pad‑printed placards, functional features like removable canopies and landing gear, and authentic detachable ordnance—all hallmarks of their popular Air Power Series. Hobbyists consider Hobby Master “top‑notch,” ideal for collectors seeking museum‑grade realism and durable craftsmanship
The F‑4J Phantom II “Showtime 106” (BuNo 155769) of VF‑96 “Fighting Falcons”, deployed aboard USS Constellation in June 1972, was a standout for its role in one of the Vietnam War’s most dramatic air battles. What truly set it apart was the mission on May 10, 1972—crewed by Lt Matthew Connelly and RIO Thomas Blonski—where it downed two MiG‑17s in a single sortie, directly contributing to VF‑96 becoming the Navy’s aces group. As an F‑4J, it featured upgraded APG‑59 radar, improved avionics, and enhanced missile capability, making it more lethal in look‑down/shoot‑down engagements than earlier Phantom variants. Despite suffering damage, it returned to Constellation—underscoring the Phantom’s ruggedness and the exceptional skill of its crew—making “Showtime 106” a celebrated symbol of Navy air dominance in Southeast Asia.
Hobby Master has earned a reputation as one of the top-tier brands for die-cast aircraft due to its meticulous attention to detail, durable metal build, and rich historical accuracy. Collectors often praise their models for realistic panel lines, pad‑printed placards, functional features like removable canopies and landing gear, and authentic detachable ordnance—all hallmarks of their popular Air Power Series. Hobbyists consider Hobby Master “top‑notch,” ideal for collectors seeking museum‑grade realism and durable craftsmanship
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