Convert Academy F-104J/G to F-104A/C Starfighter
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.
Managed to get the speed brakes in without too much fuss.
For about two minutes, I entertained the idea of scratchbuilding a cockpit for it. Then came to my senses...
Nose landing gear doors on. Removed the out of scale & too far back M61 Gun bump on the aft access panel.
MLG Doors and Intakes installed without too many big gaps. Slight gap inside between splinter plate and cone on bottom sides.
Got a bit done the other day. External tanks done and some work on fitting the stand.
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!
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.
The crack wasn't too big a deal to fix. I figured I could reinforce the NLG doors while I was at it.
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.
Got most of the innards done. May have to do some trimming & adjusting.
What I am going for, though the 'Starfighter' emblem will be yellow
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5 7 June 2022, 22:46
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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.
