Dutch

Right on! I think I am ready to take the 3D plunge. As long as Sikorsky, Boeing, L-M, etc.. won't come after me for royalties. Thanks for the inspiration!

In any case, back breaking work for the hard working Aviation Ordnancemen.

@KursadA, After reading thought the various i-f-s pages on the F-104 (see links above, much material is redundant, some new), I discovered several Starfighters had various names applied which make no operational or wartime nose art sense, but obviously had meaning at the time. Some even carried different names at different times. 55-2955 Lt Simpson is seen here prior a test mission in 55-2955. Here it is clearly seen that this aircraft got nickname "Apple Knocker" around January 1957. 55-2969 nicknamed "Queenie"

Yeah, I figure swooping in unheard and unseen like an owl, then firing the main battery produces enough recoil to climb back up to loiter altitude! Granted the physics still need to be worked out.

Gorgeous Draken!

You're gonna need more glue!

Ah! The dreaded silent AC-130J Wraith glider! Looks terrific!

@KursadA, After zooming in to the four different photos, I cannot determine one way or the other whether the name is "Slosher" or "Slasher." The letters appear to be in some kind or roundy cloud font, so either "O" or "A" is plausible. I have searched the web, but keep coming back to the IFS.nl site. I do agree that the background for Sl*sher No II is a dark blue, as it is lighter than the U.S. AIR FORCE lettering and seems to correspond to the blue in the US insignia. I am happy with "Slasher" as that is the type of attack developed for the F-104. Here is a quote from the

One last comment. If you are going to use the AM Dunlop tire, you will have to file off the Dunlop label, as it was a European brand and appropriate for UK Wessex and possibly French H-34s, but I suspect Michelin more likely for those. For US machines, it was either GoodYear, B.F. Goodrich, or Continental.

I agree, it does keep getting better and better. Love all the tools and boxes. One comment though, you're going to have a very tough time rolling the engine around on that cart as well as the tool boxes in all that gravel! Granted, with a platoon of Marines, I could move anything, in any terrain, in any weather, but it wasn't always pleasant!

Never had a problem with SprueBrothers, always received what I ordered, always timely. OTOH, nothing but problems with KitLinx, either stock is out even though listed as in stock, package showing shipped and delivered on their website when USPS says still awaiting delivery by vendor, then trying to substitute for OOS items. And, when they finally do ship, it takes two weeks. So, stick with SprueBrothers.

@KursadA, Any chance of adding the 1/48 A-4E/F Skyhawk stencil sheet to the Basics Line soon? Kind regards, Dutch

Ditto!

Fred, Wow! Well, you are the man with the plan. I will eagerly watch each build in progress. K/r, Dutch

Kursad, these two links on QF-104 drones may help. (You may have already seen these.) QF-104 drones - International F-104 Society International F-104 Society (i-f-s.nl) QF-104A drones - the aircraft - International F-104 Society International F-104 Society (i-f-s.nl) They explain that the real purpose of the initial QYF-104 and later QF-104A drones was to specifically refine and test AIM-7 Sparrow and the Bomarc missiles with a high altitude and high speed (Mach 2) capable target. It is interesting to note that only 20 or so were converted. So your assumpt