The original release of this 1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter dates back to 1978. It is an inexpensive model kit that captures the outline of the F-104 well, but is definitely showing its age at this point.
Notable Kit Features:
Basic kit with few parts (wings are moulded attached to fuselage)
Seated pilot figure included
Decent raised cockpit details with 2 different ejection seats provided
Three-piece canopy can be displayed open or closed
Open gun panel on left side
Good landing gear details
Open / Closed speed brakes
Wing tip tanks are separate
Optional Sidewinders and rails provided as well as a VICON (Recce) Pod
Build Inspiration:
The European (Baden Soellingen, West Germany) based CF-104s received special Anniversary schemes, initially in 1981 (40th Anniversary) and this model depicts the 1983 rendition of RCAF 421 Squadrons special scheme. Unfortunately, at least a couple of these special scheme aircraft were written off in a hangar fire at Baden Soellingen in March 1984. The high colour (or contrast in the case of 441 Squadron B&W version) brings a great splash of attention getting non-camouflage to the display shelves.
Heads-Up Report:
Some ejector pin marks will require clean-up
Closed brakes do not fit well (filler required)
Overall fit is fair but most seams require some work
Raised panel lines
Note: Air brakes are usually not open when the aircraft is on the ground
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Third-party decals used
For accuracy the ECM and RAWG detectors needed to be added to the nose and rear fuselage
Finishing:
The paint scheme for this aircraft is straight-forward enough, being overall red with a black nose, antiglare panel as well as intakes. The decals do the rest of the work here to get this RCAF 421 Squadron special scheme in place.
The After-Build Report:
Although a very old kit, it can still be used as a budget build aircraft. More suited to the camouflage or painted schemes, due to the lack of panel lines to guide you in the NMF, this 1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter can be found very inexpensively to get you a decent kit on display. The Hasegawa kit has great fit going for it but is critiqued for its all-over rivets on the wings as well as minor shape issues. Kinetic's Gold TF-104 is probably one of the best although you can find critics of their series (shape issues) as well (particularly the earlier non-gold releases). Pick one based on your budget, skills and needs and get your own version of this "Manned Missile" on the shelf.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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