ITC - F-108 Rapier w/Launching Platform - Model Kit # 3663-149 - 1/89 scale
Very rare kit from 1960 in exceptional condition.The kit comes with the proposed operating zero-length launching system
and fall-away rocket booster. The booster is detachable from the F-108
(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, spring and two metal shafts are still packed in the ITC factory
bag. The instructions are excellent with typical yellowing, factory
folds only and no tears or edge wear. Inside, the kit is in factory-new
condition. It has not been started. It has been inventoried complete
with every plastic part, metal part, decals and instructions and even
the Ideal Quality 'Inspection Slip.' 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.
"Kit description courtesy of Alan Bussie at the website Oldmodelkits."