niart17 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Hey all you jet experts. I am thinking about builds for the upcoming NASA group build and ran across this photo: http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/F-104/Large/ET60-00056.jpg It is an F-104A in some really cool markings and some rather unique features. I have a 1/48 scale Hasegawa F-104G kit, if it's possible, what would it take to externally modify this back to an A like in the picture? If it's too much, I do have the Victory Productions NASA f-104 sheet so I can use the kit as is. But I like the looks of this particular plane. Thanks in advance for all your help. Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stefan buysse Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Hi, What a lovely photograph! To build this with a Hasegawa kit, you would be better off starting with an F-104C. The G-model has the longer vertical tail and the bulges for the broader wheels on the main gear doors. Cheers, Stefan. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 In 1/48 the tail would be the biggest problem. The A tail is much smaller then on the G/CF-104. Another big thing will be the ejection seat. Unless your kit comes with the CF-104/F-104J style. Cockpit itself will have many differences but I can not give detail on that. Airframe itself the differences are mostly internal. Would also think differences in the main wheels and not having the bulged landing gear doors. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 it will be in in-flight or at least landing config so I'm not overly worried about the cockpit with exception of maybe the seat, I would like that to appear correct. I've tried to find line drawing or something that could show the tail differences but to no avail. Anyone have an idea of how much cutting it would take? The wheels and landing gear door I think I could tackle but not sure about the tail. Since I have the G that's what I want to use. Thanks again everyone. Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
X-Plane Fan Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Maybe this will help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SERNAK Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 It's a rather difficult task to transform a C model to an A but it's durable if you have the patience, time and proper resources. Good luck!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Maybe this will help. That does help a lot! Thanks. If these are pretty accurate, it doesn't appear like a major problem. It looks like the G tail just adds material at the point where the A tail stopped. In theory I could just cut on that panel line, thin down the edge and rescribe the panel lines. Other than that and a few panels here and there, they appear mostly the same. Also it looks like the belly fin is slightly different but again nothing major. Any other thoughts? Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
niart17 Posted February 19, 2014 Author Share Posted February 19, 2014 Also a question about that particular plane in the pic I posted. It appears the right wing (far wing in pic) is not the same color as the left one, anyone have other pics of what that side would looks like? Is it all natural metal? Also, is that just a paint on the "black" wing or was the wing and nose made of a different material for testing? I also like how there isn't a nose pitot tube, but there is one on the wing. Very unique looking plane. Thanks again, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A.C.Acikgoz Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) do not forget to change the wheels and mlg doors.... also early A models have a downward firing C1 ejection seat.... Edited February 19, 2014 by A.C.Acikgoz Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CF104 Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Hey all you jet experts. I am thinking about builds for the upcoming NASA group build and ran across this photo: http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/F-104/Large/ET60-00056.jpg It is an F-104A in some really cool markings and some rather unique features. I have a 1/48 scale Hasegawa F-104G kit, if it's possible, what would it take to externally modify this back to an A like in the picture? If it's too much, I do have the Victory Productions NASA f-104 sheet so I can use the kit as is. But I like the looks of this particular plane. Thanks in advance for all your help. Bill Hi Bill, Here's a list of external modifications needed to make an F-104G into an early "A". 1. Vertical stab size reduction and profile change to aft fuselage. 2. Engine exhaust nozzle. Long nozzle to short nozzle. 3. Heat exchanger outlet. Single outlet to dual staggered outlet. 4. Narrow wheels and tires with older style wheels. 5. Flat (non bulged) forward main landing gear doors 6. Strengthening plates on sides of forward fuselage. 7. Nose gear doors. Not angled at forward edge. 8. Gun port faired over. 9. C1 downward ejection seat. 10. Air Conditioning inlet. NACA scoop instead of late style rectangular scoop. 11. No single point refueling. Changes some panels on the left side of the fuselage. It would be a lot easier to start out with an F-104C kit than to make the changes to a "G" kit. Here is a photo of the same aircraft from the starboard side. F-104A #734 Cheers, John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
X-Plane Fan Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 F-104 734 photos Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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