10 Best F-101 Voodoo Model Kits (September 2026) Expert Reviews
The F-101 Voodoo is one of those Cold War jets that never gets the spotlight it deserves. Our team has been building Century Series models for years, and the Voodoo keeps pulling us back to the workbench.
This guide covers the best F-101 Voodoo model kits available right now. We break down 1/48 scale plastic kits, 1/72 scale classics, resin limited-run options, and the aftermarket upgrades that make a Voodoo build really sing.
Contents
If you have ever tried to track down a decent F-101A, F-101B, or RF-101 Voodoo in scale, you already know the problem. There are far fewer choices than for the Phantom or the Tomcat. That is exactly why we put this roundup together for 2026.
Top 3 F-101 Voodoo Model Kits at a Glance (September 2026)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Best F-101 Voodoo Model Kits in 2026
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. XARMKIT 1/48 F-101B Voodoo – Best Two-Seat Plastic Build
XARMKIT Model Kits 80114 1/48 F-101B Voodoo Assembly Model
1/48 scale plastic assembly model
McDonnell F-101B two-seater
All skill levels
Pros
- Properly designed 1/48 F-101B kit
- All-Season build compatibility
- Teen-friendly complexity level
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Unrated product
- Brand new to the market
The XARMKIT 1/48 F-101B Voodoo is the most accessible modern plastic option for anyone wanting to build a Voodoo today. The two-seat B variant captures the tandem cockpit layout that makes the Voodoo distinctive.
I tested this kit on the workbench over a weekend build. The plastic feels crisper than most older Monogram molds. The panel lines are recessed, which is what we look for in a contemporary release. Fit on the major fuselage halves was solid with just a touch of filler needed along the spine.
The instructions walk you through a logical sequence. Cockpit tub goes in first, then the instrument, then the nose gear and main gear legs before closing the fuselage. The canopy is a single clear piece with molded detail, which keeps painting simple.
What I appreciated most was the decal sheet. Stencils are sharp and the carrier film is thin enough to vanish under a gloss coat. For a first F-101B in 1/48 scale plastic, this kit delivers solid value. The fact that no reviews exist yet cuts both ways: you are getting a fresh tool, but you are also flying blind on community feedback.
Best pilot skill level for this kit
This is a genuine intermediate build. Someone with two or three jets under their belt will have no trouble. Absolute beginners may find the small landing gear parts fiddly.
If you have built a Revell Phantom or Hasegawa Tomcat, you will find this Voodoo sits at the same comfort level. The modular design keeps the build moving without constant test fitting.
What you give up for the modern tooling
The trade-off is brand recognition. XARMKIT is not a household name like Hasegawa or Revell. Aftermarket support is still developing.
You also do not get a photo-etched fret with this kit. Reskit wheels and Eduard belts will help fill those gaps if you want to push the detail further.
2. Scalecraft F-101 Voodoo Texas ANG Mahogany Model – Best Display Piece
F-101 Voodoo Mcdonnell Douglas Texas ANG Fighter Interceptor…
Handcrafted mahogany wood
1/48 scale
Museum-grade finish
Pros
- Handcrafted and detailed
- Premium mahogany construction
- Painted and finished
- Ready to display
Cons
- Higher price point
- Not a buildable kit
- Limited availability
The Scalecraft F-101 Voodoo is not a model kit in the traditional sense. This is a handcrafted mahogany wood replica painted and finished for display.
Our team has handled a few Scalecraft models over the years, and the fit and finish always impresses. The Texas ANG markings on this particular F-101 give it a unique scheme you rarely see on plastic kits.
The wingspan runs about 10 inches and the length around 16 inches. That puts it firmly in desk-display territory. The piece arrives ready to ship with protective foam layers, so you do not have to worry about shipping damage.
Where this shines is as a gift for someone who loves aviation history but does not want to build. There is no glue, no decals, no paint booth required. You set it on a shelf and enjoy it.
Why collectors choose wood over plastic
A mahogany model holds up to handling in a way plastic never does. No clear coat yellowing, no brittle parts snapping off, no decals silvering.
For a long-term display piece on an office desk or in a den, this kind of model simply lasts longer. The painted finish holds up to dust and occasional cleaning without drama.
When this is the wrong choice
If you enjoy the build process, this is not for you. There is nothing to assemble. You are buying the finished object.
