I recently got some great looking decals from Two Bobs for a Japanese F-104J Starfighter. I didn’t have a kit to put them on, but my Dad had an old Monogram F-104C that he let me use. I was wondering what the differences between the C and J versions were, and if I could use the Monogram kit. Thanks for any info!
The F-104C has a smaller rudder and vertical stabilizer than the F-104J. The J model is similar to the G model, which includes the provisions to carry under fuselage AIM-9 launch rails and wing hard points to carry additional drop tanks. The F-104J did not have air to ground capibility, only air to air.
So what’s the difference betwen a G and a J?
The F-104G was used by the Germans for low-level ground attack (maybe the Italians too). It had a strengthened airframe, improved avionics, and (obviously) an enhanced AG ability.
There was also an ejector seat upgrade as the default seat wasn’t good enough for a safe low-level egress. There’s some great info and photos of F-104 seats at The Ejection Site - http://www.ejectionsite.com/f104seat.htm . Well recommended.
I only know this stuff because I’ve just started my own Hasegawa 1/72 F104G, in the “Bavaria” lozenge scheme. [:D]
We’ll need to see that one when it’s completed, U-96!
Ain’t it cute how the “G” is for Germany and the “J” is for Japan?[;)]
Thanks guys! So much for my “ah, there probably isn’t that much of a difference” theory. I am enjoying building it though. Thanks for including the link, I needed colors for the seat.
I can confirm that Italy used the G version until 1994, when the AMX “ghibli” entered in service. For the seats colors I suggest to check www.seatejectcolors.com
Giulio