Convert Academy F-104J/G to F-104A/C Starfighter

1
June 7, 2022
Easy peezy if you're not looking too closely! ;-D Gonna have to do some serious cutting & filing to the trailing edge and then a bit of engraving but certainly doable for a decent desktop-type model on an old Airfix or Matchbox stand.
2
June 8, 2022
Managed to get the speed brakes in without too much fuss.
3
June 8, 2022
For about two minutes, I entertained the idea of scratchbuilding a cockpit for it. Then came to my senses...
4
June 8, 2022
Nose landing gear doors on. Removed the out of scale & too far back M61 Gun bump on the aft access panel.
5
June 8, 2022
MLG Doors and Intakes installed without too many big gaps. Slight gap inside between splinter plate and cone on bottom sides.
6
June 16, 2022
Got a bit done the other day. External tanks done and some work on fitting the stand.
7
June 17, 2022
The more I work on this, the more I think "Those diecast ones are only about $75 or so!!" LOL Still working on the MLG Doors fill but modified the nozzle to somewhat resemble a J-79 tail end!
8
June 20, 2022
Two steps forward and one step back. While removing the clamps for the arear around the stand reinforcements I dropped the Stbd fuselage half and busted it up. Nothing I can't fix but still.
9
June 23, 2022
The crack wasn't too big a deal to fix. I figured I could reinforce the NLG doors while I was at it.
10
June 23, 2022
Looking for something to use to brace/stop my modified J79 engine nozzle from going to far into the fuselage, I found an old Airfix bomber (?) seat that fit the bill.
11
June 24, 2022
Got most of the innards done. May have to do some trimming & adjusting.
12
July 19, 2022
What I am going for, though the 'Starfighter' emblem will be yellow

Comments

27 July 2024, 23:56 -

Album info

Since the doors are NOT bulged anyway, and I can't seem to find a Monogram or RoG F-104A/C at a REASONABLE price I will see what I can do with this. I figured I try the first couple in flight with the cockpit (or lack thereof!) painted over in silver/blue desktop style.

Convert Academy F-104J/G to F-104A/C Starfighter

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1:72

On hold

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1:72 F-104 A/C Starfighter (Italeri 1234)

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