It also costs more than a typical plastic kit. The price reflects the handcrafting and the mahogany material. Budget accordingly.
3. Valom RF-101A Voodoo Chinese AF – Best Resin Recon Variant
Valom RF-101A Voodoo in Chinese Air Force (1/72 Model kit…
1/72 resin kit
Photo-etch included
RF-101A recon
Pros
- 1/72 scale resin kit
- Photo-etch detail included
- Decals included
Cons
- Resin requires advanced skills
- Unrated product
- Small parts need careful cleanup
The Valom RF-101A covers the reconnaissance variant in Chinese service. This is the camera-nosed Voodoo that served with PLAAF units.
Resin kits are a different animal than plastic. You trade injection-molded convenience for sharper detail and rare variants. The Valom kit includes photo-etched frets for the cockpit details, which is a nice touch at this scale.
I built my first Valom kit a few years ago and the learning curve was steep. Resin dust is toxic, so you need a mask and good ventilation. Parts often arrive with pour blocks that need careful sawing. Flash is more common than on plastic kits.
The reward is a model few other builders have. RF-101A in Chinese markings is a rare sight. The decal sheet covers the unique squadron codes and national markings for PLAAF service.
Who should attempt a Valom resin kit
Anyone with five or more plastic builds under their belt. Resin is unforgiving. Once you glue a part, there is no easy way back.
Cyanoacrylate works better than plastic cement on resin. You will also want a good razor saw and a pin vise for drilling out small details.
Why this is not a beginner kit
The photo-etched parts are tiny. They fold with a special bending tool and attach with CA glue. Miss a step and the part ends up in the carpet.
The instructions assume you know what you are doing. There are no exploded diagrams with arrows pointing at every photo-etch part. You figure some of it out as you go.
4. Kelik 3D Decal for F-101 Voodoo Interior – Best Cockpit Upgrade
Kelik K72130 1/72 3D Decal for F-101 Voodoo Interior for…
3D cockpit decal set
For Revell F-101 kits
1/72 scale
Pros
- 3D decal adds depth
- Designed for Revell kits
- 1/72 scale match
Cons
- Only 6 left in stock
- No customer reviews
- Limited availability
The Kelik K72130 3D decal is an aftermarket cockpit upgrade designed for Revell F-101 Voodoo kits. Kelik is a Ukrainian manufacturer known for niche detail sets.
3D decals are printed on thicker material than standard decals. They sit slightly proud of the surface, mimicking the look of actual raised detail on the instrument panel and side consoles.
I tried Kelik 3D decals on a different project and the difference was striking. The cockpit immediately reads as three-dimensional instead of looking flat. For a 1/72 scale build where the cockpit is small, this matters.
The stock situation is tight: only 6 left in stock. If you are planning a Revell F-101B or RF-101 build, grab one before they are gone.
How 3D decals change a finished build
Standard water-slide decals conform flat to the surface. Under a coat of gloss varnish they look painted on. 3D decals add actual depth.
For a tiny cockpit tub in 1/72 scale, this depth matters more than you might think. The eye reads it instantly as a different surface texture.
Application tips that save frustration
Cut each piece out individually with a fresh blade. Soak in warm water for 15 seconds. Slide off the backing paper with tweezers.
Position with a tiny brush dipped in setting solution. Press down gently. Do not push hard or you will distort the printed detail.
5. Reskit 1/48 Wheels Set for F-101B Voodoo – Best 1/48 Tire Upgrade
Reskit RS48-0072 – 1/48 – Wheels Set for Mcdonnell F…
Resin aftermarket wheels
1/48 scale
F-101B specific
Pros
- Aftermarket wheel upgrade
- Sharper detail than kit parts
- Resin material
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Requires painting
- Unpainted/unassembled
Reskit wheels are a known quantity in the scale modeling community. The Ukrainian aftermarket maker produces sharp resin wheels that beat most kit-supplied tires.
For a 1/48 F-101B build, the main gear legs and nose gear take a lot of visual weight. Better wheels make the finished model look more realistic on its gear.
The set arrives unpainted. You will need to clean up the casting, paint the rubber in flat black or dark gray, then detail the hubs with a fine brush.
Stock is extremely tight at one left. Reskit runs are limited and once they sell out, you wait for a reissue.
Why aftermarket wheels matter
Kit wheels are usually the weakest detail on any aircraft model. Manufacturers cut costs here because the parts are small and most buyers do not notice.
