Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1018
Lockheed RF-104G Stargazer Diecast Model
ROCAF, #4378, Taiwan |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed RF-104G Stargazer | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
The Lockheed RF-104G was used by several countries but Taiwan developed a special recon version that had an extra long pointed radome that housed a LOng-Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) camera. This special radome made it possible to switch the aircraft from an F-104G standard arrangement to an RF-104G or vice versa in a matter of one perhaps two days. There were 3 LOROP equipped RF-104Gs but only one was always on full standby status and these aircraft were called Stargazers when they were in this special configuration.. Former German F-104G #2076 serial 63-13260 was sold to the RoCAF and coded 4378. This aircraft was later converted to an RF-104G and used as one of the Stargazers. The Rocaf stopped using the Stargazers in late 1994.
Designed to meet a need for an aircraft that could successfully compete against the MiG-15 in Korea, the F-104 Starfighter was first flown on February 20, 1958. American pilots believed that the F-86 Sabre was too large and complex to outmaneuver the lighter MiG, and they wanted a smaller, simpler, high-performance aircraft to replace it. The resulting design was a light, aerodynamic airframe wrapped around a powerful J79 turbojet engine. The F-104C was used by the USAF from 1958 until 1967, but most of the 2,578 production Starfighters were built and flown by members of NATO, including the Italian Air Force, which didn't retire it until 2004. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-104 Starfighter is a good looking model with many quality features. The exceptionally long fuselage is constructed in diecast metal, with plastic side-mounted engine intakes. The rear turbine blades and the exhaust with its "turkey feathers" are some of the high points of this model, along with a canopy that opens to reveal an ejection seat and pad printed front and side instrument panels. The M61 Vulcan Gatling gun port is beautifully recreated, and the complex main landing gear is accurately rendered, securely locking into place for ground display. Most releases include removable wingtip fuel tanks, with fuselage mounted missiles on some versions.
© Copyright 2003-2014 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
