NASA F-104’S
Here is my version of one of
three specially built F-104N Starfighters procured by NASA to be used as
pilot proficiency and chase aircraft in late 1963. Based at Dryden Flight
Research Center adjacent to Edwards Flight Test Center, these brightly
painted jets typified the use of Day-Glo high visibility color trim that was
popular on test aircraft of the day. F-104 number 011 was delivered in
August of 1963. This aircraft flew with NASA for nearly 3 decades and had
accumulated 4,370 flights when it was finally retired in 1990.
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The kit
The NASA decal version of the
Hasegawa F-104 is no longer available as far as I know. I was impressed
with the kit decal sheet for three different NASA color schemes.
Being Hasegawa, the fit and detail is excellent. I always manage to use
filler somewhere, but it was minimal with this model.
Painting
Day-Glo and metallic paint
schemes are a real challenge. I used Model Master enamels exclusively.
Following priming, the Day-Glo sections were first underpainted with flat white.
Model Master fluorescent red was used for the Day-Glo sections. This is
the only fluorescent paint I have been able to find and it makes a mess of the
spray area. In my airbrush, the over spray from this paint makes cob web
filaments that float in the air following spraying. I was relieved to be
finished with this painting step. Non buffing aluminum was used to paint
the airframe. The complex high heat engine sections of this jet were
painted with stainless steel and burnt metal metalizers. Provided enough
metallic paint is built up and sealed with Testors gloss laquer, I have found
that the metalizer paints can be masked using blue 3M delicate masking tape (destuck
by taping it on my jeans). I also use Silly Putty and paper masks to
minimize sticky tape on metallic surfaces. Where some paint pulls off, I
touch up with a brush. I am starting to realize that these occasional
brush touch ups actually enhance the visual interest of the model. Eventually,
the model was sprayed with Testors gloss laquer in preparation for decals.
Weathering
My photo references indicate
nearly flawless surface maintenance of these birds by dedicated NASA crews so
weathering was confined to a minimal light wash of oil paint to bring out some
panel and control surface detail. These jets shined.
Wonderful
Hobby
I favor building models that
emphasize the aspects of the hobby that I particularly enjoy.
While I am in awe of the
internal detail and scratch building showcased by expert modelers on ARC,
that is not for me. I’ll scratch build if I lose or break
something. I can’t resist buying after market decals if I can find one
that inspires me. After all, the inspiration aspects of this hobby can be
the most fun. I usually have several models going on my bench. That
way, I can always have at least one plane that I can move forward on. On-line
research, basic assembly, seam filling, painting schemes, decals and weathering
fill out my menu of preferred aspects of this hobby. I have never
kept track of the hours required to complete a model but it is usually a month
or two before it finally takes its place in the ever growing fleet of completed
models. Other than sharing an occasional jet with fellow modelers on
ARC, these models are rarely seen by anyone other than myself. They
continue to satisfy. Thanks Steve for providing such an informative and
inspirational forum for the sharing of all aspects of this hobby. I visit
ARC daily. Enjoy your models.
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