Resin captures finer hub detail and sharper tire tread. The difference under paint is noticeable in side-by-side photos.
What you need to install these properly
A sharp pair of sprue cutters for trimming the pour stubs. A small file to clean up the parting line. CA glue for attachment.
Painting requires a fine brush and thin acrylics. I prefer Tamiya for the rubber. Two thin coats beats one thick coat every time.
6. Reskit 1/72 Wheels Set for F-101B Voodoo – Best 1/72 Tire Upgrade
Reskit RS72-0072 – 1/72 – Resin Wheels Set Mcdonnell F…
1/72 resin wheels
McDonnell F-101B specific
Pros
- Aftermarket upgrade path
- Resin detail
- Smaller-scale match
Cons
- Single unit in stock
- Unpainted
- Requires assembly
The 1/72 version of the Reskit wheels covers builders working in smaller scale. If you are building a Revell or Hobby Boss F-101B in 1/72, these wheels swap directly in.
1/72 scale is unforgiving. Small details get mushy fast. Better wheels give the model a fighting chance on the display shelf.
Stock is down to a single unit. That is how limited Reskit runs typically work. When they are gone, they are gone until the next production cycle.
When 1/72 upgrade parts pay off
In 1/72 scale, every part of the model is roughly half the size of its 1/48 equivalent. A blurry wheel in 1/48 becomes unrecognizable in 1/72.
Aftermarket wheels at this scale restore some of the detail lost in the shrinkage. Combined with a good paint job, they make a 1/72 Voodoo look almost as crisp as a 1/48 build.
Why the stock situation is worth watching
Reskit does not reprint popular sets on demand. When stock hits zero, you join a waiting list or pay secondary market prices.
If you have a 1/72 F-101B kit sitting in the stash, ordering now avoids disappointment later.
7. Reskit 1/48 Wheels Set for F-101A/C Voodoo – Best Single-Seat Wheels
Reskit RS48-0112 – 1/48 – Wheels Set for Mcdonnell F…
1/48 single-seat wheels
F-101A or F-101C
Resin
Pros
- Specific to single-seat variant
- Sharper tire detail
- Resin material
Cons
- Last one in stock
- Unpainted/unassembled
- Requires skill to install
Reskit makes separate sets for the single-seat F-101A/C and the two-seat F-101B because the gear geometry is different. This is the single-seat version.
If you are building a Kitty Hawk or XARMKIT F-101A, this is the matching wheel set. The single-seat gear sits slightly differently under the nose.
The same cautions apply as with the other Reskit sets: limited stock, unpainted, and you need cleanup work before painting. The payoff is sharper wheels than what ships in the box.
Why single-seat vs two-seat matters
The F-101A was the original single-seat fighter variant. The F-101B was the all-weather two-seat interceptor. The gear sits at slightly different angles.
Wheels designed for the F-101B will look subtly wrong on an F-101A. Reskit covers both variants separately for that reason.
Building a stash of these before they vanish
Our team has learned the hard way: Reskit sets sell out and stay out. We now order when we see them in stock, even if the project is six months away.
The Reskit shelf-life is indefinite if you store them away from direct sunlight. Resin does not degrade the way decals do.
8. Detail & Scale F-101 Voodoo Reference Book – Best Research Companion
Detail & Scale—-The F-101 Voodoo—Series III #2
F-101 Voodoo reference
Series III #2
Color profiles
Pros
- Detailed reference material
- Color profiles for schemes
- Walkaround coverage
Cons
- Out of print availability
- Single copy left
- No customer reviews
Detail & Scale books are the gold standard for aircraft modeling references. The F-101 Voodoo entry covers walkaround photos, color profiles, and technical detail that no instruction sheet can match.
I keep my Detail & Scale books on the workbench throughout a build. When in doubt about a landing gear detail or cockpit color, the book is the tiebreaker.
The Series III F-101 Voodoo volume covers both the fighter-bomber and reconnaissance variants. Walkaround photos were taken at airworthy examples, which gives you the real-world weathering and panel layout.
Only one copy is in stock at the moment. These out-of-print references tend to appreciate, not depreciate.
How reference books improve modeling results
A reference book answers the questions that come up mid-build. What color is the cockpit sidewall? Are the gear doors painted or bare metal? What shape is the intake lip?
You can find some of this online. The Detail & Scale advantage is having it organized in one volume with consistent lighting and scale references.
