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Hot Flash: 1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

The original release of this 1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter dates back to 1978. It is an inexpensive model kit that captures the outline of the F-104 well, but is definitely showing its age at this point.


1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

Notable Kit Features:


  • Basic kit with few parts (wings are moulded attached to fuselage)

  • Seated pilot figure included

  • Decent raised cockpit details with 2 different ejection seats provided

  • Three-piece canopy can be displayed open or closed

  • Open gun panel on left side

  • Good landing gear details

  • Open / Closed speed brakes

  • Wing tip tanks are separate

  • Optional Sidewinders and rails provided as well as a VICON (Recce) Pod


1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

Build Inspiration:


The European (Baden Soellingen, West Germany) based CF-104s received special Anniversary schemes, initially in 1981 (40th Anniversary) and this model depicts the 1983 rendition of RCAF 421 Squadrons special scheme. Unfortunately, at least a couple of these special scheme aircraft were written off in a hangar fire at Baden Soellingen in March 1984. The high colour (or contrast in the case of 441 Squadron B&W version) brings a great splash of attention getting non-camouflage to the display shelves.


RCAF 421 Squadron's CF-104G Anniversary Scheme

Heads-Up Report:


  • Some ejector pin marks will require clean-up

  • Closed brakes do not fit well (filler required)

  • Overall fit is fair but most seams require some work

  • Raised panel lines

  • Note: Air brakes are usually not open when the aircraft is on the ground


1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

Kit Additions / Modifications:


  • Third-party decals used

  • For accuracy the ECM and RAWG detectors needed to be added to the nose and rear fuselage


1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

Finishing:


The paint scheme for this aircraft is straight-forward enough, being overall red with a black nose, antiglare panel as well as intakes. The decals do the rest of the work here to get this RCAF 421 Squadron special scheme in place.


1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter

The After-Build Report:

Although a very old kit, it can still be used as a budget build aircraft. More suited to the camouflage or painted schemes, due to the lack of panel lines to guide you in the NMF, this 1/48th Monogram F-104G Starfighter can be found very inexpensively to get you a decent kit on display. The Hasegawa kit has great fit going for it but is critiqued for its all-over rivets on the wings as well as minor shape issues. Kinetic's Gold TF-104 is probably one of the best although you can find critics of their series (shape issues) as well (particularly the earlier non-gold releases). Pick one based on your budget, skills and needs and get your own version of this "Manned Missile" on the shelf.


Completed build #40 - July 1987 using the 1/48th scale Monogram #5409 kit.


Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers


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