Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1050
Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter Diecast Model
USAF 58th TTW, 418th TFTS, Luke AFB, AZ, US Bicentennial 1976 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed TF-104G Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
From 1964 until 1983 the West German Air Force trained their F-104 pilots at Luke AFB in Arizona. Originally the USAF 4510th Combat Crew Training Wing was assigned the task before being re-designated the 58th TTW. The German pilots trained using German F-104s with U.S. serials and markings. The 418th TFTS operated as part of the 58th TTW from October 1969 until 15 August 1976 when it was disbanded. Early in 1976 one F-104 was given a special paint scheme to commemorate the USA Bicentennial.
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
