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While waiting for the oil paints on the Nighthawk to dry properly, I just started another very special kit - the Italeri's Starfighter G/S: However, I'm still not certain of the exact version yet . This is my first of the US legacy planes if we don't count the SR-71. Althought it is the G/S version by default, and the included markings are all about German, Spanish, Italian, etc. planes, I'm 100% positive I want a conversion into a US plane with the shiny aluminum panels. My knowledge about the Starfighter is slim, anyway, the bare metal US version is the only kind of this plane that I always liked a lot. I did my best to find US aftermarket decals ever since I got the kit... but I could't. So, I got me high-res pics of the two decal sheets for the C version, and started studying/comparing them. I'm 99% optimistic I'll manage to do the conversion - I have the four national insignias from leftover kits that are in the correct registry and size (already compared them). The big black letters can easily be made out of masks as they are the same color. For everything else (stencils/smaller signs) - I'll use combinations of the included decal sheets - even with some little modifications, they will work. However, that's all I know at the moment... This kit offers a TON of options, and there are many steps in the instructions that include optional parts for 4-5-6 versions, including the C and G version. My knowledge extents to that the C version is the main US Starfighter, and that there was a moment when the G version was also with the US markings/bare aluminum before delivery to Europe. This made me lean towards the G version, but again - I'm not certain at all. I'd appreciate any help and bits of advice! I just don't know what to do. I downloaded two huge (100+ pages) magazines from where I learned that the G version from that period flew either from Luke AFB or somewhere in Southern California, had larger tail with fully moveable rudder, two sidewinder rails under the fuselage, and an improved radar system (but I'll keep the radome closed). I got me several aftermarket parts throughout the years - an AIRES pilot figure/seat, a Reskit nozzle, and 3D instrument panel decals by Quinta Studio: At first glance, the kit includes optional parts for the nozzle, the seats, the main wheel well doors, the intake cowlings, the tires, and I could be missing something. As the aftermarket parts go - here are my doubts: 1) I got that AIRES pilot figure only because I want a pilot figure, but it has a seat as well... which is the standard Lockheed seat, but it should be the Martin Baker seat for the G version. So, was there a time/possible reason for the Startfighers to use the Lockheed seet instead. Or, if I do a conversion to the C version - is it realistic to keep the Lockheed seat then? Otherwise, if neither versions used the Lockheed seat, I can just cut it from the part and use the OOB Martin Baker seat instead (which is very good btw). 2) The ResKit resin nozzle - it is with the longer turkey feathers, and is way better than the two optional nozzles from the kit, so I want to use it. But, did either one of the C/G versions use this longer type of nozzle? If not, I can shorter the afterburner can a bit, so the nozzle sits further inside the fuselage, and make it look like the shorter one. I'm sure I'll have many questions along the way, and I appreciate any tips and ideas. I have quite some documentaries to watch and read about this plane as well, but this is another hobby by itself. So, I started from the cockpit - there at least is one option only, and the instruction sheet for the Quinta Studio decals says ''F-104G''... It's also my first time using 3D printed decals and I checked a couple of tutorials... it looks relatively easy. I started by flattening the instrument panels on the OOB parts... it was an adventure: I'm not promising, but I want to ''simplify'' the assembly phase as much as possible. Only the wheels will be retractable for an in-flight and parked display, and the canopy will be moveable. The emphazis would be on the bare metal skin, for which I'm gonna use a combination of the AMMO Aluminum Tape and another self-adhesive aluminum tape from the hardware store (that looks just about the same as the AMMO's, but slightly thicker). It will be my first time doing things like that as well. Alternatively, I got a bottle of Micro Metal Foil Adhesive by Microscale and tried using it with bare kitchen foil... I did trials at least 2 years ago with the two methods, and the results were exactly the same. I initially thought that the Microscale's MMFA will harden with the time and will hold stronger, etc. but nope, it's absolutely the same as the self-adhesive tape, just requires extra attention during application. I'll use the self-adhesive tapes instead. First things first - on to the cockpit. Which reminds me of another question I had today - is it allrgith to glue the decal directly on the central console as it is, with the hole on the plastic surface that used to be the radar screen? Is the decal strong/hard enough to keep a straight shape, or is there a risk of concaving down due to the ''hole'' for the radar screen underneath? Thx!

