1/48 Hasegawa TF-104G Starfighter

Gallery Article by Earl Hosmer on Sept 8 2011

 

This is the excellent Hasagawa TF-104G Starfighter kit in 1/48th scale.  Markings are for the Norwegian Air Force FN-Z in late 1963.  The decals came from Vingtor decals, a Norwegian company, and are absolutely first-rate, thin, perfectly registered, and thoroughly researched. 

 

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I used the Avionix TF-104G detail set, which provided the open equipment bays (from rear, oxygen bay, emergency generator, and electrical) on the starboard side, as well as the open “hell hole”, and cockpit with both Lockheed C-2 and Martin-Baker seats provided.  The Avionix set is excellent and well worth the money.  I also dropped in a Cutting Edge exhaust and afterburner nozzle.  The open fuel tank bay on the port side was scratchbuilt.  Finish is Aluminum foil (the only REAL natural metal finish!) with Lifecolor acrylics used on painted areas. 

The Norwegian Air Force 104s were well maintained so weathering was kept to a bare minimum.   This is only my second attempt at using foil on a model (the first was terrible) and, while not easy, is worth the effort and I hope to get even better at it on future projects.

Earl Hosmer

      

Photos and text © by Earl Hosmer