Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1002
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Diecast Model
USAF 435th TFS Screaming Eagles, #56-0884 "Pussy Cat", Joe Nevers, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, 1967 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104C Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
The F-104C that Hobby Master concentrated on has a long and varied existence. Built by Lockheed and first assigned as FG-910 to 479th TFW 434th TFS "Red Devils", George AFB, CA. In 1960 it was re-assigned to the 479th TFW, 436th TFS "Black Aces" Moron AB, Spain. From 1966 –1967 it served with 435th TFS "Screaming Eagles" at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand. One of the pilots that flew this particular aircraft was Squadron Commander Lt. Joe Nevers and the F-104 was adorned with the nose art "Pussy Cat", which was located on the starboard side of the fuselage only. From 1967 – 1975 the serial number became "0-60910" with the 198th TFS PR ANG, Muniz ANGB, San Juan Puerto Rico. In August 1975 the plane was transferred to Lowry AFB, Colorado for preservation. In 1997 it was on the move again this time it was put on display at Wings Over The Rockies Aviation Museum, Denver CO.
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.
