Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1038
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Diecast Model
USAF 479th TFW, #56-0886 Fannie, Da Nang AB, Vietnam, 1965 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104C Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter 56-0886 was produced in 1956 c/n 383-1174. The 479th TFW sent 28 F-104Cs to Da Nang Air Base in April 1965. The 476th TFS from April 19, 1965 until July 11, 1965 the 436th TFS, which included 56-0886 "Fannie", operated from July 12, 1965 until October 12, 1965. When the 435th TFS took over until December 20, 1965 F-104C 56-0886 was transferred to them. These aircraft performed combat air patrols protecting EC-121 Warning Stars and later air-to-ground missions. The 479th TFW flew 506 missions accumulating 1,707 flying hours.
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 2003-2018 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.
