Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1053
Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter Diecast Model
ROCAF 427th TFW, 28th TFS, #4147, Ching Chuan Kang AB, Taiwan |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
On May 22, 1998, after thirty eight years of service the RoCAF held a retirement ceremony for its F-104s. The decommissioning ceremony was held at Ching Chuang Kang (CCK) Air Base (AB) because the base is home to the 8th TFS, the first ROCAF squadron to operate the F-104. For the very conservative event seven F-104s had new paint and fin markings with each one different and representing the seven former F-104 squadrons. One badge was a “Baby Dragon” applied to TF-104G 4147 (61-12236) representing the 28th TFS. Somehow during the refurbishment of this aircraft for the retirement event, the incorrect serial 61-12236 was applied. The correct serial for this airframe should be 61-03030 that had accumulated 6,000 flying hours. The aircraft is on a pole at the CCK AFB wearing the markings of the 427th TFW and still wearing the incorrect serial 61-12236. When retired the total RoCAF F-104 flying hours were 380,000.
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 2003-2026 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 2003-2013 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
