Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1013
Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Diecast Model
Spanish Air Force Escadron 104, Ala 6/16, Torrejon, Spain, 1965 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104G Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
In 1965 the Spanish Air Force Ejercito del Aire (EdA) received 18 Canadair–built F-104Gs through the Military Assistance Program (MAP). In EdA service the F-104s were designated C.8 with serials running from C.8-1 to C.8-18. They were assigned to Ala 6 (Wing 6) that was later renamed Ala 16. The F-104 flew with the EdA for 7 years accumulating 17,000 operational hours without the loss of a single Starfighter. Perhaps this was due to the skill of the pilots or the fact that they Spanish used the F-104 to do the role of interceptor that it was designed for. Or perhaps it was a combination of both factors. In 1972 they were replaced by F-4C Phantoms and returned to the USAF where they were transferred to Greece and Turkey.
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 2003-2014 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
