Final product photos HA1948 F-4F Phantom II JG71 NORM 81.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1948 McDonnell-Douglas German F-4F Phantom II 38+33, JG71 "Richthofen" NORM 81 Colour Scheme.

In June 1959 West Germany’s first jet fighter unit was formed as Jagdgeschwader 71 (JG 71 – Fighter Wing 71). The Geschwaderkommodore (equivalent of Group Commander or Wing Commander) was the highest-scoring fighter pilot of all time Erich Hartmann. 

JG 71 originally was based at ex-RAF base Ahlhorn but in 1961 it transferred to Wittmund. April 21 1961 was the 43rd anniversary of the death of “The Red Baron” Manfred Von Richthofen and the unit was given the honourary title of “Richthofen”. 

JG 71 received the first F-4F Phantom II in 1974 that were used as Fighter/Bomber/Attack but in 1988 became strictly a Fighter Wing. The F-4F is due to be decommissioned by 2012 when they are replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Final product photos HA5202 F-14D Tomcat VF-31 "Christine".

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA5202 Grumman F-14D Tomcat BuNo. 159600, VF-31 September '05 - March '06, Final Cruise "Christine".

Grumman F-14A Tomcat BuNo 159600 was delivered on July 16, 1975 and assigned to VF-124 Gunfighters and then VF-101 Grim Reapers to train Tomcat crews. In 1987 it transferred to VF-142 Ghostriders, VF-14 Tophatters and back to VF-142. 

In 1994 159600 was remanufactured to a D model and joined VF-2 Bounty Hunters. In 2003 VF-101 Grim Reapers took possession until 2004 when it made its final home with VF-31 Tomcatters. In 2006 on the Tomcat’s final cruise the aircraft was named Christine and became the longest serving USN F-14.

Final product photos HA4512 TF-14 Eagle 'Bicentennial'.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA4512 TF-15 Eagle 'Bicentennial' 1976 Farnborough International Air Show.

The F-15B was originally designated McDonnell Douglas TF-15A in the early 1970’s. Aircraft 71-0291 was the second two-seater variant produced. It made its first flight on October 18, 1973 and was re-designated an F-15B on December 1, 1977. 

Over time the aircraft was used to develop the FAST PACK (conformal fuel tanks) used on the F-15E and made world-wide sales tours. One stop in 1976 was the Farnborough Air Show wearing a paint scheme to celebrate the 1976 American Bicentennial. 71-0291’s career ended as a Battle Damage Repair trainer.

Final product photos HA2620 AV-8B Night Attack VMA-211.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2620 AV-8B Night Attack 165419,  VMA-211 "Wake Island Avengers".

USMC VMA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” was formed in 1937 as Marine Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4M) equipped with F3F-1s and F2F-1s. On July 1, 1941 the squadron was re-designated VMF-211. During the 1980’s VMA-211 flew A-4M Skyhawks but in 1990 they transitioned to the new AV-8B Night Attack Harrier and in 2000 they added the AV-8B II+ radar Harrier. 

Originally manufactured as AV-8 II 162951 it was renumbered as AV-8B (NA) 165419. On June 19, 2015 while with VMA-311 Harrier 165419 sustained more than 2 million dollars damage.

Final product photos HA2414 MiG-15bis Soviet Aerobatic Team.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2414 MiG-15bis No. 573, Soviet Aerobatic Team, USSR, 1950s.

The first organized Soviet air show was held August 18, 1933 at the Central Moscow Aerodrome called Gorky Park. In 1934 the exhibition moved to Tushino Airfield just outside Moscow. The displays were mostly large numbers of aircraft in formations spelling out Lenin, Stalin or SSSR. 

Between then and 1950 there were a few display teams such as the Red Five performing basic manoeuvres but in 1950 the Red Falcons were formed performing high speed formation flying. The team lasted until about 1955.