I am having a relapse in my memory. My father got me into the modelling habit way back when. It must have been 1959-1960 and he was building me I believe an F-102, I was watching Steve Canyon while he toiled with it. I remember him asking me what color the inside of the burner can should be and I said yellow, just saw Steve go full throttle! He gave a strange look and painted it yellow. For the life of me I can't exactly remember the kit. Did Revell make a 1/72 F-102 about that time. I must have been 6 or 7 years old, I wouldn't attempt my own modelling for another 4 0r 5 years. Thanks.---John

My father was in an f-102 squadron in the USAF during the early and mid-60's stationed in Germany. I remember having a model of one in the seventies. I was thinking about finding one in 1/48 to build with his squadron's markings to send to him.

Revell did a "box scale" at about 1/60th) And Renwall did one in about 1/48th that had a canopy you could raise and the gear would drop. Aurora mat have done one but it would have been around 1/48th or bigger.

There was an Aurora F-102 kit, from 1957, but several sources say it was 1:121 scale, which would be about six inches long.

According to Scalemates, the 1950s Revell kits were 1/77(or 1/78) and the big fancy 1/48 kit with all the moving parts. Both of these models were based on early production aircraft with the short fin and small speed brakes regardless what the box art showed. I suspect that it's the 1/77 kit your Dad was building.

The Revell Box scale (1/77) F102 was released in two versions-- one had rudimentary landing gear, and the other was designed to be "swung" in a circle on the end of a string which was included in the kit (probably wouldn't get away with that today due to safety rules). The 1/48 scale kit was a real wonder-- the control surfaces, landing gear, air brakes, canopy and missile bays operated, and it came with a full weapon and ground support accessories. It's an extremely rare kit today, commanding astronomical prices. In 1965 I couldn't afford it, but got one for my 12th birthday-- wish I still had it today. However, my favorite F102 and F106 where included in the Revell "Jet Fighter Collection" which were about 1/200? scale-- you could actually fit them in your pocket! sure wish they would re-release that set.
VR, Russ