This is something I just read this morning in, of all places, a heavy metal album review book! Apparently there is an obscure concept album called Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters by a fellow named Robert Calvert, apparently a member of a British band called Hawkwind (which I’m not familiar with). The reviewer claims the record is based on a true story of F-104’s being converted to carry atomic bombs in Germany. The converted airplanes were dangerous, unsafe “death machines,” according to the book, and 162 of them had crashed by the time the album was recorded in the early 1970’s.
Hawkwind was a Brit psychedelic band with a penchant for “space” music (read Acid Trip Rock). They’ve been around for years and years starting up in 1969. Their name came about due to Nik Turner’s habit of clearing his throat (HAWKing) and excessive flatulence (WIND). They have had numerous members over the years with Calvert doing vocals in the mid-70s. Later members included (slightly) more famous musicians Ginger Baker and Arthur Brown. Lemmy played bass guitar before leaving and forming Motörhead, They’re still around (Hawkwind & Motörhead), though neither are on my current listen to list!
Belcher Bit’s has the nukes carried (or supposed to) by the 104 in 1/48th. It’s still availible. Look for the Starfighter weapons set. You won’t be dissapointed. [;)]
Probably refering to the standard F-104G used by the Germans and several European countries which, through most of its career, had a horrendous accident rate.