Hey guys. This my latest build; it is a 1/48 Kinetic F-104A/B kit built as a YF104A with Caracal providing the proper decals. This model represents YF-104A 55-2957 on May 7, 1958 as Major Howard Carol Johnson flew her to a record altitude of 91.243 feet; and 9 days later another YF broke the speed record.
The kit went together very well, with very good fits. Painting was the most difficult part; and I never did accomplish my vision for a NMF. I would certainly recommend any Kinetic 104 kit!
Retoric Question: why was the ‘104’ referred to as a missile with a man in it?
I believe it’s iconic moniker was due to the fact that its high speed, tiny wings and slender fuselage gave it the flight characteristics of a missile versus a conventional aircraft.
It was a challenging aircraft to fly, even under ideal conditions. I had read that in “hot and high” conditions the safe speed for landing gear operation and stall speed were very, very close. So the pilot had to get the gear up in a hurry to avoid damage, yet be mindful of stalling the aircraft.
