F-104 Starfighter

Yahoo it is here! To say this is an impressive model is an understatement. It is 11 feet long but only has a 60 inch wingspan. If I had not see it fly on videos ( go to Skymasters web site there are a number of them but the best is the one by a German flyer) I would not have considered it. Having said that it is one of my favorite jets and the epitome of what in my mind constitutes a jet fighter.

It arrived in good condition but missing some parts which have now been sent from Skymaster. This is my blank pallet and now the work will begin. There are many panel lines that are not showing in areas where the molds joined and also rivets etc. Once I get them all back in I will wet sand the whole thing in preparation for the flight metal. I did get the factory to supply the plane to me in  a ready to paint condition which meant that the mold seams and most blemishes were filled and the plane was primed.  It is a big jet. Around 11 feet long but just about 60 inches wing tip to wing tip. If I had not seen the video's of this plane flying I would not have considered it.

Aerodynamic or what! Looks like a big lawn dart. I love the look of these jets.

The length is more evident in this picture. I will follow Joe Grice's lead on this one and use the Behoetec 220 turbine for its best in class power to weight. I want to try to keep the weight to a minimum for obvious reasons.

To me this is the ultimate definition of a jet fighter. Looks like it is going Mach 2 standing still.

I ordered it in primer only as I will flight metal the plane to match the RCAF 104's of the 70's. I will add a light ring for the afterburner and will use the Royal SRS with the built in IGYRO.

Rear view with speed brakes deployed

The landing gear needs to be seen to be appreciated. It is hydraulic with compressed air similar to their shock absorber system. Believe it or not there is a lot of detail work to do on the fuse prior to applying the flight metal. Where the molds join the panel lines and rivets are lost so they will need to be redone. Also there are blemishes that will need filling and sanding. The flight metal will telegraph anything under it so time spent prior will be worth it in the end.

I plan on starting in September when the weather starts to turn. I will get a picture up of the gear as soon as I can.

Stay tuned!