POST F-104 FINDS AND DISCUSSION HERE

Post by **aferguson** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 10:03 am

i believe the vietnam camo is S2 and German one S3. The 'G' model was a bit longer in the tail and had some other small improvements over the 'C' that i'm sure someone more knowledgable can elaborate on.

The German one belongs to the German Marineflieger, which is the German air arm of their navy. Nothing to do with USAF or USN at all. 'Marine' is a german word. The German airforce (luftwaffe) also flew 104G's and they had some pretty spiffy looking paint schemes. I suspect a luftwaffe version will end up being a European exclusive at some point.

I'm hopeful for a Canadian air force Starfighter repaint at some point too. Next to the 101 Voodoo that would be my top pick for a CAF plane.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 2:14 pm

Picked up an F-104 (Silver, USAF) at the Hobbytown in Fresno, Ca. today! I won't waste time detailing it, as that has been done already, but what a sweet plane! By far the best 21c aircraft to date. (I was tempted to say best 21c plane ever, but that distinction will probably belong to the Avenger.) I love how it was dissassembled to fit within the standard box and the detail is simply incredible. Its just a little longer than the BBI F-16, packs way more detail, and is nearly $20 less! The standard F-104 box is tan (not the blue of the other recent planes) and is marked as part of the Vietnam series.

Good job yet again, 21st Century Toys

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 2:52 pm

I got mine from BadCat today as well. I'm very impressed expecially how light it is compared to the BBI jets. But, I also worry a little bit about the landing gear and if they will stand up to constant use but the design is simple and so I'll be optimistic about them. I'll also warn any of you guys who are trying to put the pilot in the cockpit read the enclosed directions. It took me a while to figure out that the only way he will fit inside is to remove the parachute.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 4:29 pm

Thanks for the heads-up on the pilot & parachute! In a certain way its kind of a bummer as most other 21c pilots fit in the cockpit with a parachute, but a very minor one at that!

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 3:08 am

tmanthegreat wrote:Thanks for the heads-up on the pilot & parachute! In a certain way its kind of a bummer as most other 21c pilots fit in the cockpit with a parachute, but a very minor one at that!

Except the P-38 pilot, of course...

-Ski

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:12 pm

Teamski wrote:
tmanthegreat wrote:Thanks for the heads-up on the pilot & parachute! In a certain way its kind of a bummer as most other 21c pilots fit in the cockpit with a parachute, but a very minor one at that!
Except the P-38 pilot, of course...

-Ski

Actually, that pilot can fit in the P-38 cockpit with the parachute, just you have to move the parachute so that it rests behind the pilot, as opposed to being a seat cushion.

OnWu · Post by **OnWu** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 7:43 pm

How much was the F-104 at Hobbytown T?

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:09 pm

The price tag at Hobbytown said $60, but it came out to a little over $64 with tax. That price is more expensive than the $52 - $54 price at many online retailers, but when you count in the $12 or more needed for shipping, Hobbytown's price came out cheaper. The plane is worth every cent, though!

JoeS · Post by **JoeS** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:28 am

Just wanted to say that I recieved my F-104 from Bad Cat this morning. As I'm in the UK I feel a bit of trepidation each time I order from overseas, however Bad Cat always takes the time to send me the best example possible.

Just to say that I am very delighted with the F-104, the QC and paint issues have been really taken care of with this release. The only other 21c model I have which is blemish free is the AH-1 Camo Cobra. But this F-104 surpasses all my expectations. I'd say to anyone who's wavering go and buy this item it really is that good. Cannot wait for the Vietnam and German repaints either, they look pretty sharp. Just wished that such wonderful models were available here in the UK as the cost to me is high, but hey it's worth it.

If this is what we can expect from 21c then I'm sure the forthcoming Avenger, P-51, F-86 and Mig-15 will be just as amazing. Don't forget the BF-110 slated for 2006 as well

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:16 am

That's cool Joe! It sure didn't seem to take long for it to get to you. You are probably the first guy in the UK with an XD 104, hehehehehehe.....

-Ski

JoeS · Post by **JoeS** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:18 am

Teamski, you're probably right about me being the first 'average' Joe getting the F-104 in the UK. I have a feeling we won't be seeing this plane here anytime soon. Anyway it sure didn't take too long to get to me- 4 days at a an extra cost of $45 in postage. Ouch!

