This is my next build. Mrs. Toshi and I went to Hobby Lobby. She picked out two kits, this is one of two. It seems to be a very straight forward build, it’s the NMF that is a challenge.
Toshi
nice kit that goes 2.0 the speed of Toshi lol man you can really put them together
US markings? I didn’t think that the USAF operated the F-104G.
Toshi,
You are a really good modeler, why not try using Bare Metal Foil for the natrual metal finish? I recently finished a P-47 with BMF and I am currently working on a P-51 and a B-29. I have stopped trying to simulate a MNF using paint. IMHO, It just doesn’t look right because paint cannot simulate real metal. Only metal looks like metal. Let me know if you will use BMF and I’ll share my experience and pass on a bunch of tips.
John
Toshi,
I’ll be following. It’s my favorite (looking) aircraft of the 1950’s 100 series. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to fly one though - had a very bad reputation - lots of pilots lost.
LOL! LOL! Thanks crown r n7, you put a smile on my face this evening!
Toshi
Yes, I’m a bit confused as I read about the G series last night in regards to whom flew the 104G’s. I did not see any US designation. I’m going to build the box art aircraft of which is a Canadian F-104G. Below is a excerpt:
1,122 aircraft of the main version produced as multi-role fighter-bombers. Manufactured by Lockheed, and under license by Canadair and a consortium of European companies which included Messerschmitt/MBB, Dornier, Fiat, Fokker, and SABCA. The type featured strengthened fuselage and wing structure, increased internal fuel capacity, an enlarged vertical fin, strengthened landing gear with larger tires, and revised flaps for improved combat maneuvering. Upgraded avionics included a new Autonetics NASARR F15A-41B radar with air-to-air and ground mapping modes, the Litton LN-3 Inertial Navigation System (the first on a production fighter), and an infrared sight.
Thank you sir for the read and reply!
Toshi
Thank you sir for the kind words as well as offering me tips. I’ve already purchased some chrome silver paint to do this kit. I never did think about using BMF. Now that you mention it, on my next NMF build, I would like to ask you some questions in regards to BMF. Thank you so much! I highly appreciate this.
Toshi
P.S. I did see your P-47, that sir is an amazing build!
Thank you, I’m honored. So I’ve read about it’s reliability yet, I understand this aircraft broke many records. Thank you sir for the visit!
Toshi
The 104Gs in USAF markings were at Luke AFB in AZ, where they were used by the Bundesluftwaffe for training in the better flying conditions there. They were owned and operated by the Germans, but flew there is US colors.
It all depends upon who flew it and how. The Spaniards flew it with zero losses, while other air arms endured varying loss rates. It was not for the novice or complacent pilot.
See everyone! You’ve got to love FSM Forums as you get answers and correct information at the speed of light! Thank you so very much stikpusher for the information. I really appreciate that.
Toshi
I was wondering about that. The sources I have say that the USAF operated the F-104A/B/C.
The two main non-US versions were the F-104G and F-104S. The F-104S added the AIM-7 Sparrow.
Yes, and Japan had the F-104J, which was similar to the G but with Japanese avionics.
Interesting subject Toshi. You should look into using Alclad for your natural metal finishes, if not this one, your next. You won’t be disappointed.
Toshi -
What’s up? The box has been opened for several hours, and you still haven’t completed it yet. Are you on strike for some reason??? Get some glue and paint on that thing, your speed build reputation is on the line.
Patrick
LOL! LOL! You’ve started another day for me with a laugh and a smile! I want to thank you so much. Due to my work related injury and knowing I’ll never work again, my mornings are the most difficult time for me. I’m just in too much pain in that just trying to get up is a tremendous effort for me. Again patrick206, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly a good friend!
I was contemplating which type to build as stickpusher brought to forum members attention that the F104G flew in US colors. I originally was going with Canadian colors and I’m still considering this as I have no Canadian color aircraft. Descisions descisions! LOL! Thank you my friend for the visit and making my day!
ihsot LOL!
I think the first F-104’s ejected down. That would raise the casualty rate. Lockheed sub contracted to Stanley and then went to Martin Baker to make the seat. I may be wrong …
I rememeber some old F-4 crew chiefs would say, “meet your maker in a Martin Baker”. I believe this saying was due to a ground safety pin that was hard to reach under the seat or maybe an early reliability rate.
Kevin
You are correct, the initial ejection seats ejected down. There was concern that the seat would hit the rear rudder/stabilizer assembly if the seat ejected upward. The downward ejection seat made it impossible for a pilot to eject at low altitudes. The seat was later changed so that it ejected upward.
Yes, there were three seat types used in the F-104. The early A had the downward firing Lockheed C1 seat. After its’ shortcomings were discoverd during actual flight operations, they were replaced with the upward firing Lockheed C2 seat on later As, as well as the B & C USAF models. Better than the C1 type, but it still had minimum altitude and airspeed limitations. Most export/foreign built types (G, J, & S) had the later improved zero/zero type Martin Baker seats.