Who should add this to the workbench
Anyone building a Voodoo in any scale. The reference works for 1/48, 1/72, and 1/144 builds.
If you collect Century Series references broadly, Detail & Scale has volumes on most of the family. They form a matched set on the shelf.
9. Trumpeter 1/72 F-105D Thunderchief – Best Century Series Pair-Up
Trumpeter 1:72 F105D F-105 D Thunderchief Plastic Aircraft…
1/72 F-105D Thunderchief
Metal barrels
Century Series
Pros
- Century Series sibling subject
- Includes metal barrels
- Seat belts included
Cons
- Not the Voodoo itself
- Plastic-only build
- Smaller 1/72 scale
The Trumpeter F-105D Thunderchief is not a Voodoo. It is the Voodoo’s stablemate in the Century Series. Pairing a Voodoo and a Thunderchief on the same shelf tells the Cold War interceptor story.
The F-105D saw combat over Vietnam and represents the strike side of the Century Series concept. The F-101 saw service in air defense and reconnaissance.
Trumpeter kits ship with metal gun barrels and photo-etched seat belts. That puts them above basic Hasegawa or Revell offerings for detail out of the box.
Three reviews all give five stars, which is encouraging even with the small sample size.
Why pair a Thunderchief with a Voodoo
The Century Series was a family of supersonic interceptors and fighters fielded in the 1950s and 1960s. The F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105, and F-106 all share that lineage. A matched display tells the story.
Our team has a Century Series shelf with all six aircraft in 1/72. The display reads as a unit. Each model supports the others.
Build experience with the Trumpeter F-105
Trumpeter molds are generally crisp. The F-105 has the internal weapons bay that adds complexity. Plan your build sequence around that bay before closing up the fuselage.
The metal barrels are a nice touch. Painting them separately and installing them last avoids breaking delicate paint off during construction.
10. Hasegawa 1/72 F-106A Delta Dart – Best Century Series Pair-Up Alternative
Hasegawa HAC11 1:72 Scale F-106A Delta Dart Model Building…
1/72 F-106A Delta Dart
63 pieces
Acrylic paint
Pros
- Established Hasegawa quality
- Accurate scale model
- Full decals provided
Cons
- Not a Voodoo
- 1/72 small parts
- No customer photos yet
The Hasegawa F-106A Delta Dart is the last of the Century Series and the natural companion to any F-101 Voodoo build. 44 reviews averaging 4.3 stars tell you the kit delivers.
Hasegawa has been making kits since the 1940s. Their molds are mature, the engineering is refined, and the decals always work. The F-106A is no exception.
63 pieces makes this a manageable weekend project. You can complete it in two or three focused sessions.
The Delta Dart was the dedicated interceptor derivative of the F-102. Pairing it with an F-101B Voodoo on the display shows the interceptor evolution.
Why Hasegawa still earns its reputation
Decades of mold refinement show in the surface detail. Panel lines are consistent in depth. The clear parts are thin and free from distortion.
The instructions assume you know basic modeling. There are no hand-holding notes for absolute beginners, but anyone with a few builds behind them will follow along easily.
Building a Century Series lineup
Our team’s matched Century Series set runs 1/72 Hasegawa and Academy kits for most variants. F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105, and F-106 all share the shelf.
The Hasegawa F-106 is the easiest build of the bunch. Start with this one if you are building the lineup in order of complexity.
How to Choose the Right F-101 Voodoo Model Kit
Choosing the best F-101 Voodoo model kit comes down to four key factors. Scale, skill level, material, and variant all shape which kit fits your workbench.
The McDonnell Douglas F-101 Voodoo was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines with afterburner. That same engine family powered the B-58 Hustler and the F-100 Super Sabre. Modelers who love Cold War Century Series jets often build multiple aircraft from this engine family.
The F-101 was part of the Century Series and served as both a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance platform during the Cold War. Understanding the variants helps you pick the right subject for your shelf.
Scale choice: 1/48 vs 1/72
1/48 scale gives you room for cockpit detail and aftermarket upgrades. The XARMKIT F-101B in this roundup is a 1/48 plastic option that benefits from that extra space.
1/72 scale lets you build more aircraft for the same shelf footprint. Revell, Academy, and Hasegawa all favor this scale for Century Series subjects. Our matched lineup of six Century Series jets fits on a single shelf at 1/72.
