Bill Cross Posted October 18, 2018 Share Posted October 18, 2018 OK, I'm starting on the F-104G kit I picked up while in Hong Kong, and going through Danny Corman's book, I notice that the German version of the aircraft carried two red (flashing?) lights, one on the spine just forward of the tail, and one on the belly, forward somewhat of the one on the spine (see photo below). Is the something I'm going to have to scratchbuild, and if so, does someone have a close-up of the device(s) I can use for a model? Danny doesn't seem to have a photo of the lights up-close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted October 18, 2018 Share Posted October 18, 2018 Looks like a beacon light to me, not sure it's standard on german 104's, have to check on the dutch ones, they would have similar specifics like that...... Bill Cross 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Cross Posted October 18, 2018 Author Share Posted October 18, 2018 5 minutes ago, Jack said: not sure it's standard on german 104's... I have only sen them on German ones. Perhaps given the crowded skies over Germany the civilian aviation authorities were worried about collisions? My son and I were in Bastogne a few years back in the woods above Foy when a jet jockey trying to beat a thunderstorm rolling in from France split the air just over our heads. It was like an 88 round right out of "Band of Brothers." Someone likely got a tongue-lashing for breaking the sound barrier when he got home to the base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted October 18, 2018 Share Posted October 18, 2018 Bill, i think you're right about the german 104's, at least the ones belonging to the airforce, not the "marine" versions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Williams Posted October 18, 2018 Share Posted October 18, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, Bill Cross said: Is the something I'm going to have to scratchbuild, and if so, does someone have a close-up of the device(s) I can use for a model? Danny doesn't seem to have a photo of the lights up-close. The three pictures at the bottom of page 26 aren’t close-up enough? From the side, rear, and directly from the top. Also on pages 17 and 60. Photos also show them on MARINE Starfighters, so on all German F-104s. Not there originally, but added at some time during their lives. Edited October 18, 2018 by Dave Williams LSP_K2 and Ivan Ivanovich 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Cross Posted October 18, 2018 Author Share Posted October 18, 2018 (edited) 26 minutes ago, Dave Williams said: The three pictures at the bottom of page 26 aren’t close-up enough? Photos also show them on MARINE Starfighters, so on all German F-104s. Not there originally, but added at some time during their lives. Oh, ****, how did I miss that? Never do modeling on jet lag. I looked through the book last night and did not honestly see that page. Oy. Interestingly, Corman says all German Starfighters had them. Now how the heck do I scratch that oval shape in clear plastic with the metal roundel on top? Edited October 18, 2018 by Bill Cross LSP_K2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menelaos Posted October 19, 2018 Share Posted October 19, 2018 (edited) these beacons were installed on all GAF 104s... here are some pics (source, mine and on the pic) Edited October 19, 2018 by Menelaos Bill Cross and MikeC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Ivanovich Posted October 19, 2018 Share Posted October 19, 2018 The anti-collision beacons started being retrofitted in 1974. Applicable versions: Luftwaffe/Marine F-104G (fighter bomber config), TF-104G and Marine RF-104G F-104F, F-104G (AWX) and Luftwaffe RF-104G (AG 51/AG 52) never received them. I'd replicate the beacons using clear 2K epoxy and mould them into shape with a small spatula and a toothpick while the epoxy is still curing. Isar 30/07 and Bill Cross 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevepd Posted October 19, 2018 Share Posted October 19, 2018 I would use a cut off from the clear canopy sprue, file and shape to what you want. Steve. Bill Cross 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwana Posted October 19, 2018 Share Posted October 19, 2018 I think I'd find a clear red toothbrush handle. Better color. Isar 30/07 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasta 14 addict Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 Just made two from my spare box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Williams Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 I got some of these. https://hlj.com/1-32-scale-aircraft-position-lights-red-green-clear-12pcs-each-elf3202 CMK makes a set of colored lights too. https://www.1001modelkits.com/accessories-for-aircraft-models/7043-cmk-czech-master-kits-cmk011-red-navigation-lights-all-scales.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chek Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 A bit late, but you never know when someone is going to look up a reference... Eduard include little teardrop shaped holes on some of their etch shape sheets (or you can drill/file your own to size in sheet metal). You heat the end of a clear sprue rod to melt it and then push it through the hole and it will form a domed, streamlined lens cover. A drop of Tamiya clear red gives a nice intense colour (much better than the washed out tint that coloured sprue has) with a glassy gloss finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 Not sure about the Italari single seat kit, but their 1/32nd TF-104 comes with both the spine and belly anti-collision beacons in the kit OOB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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