Hasegawa 1/72 Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter

HASEGAWA 1:72 TF-104G/F-104DJ STARFIGHTER

Boxart for the TF-104G/F-104DJ Kit

Boxart for the special release TF-104G Bicentennial kit which uses the same mold but different decals

Reviewer: Geoff Goldfen (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 3 December 2001
Addendum comments supplied by Ike Sweesy, pilot of one of the kit's subjects!

Aircraft:
The first two-seater version of the F-104 Starfighter was designated the F-104B and had its maiden flight exactly three years after the first single-seater F-104A took to the sky. The F-104B was powered by the same powerplant and almost all other aspects of the aircraft generally (other than obviously the two-seats and enlarged vertical tail) remained the same, including the length and retaining (other than the 20mm cannon) the same weapon capabilities and operational systems. The next two-seater version was the F-104D featuring an upgraded powerplant and in-flight refuelling probe.

The F-104G single-seater was nicknamed the "Super Starfighter" in some circles because it was effectively the definitive model of the sleek missile-like design and therefore attention turned to having a two-seat version of this variant produced. A two-seat version was developed and designated the TF-104G and like the F-104B to its earlier F-104 single-seat versions, essentially retained all the operational systems, weaponry and equipment as depicted on the F-104G and generally remained unchanged (obviously aside from the obvious changes such as cockpit etc).

The TF-104G was developed for a number of foreign countries with the West German Luftwaffe the highest export customer with some 137 examples being used in their air force. Other customers included Greece, USAF, Belgium and Denmark amongst a couple of others. Japan did not purchase the TF-104G because it already had its own design, the T-2 supersonic trainer, however, it did purchase a batch of Lockheed F-104D two-seaters, which it designated F-104DJ in its service. These aircraft essentially differed very little externally to the TF-104G, other than a few bits of aerials here and there.

The Kit:
Released as Hasegawa kit #1004 this yet another hybrid F-104 release where the main components common to all F-104 variants are contained on a couple of sprues and the additional pieces for the TF version are included on an updated and new sprue, for I expect minimal tooling expense. The additional sprue includes the two seat forward fuselage section, cockpit tub with extra seat, stick etc and an altered nose wheel bay.

Instructions:
Well the phrase "stock standard Hasegawa" should suit this more than anything with the usual features included: sprue diagram, Gunze Sangyo/Mr Color paint call outs, clear and well defined assembly steps, brief history and three view diagrams for decal and external scheme.

Construction:
Starting in the cockpit you are presented with a stock standard Hasegawa affair, with little in the way of a decently outfitted cockpit but everything going where it should go and fitting well. The parts that are supplied are well detailed enough with two different seat types provided and each broken into at least three parts, although a mold line is still visible on the main seat component. As well as control sticks main instrument panels and side consoles are provided and as it is the norm with Hasegawa kits, decals can be used for instrumentation. The main panel is molded in clear, something unusual for this manufacturer. Everything fits where it is supposed to go and aligns without hassle inside the forward fuselage halves.

Talking of the fuselage halves these are broken into four main components with a forward section and a rear [main body] section that are affixed together. Don't forget to add some weight in the nose although I would not think that a lot will be needed as it is one of those models that should nearly sit flat without any assistance [I did say 'nearly' so don't think that none should be added!]. The two fuselage sections go together well and I subsequently added on the intakes, which could have fitted and blended in better but were still straight forward to affix. A bit of filler and some judicious sanding helps blend the intakes.

The main wings and tailplanes affix onto the fuselage without any problems whatsoever and in the case of the former, you would be hard pressed to find an excuse to use any filler. I did, because I wanted the blend flawless, but I probably would have gotten away without having to worry about applying any. One must remember though that when you are expecting to do a natural metal version then you tend to overdo the filling and sanding to ensure everything is as smooth and blends as beautifully as possible. A coat of primer later will [but didn't] turn up any imperfections.

The landing gear is straightforward also and it is just a matter of painting the reasonably detailed wells - containing just a little bit of structural stuff, before attaching the main struts and supports. As with most kits in this scale it is fair to say that the landing gear detail is fairly basic although it is still rather good. The gear doors should fit well for wheels-up modellers (I did not test this out) and both flat and bulged versions are included. The only query I had was the placement of the nose wheel undercarriage, it looked like it was placed a bit too far forward when comparing to reference photos. For stores, only wingtip and underwing drop tanks are provided.

Finally the canopy was added, which fits very well and because it is broken down into separate pieces, it can also be displayed in the open position, which mine was. Then the model was given an undercoat of primer to see if any imperfections bled through, before the polished aluminium paint scheme was applied to replicate a natural metal finish.

Versions & Decals:
The kit allows for two TF-104G examples to be produced from USA and Belgium, with two F-104DJ from, as you would expect, Japan. The JASDF are natural metal schemes from 203rd and 207th Squadrons. One USAF natural metal example from 69th TFTS, 58th TTW; and a Belgian 10 JBW in typical dark green and brown camouflage scheme. I chose to replicate the USAF trainer in the natural metal scheme and the decal sheet is as you would expect from Hasegawa, a bit on the thick and glossy side but still conform well with an under- and over-coat of gloss before a semi-gloss final coat was applied. The sheet is large and colourful and contains a decent amount of stencilling in addition to the banners, insignia and badges.

Overall:
I found it difficult to find anything to really gripe about in this kit because it is a very good one and since their single seat F-104G is generally accurate in all areas, you can pretty well subjectively say that the two seater is on a par as far as excellence is concerned. I can't really comment about the Japan versions since it is effectively an F-104D but I expect it would be extremely minimal if there are any concerns. Perhaps my note about the nosewheel is the only question mark but everything else looks as convincing as it should. The model goes together easily and hassle free and all I can say is it is highly recommended to all modelling skills. From my discussions with our illustrious "SMAKR Webmaster" who is apparently a bit of an F-104 kit collector, well matey, add this one to your collection and many more to produce different versions, you won't be disappointed!

ADDENDUM - Supplied by Ike Sweesy:
I’m the pilot for the 1/72 TF104 model from Hasegawa. My name was on that very plane when I was at Luke AFB, Arizona, and it was also featured in a Japanese aircraft modelers magazine. However, the tail number was actually 452, not 455 as on the model box. My name is visible above the “Rescue” Placard, but of course a magnifying glass is required to read it on the “Rescue” decal from the Hasegawa kit. It’s an honor to have had my plane on the cover and also featured by Hasegawa. Flying the Starfighter at Luke AFB and in Europe was a dream come true. The F104 was the first plastic model kit that I ever built as a kid in the 50’s, and then I got to actually fly the real, powerful fighter myself 20 years later! I have a few flying stories about the Starfighter on my web site under “War Stories” at WWW.FighterPilots.Net

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