"I, I just took a ride in a silver machine And I'm still feeling mean Do you want to ride See yourself going by The other side of the sky I've got a silver machine It flies Sideways through time It's an electric line To your zodiac sign I've got a silver machine I've got a silver machine I've got a silver machine" Hawkwind - 1971 To celebrate 25 years of LSP I will be building this iconic aircraft from the Cold War which has a myriad of nicknames, some of them defining the sheer speed and others the lethality to the enemy, or pilot flying the aircraft: zipper; missile with a man in it; witwenmacher "widow maker" (Bundesluftwaffe nickname); flying coffin; Ground Nail; Bullet & Blades; Badmash "wicked one" (Pakistani nickname for F-104As); Eiko "Glory" (Japanese nickname for F-104Js); spaghetti Starfighter (Italian nickname for F-104S-ASAs.) The kit The AM I hope to start this as soon as I get the fuselage of the AIrfix Spitfire together, but then again I may start tomorrow as I'm rather looking forward to building one of my favourite aircraft. Thanks for looking and happy modelling! Jeremy

Hi, guys ‘n’ gals, I just read on the Warthunder Wiki that the F-104DJ didn’t have the radar fitted? Or it was removed later in it’s JASDF service? I’m planning on building a 1/48 Kinetic F-104DJ as the type appeared late in it’s career, around 1983. Of course the single seater F-104J retained the radar throughout it’s career. Thanks for any info! Cheers, Erik.

Just browsing the Hannants website, and the TF-104 description says "AMI fully upgraded moulds. Finely engraved recessed panel lines and rivets." I know the fuselage is obviously different from the single-seater, but that too claims to have "finely engraved recessed panel lines and rivets"...

No rest for the driven! Ive been thinking about this one for quite some time now as it is going to contain some firsts for me. This one will be based on Italiari's new (ish) TF-104. The differences between the TF and D for my purposes are nil, so this is about the last time Ill likely worry about them. This will be modeled at F-104D 57-1315, flying out of the Air Force Flight Testing Center, based at Edwards AFB, in high visibility orange and NMF: Here is a pic of 57-1314 at Edwards in 1960: The florescent orange had a tendency to fade quite badly in the hot Edwards AFB sun, so I will probably incorporate some of that, but I will be making my model basically in the earliest days of the AFFTC, so it will be a newish paint job, with less fading. The "firsts" for me on this model I mentioned previously will be 2 fold: 1 - This will be my first 1/32nd "in flight" or gear up model. Ive done many models, and many models for customers too, but have until now not ever done a full gear up in-flight model. The 104 seemed perfect for it, and Ill describe how it will be posed shortly. I purchased a 12" long clear acrylic rod to mount the model on, just for this purpose. 2 - This will be my first fully "lit" model. I purchased a full lighting kit from "MagicScaleModeling" specifically designed for the dual seat F-14 that includes all exterior lighting, exhaust and cockpit lights: I will be using kitchen foil for the NMF, and will be using MRP white followed by MRP-194, Luminous Orange. Lets get on with what the build will contain shall we?

Coming sometime in the future to a magazine (hence only one photo - sorry, no more or I'll be in trouble with the Editor), here's my rendition of the Italeri two-seat Starfighter. The subject was an aircraft of 31 (Tiger) Sqn, Belgian AF, 1983. The tip tanks were used for the 1983 NATO Tiger meet, just before Belgium finally retired the F-104. Decals by DACO, intake covers & chocks by Video Aviation, pitot by Master, and RBF tags by HGW. Thanks for looking.

Hi all! Here's my latest work, Italeri's 1/32 kit of the F-104G Starfighter. The model depicts an aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force with the S/N 32715 which was one of the decal options offered by the kit. Photos of the particular plane show it with heavily chipped wingtip tanks. A few aftermarket accessories were used including CMK's resin cockpit, Eduard's resin wheels and PE gun bay and BestFong FOD intake covers. The model was painted with a combination of Hataka, Mig Ammo and Alclad paints. Weathering was done with the use of Ammo and AK Interactive weathering products as well as oils (a first for me). Despite its minor shortcomings Italeri's Starfighter was fun and enjoyable to build and in the end you will get a large and wonderful replica of this iconic aircraft. Can't wait for the two seater to be released!

OK, I just couldn't stay away so here's my newest GB entry. I'm just waiting on one to arrive for the Interwar years GB and then I'll have one in both. Although it's the final version of the infamous Lawn Dart, Brad OK'd it as being representative of the type. For AM bits, I have the Aires cockpit set and wheel bays, Eduard wheels, GT Resin burner can and exhaust, and the Zotz decal sheet. Carl

YES! http://www.italeri.com/news_scheda.asp?idNews=643

I know, that Italeri Starfighter is not supposed to be the best model ever, but in this year catalogue, they have an A/C version. http://www.italeri.com/imgup/Preview%202014_LR.pdf Check page 5.