Colors & Markings of the
F-106 Delta Dart

Detail & Scale Colors and Markings Volume 8

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the last of the true Century Series fighters to be produced and fielded by the US Air Force.  It was built at a time when it had some of the most colorful aircraft paint schemes ever. 

As part of the Colors & Markings series of books, this book is oriented in the paint schemes worn by the F-106, both A and B models, throughout its career.  This digital “book” features 191 pages of full color, with 328 color photos and 22 color profiles beautifully rendered by Rock Roszak.  The scope of these books is not the detail orientation of the Detail & Scale books but concentrates on the paint schemes and markings used by various squadrons.

To start the book off, overall paint schemes are discussed.  The F-106 has been around since the late 1950s, so it should have gone through a variety of paint schemes from the natural metal to high vis to the overall grey markings to SEA scheme in its later years. However, it didn’t happen, sticking with ADC Grey throughout its career.  This doesn't mean it was boring. It sports some very colorful paint schemes.   This is illustrated in plenty of color photographs.

Each type of paint scheme is shown for the modeler to use on his/her model. The Dart sported the overall Air Defense Command (ADC), however, the Southeast Asia paint scheme was put out in a T.O.  Excerpts of the technical orders calling for these paint schemes is incorporated into the book, even though there are no known photos of an F-106 in the SEA paint scheme. 

There's a discussion of Delta Darts squadron markings that were approved by the US Air Force.  Then the book breaks down to the individual squadrons, starting with Air Defense Command (ADC)/ Air Defense Tactical Air Command (ADTAC).  I especially liked the “Spirit of 76” from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.  The nose art from the 87th FIS at William Tell are quite unique.

This chapter is followed by the Air National Guard F-106 squadrons.  Of course, the “City of Jacksonville” is one of the most famous F-106s flown by the 159th fighter interceptor squadron of the Florida ANG.  The bicentennial paint scheme is spectacular.
Miscellaneous Units are shown in the next chapter.  This chapter has all of the test aircraft, as well as NASA.   There are plenty of red, blue and white aircraft here.  Chase aircraft and target drones are included.

If you are looking for inspiration to do a F-106 model, this is that motivation.  If you can’t find something in here that will get you amped up to build a Dart there isn’t anything that will.  This book is typical of this entire series, exceptional photos of some unique and colorful aircraft.  The ‘book’ is a great resource on a unique airplane.  I don’t think you will find a better reference for the colors and markings for the F-106 Delta Dart anywhere. So, break out your Monogram/Encore models and get to work.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

The digital copy is available in four different formats, Apple, Kindle, Kobo, and Google Play.  Why buy digital? First off, the pictures are absolutely crisp and perfect, and they can be enlarged just by pinching them. You also get more pages in the digital version than you do in a printed version.   Once you've enlarged the photo you can print it as well as put it on your model bench for reference.   It's like having a highly detailed photo album at your fingertips.  For those that prefer old school there is a printed version available through Amazon.

Thanks to Detail & Scale for the review copy.  You can obtain yours by going to the Detail & Scale website, https://www.detailandscale.com/detail-scale-publications. 

There you can find a link to the digital editions, as well as the printed version of it. 

This is another great book from Detail and Scale.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Detail & Scale or the sample.

Review Copyright © 2025 by Floyd S. Werner Jr.
This Page Created on 10 July, 2025
Last updated 10 July, 2025

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page