1/48 Hasegawa F-104C Starfighter

Gallery Article by Eric Hargett on Aug 18 2009

 

F-104Cs were first sent to Southeast Asia on a temporary basis in April 1965. One squadron stood alert at Kung Kuan, Taiwan, and Da Nang, South Vietnam. From Da Nang, the aircraft struck targets in both South and North Vietnam with enemy ground fire taking its toll. The F-104Cs were back stateside by Christmas 1965, having in principle been replaced by the McDonnell F-4 Phantom. However, increased activity of speedy North Vietnamese MiG-21 fighters led to a reconsideration of the withdrawal of the Starfighter, and eight were sent to the air base at Udorn, Thailand, in late June 1966. The Starfighters were used to provide top cover for F-105F Wild Weasel defense suppression aircraft, looking out for MiGs while the Weasels took on air-defense sites.  F-104Cs continued their close air-support roles for a while then transitioned to 'Warning Star' protection missions for a time.  However, all Starfighters were finally withdrawn back to the States in July 1967 and permanently replaced by the F-4 Phantom. (information from http://www.globalsecurity.org and http://www.vectorsite.net)

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

My 1/48 Hasegawa kit represents F-104C BN 0-60914 "Snoopy Sniper" of the 435th TFS at Udorn AFB, Thailand 1967-1968, flown by Pilot Maj. Herb Drisco.   

The basic kit was enhanced with:

  • 1) Aires resin F-104 Wheel Bay (4103)

  • 2) Aires resin F-104C/J Cockpit Set (4098)

  • 3) Superscale Decal No. 48-1135 F-104C Starfighters

  • 4) Scratchbuilt interior canopy frame 

A variety of Tamiya, Model Master, Pollyscale and Aeromaster acrylic paints were used for this kit.  The colors in order of application are described below:

Cockpit - Flat Black primer followed by a light mist of Dark Gull Gray, Olive Green hoses, Nato Green belts, Khaki Drab seat cushions, Red headrest, a dry brush of Dark Anadoxic Gray, Flat Black acrylic wash followed by a mist of Flat Clear and a dry brush with White oils.

Wheel Bays - Flat Black primer followed by light mist of Flat White primer and finally Flat White is selected areas, Neutral Gray acrylic wash, Burnt Sienna oil wash, a dry brush of Silver followed by a mist of Flat Clear and weathering with pastels.

SEA Camouflage - Pre-shading of Flat Black, Flat White primer on ventral surface followed by light mist of Tactical Light Gray (FS55394), Dark Tan (FS30219) on dorsal surface followed by tints of Dark Tan on selected panels, Medium Green (FS34102) followed by tints of Medium Green on selected panels, Dark Green (FS34079) followed by tints of Dark Green on selected panels, Neutral Gray acrylic wash on ventral surfaces and Flat Black acrylic wash on dorsal surfaces, a mixture pastels and oils to simulate streaks and weathering.

Many of my painting and weathering techniques for SEA camouflaged aircraft can be found on my other submissions to ARC.

The Aires resin enhancements really improved the realism of this kit.  I'm really satisfied with the end result and have always wanted an SEA camoflauged F-104 in my collection.  Thanks for looking! 

Eric Hargett

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Photos and text © by Eric Hargett