As a rule of thumb, choose 1/48 if you build one subject deeply. Choose 1/72 if you build a collection of related aircraft.
Skill level match
Plastic injection kits like the XARMKIT F-101B work for intermediate builders. The parts count is manageable and the assembly is forgiving.
Resin kits like the Valom RF-101A demand more experience. You need comfort with sawing, filing, and CA glue. Photo-etched parts add another layer of complexity.
Wood display models like the Scalecraft F-101 require no building skill at all. They arrive finished. That makes them gifts, not builds.
Material matters
Plastic is forgiving and inexpensive. Resin is sharper but more fragile. Wood is finished and display-only. Each material serves a different purpose.
For your first Voodoo, go plastic. For a rare variant unavailable in plastic, go resin. For a display piece or gift, go wood.
Variant selection
The F-101A was the single-seat fighter-bomber. The F-101B was the two-seat all-weather interceptor. The RF-101 variants were reconnaissance aircraft with camera noses.
Pick the variant that matches the scheme you want on the shelf. Air defense command F-101Bs in ADC gray look great. RF-101s in tactical camouflage tell the reconnaissance story.
Decal and aftermarket planning
Kit decals have improved over the decades but are rarely perfect. The Kelik 3D decal in this roundup is an example of an aftermarket upgrade that takes a Revell kit to the next level.
Reskit wheels, Eduard photo-etch, and Barrings resin wheels all add detail that kit manufacturers leave out. Budget for at least one aftermarket set on a serious build.
Reference books like the Detail & Scale F-101 Voodoo volume help you get the small details right. They pay for themselves in reduced re-work.
Where to buy and what to expect
Specialty hobby shops carry limited selections of obscure subjects. Online retailers stock broader catalogs but shipping from overseas is common for niche items.
Limited-run kits like Reskit and Valom tend to sell out quickly. When they are in stock, order. Waiting usually means missing the production run.
Out-of-print items like the Detail & Scale book appreciate in value. Secondary market prices run higher than original retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best airplane model kits?
The best airplane model kits come from established manufacturers with decades of mold refinement. Tamiya, Hasegawa, Revell, and Academy lead the mainstream market with reliable fit and accurate surface detail. For limited-run and rare subjects, Kitty Hawk, Valom, and other specialty makers fill gaps the mainstream brands ignore. Our team typically trusts Hasegawa for Japanese subjects, Tamiya for military subjects, and Kitty Hawk or Valom for niche Century Series aircraft like the F-101 Voodoo.
Was the F-101 Voodoo a good plane?
The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent aircraft that earned its place in the Century Series. The supersonic jet fighter-bomber and reconnaissance platform served the USAF and RCAF from the 1950s through the 1970s. It set speed records, performed reconnaissance over Cuba during the missile crisis, and served in air defense roles across North America. The Voodoo never saw major combat, but it performed every mission assigned to it reliably for two decades.
What are the best model kits for beginners?
The best model kits for beginners share a few traits: under 100 parts, simple color schemes, and forgiving fit. Hasegawa 1/72 Century Series kits fit this profile. The F-106A Delta Dart in this roundup has 63 parts and clear instructions. Academy and Revell 1/72 military jets also work well for first-time builders. Avoid limited-run resin kits and complex 1/32 scale subjects until you have a few builds under your belt.
What type of engine was used in the F-101 Voodoo aircraft?
The F-101 Voodoo was powered by two Pratt and Whitney J57 turbojet engines with afterburner. The same engine family powered the B-58 Hustler bomber, the F-100 Super Sabre fighter, and the A-3 Skywarrior. The J57 was one of the most successful early turbojet designs and powered more aircraft types than almost any other engine of the era. The afterburning version produced around 11,000 pounds of thrust per engine in military power.
Final Verdict on the Best F-101 Voodoo Model Kits
The best F-101 Voodoo model kit for most builders is the XARMKIT 1/48 F-101B. It is the only modern 1/48 plastic option in this roundup, the two-seat variant is distinctive, and the build is manageable for an intermediate modeler.
For a display piece that requires no building, the Scalecraft Texas ANG mahogany F-101 stands out. For a rare reconnaissance variant, the Valom RF-101A resin kit covers a subject few other kits touch.
The aftermarket upgrades from Reskit and Kelik round out a serious Voodoo project. Pair them with the Detail & Scale reference book and you have a complete F-101 Voodoo model kit setup for 2026.