But still it really is a fine plane and I love it. Have problems with the canopy not sitting properly, had to trim the forward shield canopy edge to allow the canopy to close. Still not right and needs further modification to fix it. You have to be careful with the flaps/slats as they tend to popout of the hinges. Or maybe it's just my piece. The plane is very light and I've trimmed the edges of the locking tabs on the major sub assemblies so that it can be taken apart easily with just a little force. I applied this same technique to the Stuka wings which made the process of assembly/dis-assembly much easier.

Overall very happy with this fighter, the paint job and markings are pristine.

Post by **aferguson** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:20 am

The Marineflieger F-104's that were available at Comic Con are going for around $180 a piece on Ebay.

Like i said before, that's a lot extra to pay for a box..

digger · Post by **digger** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:51 am

True, but there were only two people that crazy from the looks of it - and one was in Australia so he has no idea if he will ever see the thing.

The third highest bid was about 60 bucks.

That said I'd pay and extra $40 - $50 to have something 6 months in advance if it really had my interest. If I needed $100 for a 21st KT right now I'd rob an old lady...

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:01 am

JoeS wrote:Teamski, you're probably right about me being the first 'average' Joe getting the F-104 in the UK. I have a feeling we won't be seeing this plane here anytime soon. Anyway it sure didn't take too long to get to me- 4 days at a an extra cost of $45 in postage. Ouch!

But still it really is a fine plane and I love it. Have problems with the canopy not sitting properly, had to trim the forward shield canopy edge to allow the canopy to close. Still not right and needs further modification to fix it. You have to be careful with the flaps/slats as they tend to popout of the hinges. Or maybe it's just my piece. The plane is very light and I've trimmed the edges of the locking tabs on the major sub assemblies so that it can be taken apart easily with just a little force. I applied this same technique to the Stuka wings which made the process of assembly/dis-assembly much easier.

Overall very happy with this fighter, the paint job and markings are pristine.

Good idea on the tabs!

As far as seeing the 104 in Europe, it might just show up there. Believe it or not, the XD F-104 was specifically made for the European market. It was believed that since the 104 served with so many European airforces, that it would be the ideal plane to open up the Euro market. Then Corgi bought a bunch of planes......

So who knows. I have a feeling that you might just see a Corgi Luftwaffe 104........

-Ski

Birddog · Post by **Birddog** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:10 pm

If the F-104 was made specifically for the European market, I wonder what else we'll see 21st make to target the European market?

tko211 · Post by **tko211** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:15 pm

Just another FYI- I was talking with Roy today and he told me that the Main gear (the back 2) on the G model are also different from C versions! I had to pull both my German and my Silver version to compare... Sure enough the G model has a wider and slightly larger tire with a very different wheel hub. I really like the attention to detail for the different versions. I can't wait for the Camo paint scheme... I am really in love with these F-104's!

tko211 · Post by **tko211** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:57 pm

not sure. The Camo on display at Comic Con was in final production paint proof from China so.... Last time I saw the Silver Starfighter in that stage it was 6 weeks later for delivery. My money is on Late September. I will see what I can dig up on the delivery date for you guys.

Post by **aferguson** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:19 am

boy that is so great that they are finally doing structural mods to match the paint mods. The tail section was a nice touch but to do the main gear wheels too is going above and beyond. Great work 21c!

Bodes very well for future releases. Hopefully we'll see a wide variety of Spits, armament mods on the 109G etc etc in future.

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:18 am

Yeah, maybe an F4U-5 to match the Korean War paint scheme, hehehehehe.....

I'm thrilled at whats all coming out. We're starting to be like peas and carrots again

.

Now, how much do I have in the bank, honey??

-Ski

vulgarvulture · Post by **vulgarvulture** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:44 am

Yeah, maybe an F4U-5 to match the Korean War paint scheme

You're singing my song, baby!

DocTodd · Post by **DocTodd** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:12 pm

Got my 104 from BCA today and it is extremely nice. Sans for a rubbed nose on the pilot it was in pretty good shape too. Things just keep getting better at 21st. I would love to see a Mk IX Spitfire for a variant.
Todd

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 9:30 pm

Had the rubbed nose, eyebrow and hair on the pilot as well (as did the other F-104s in the Hobbytown shipment that I checked.) It is packaged too close to the box window and rubbs the plastic. I repainted the head with acrylic flesh tone & brown paints and it looks good as new!

HardenSteel · Post by **HardenSteel** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:59 pm

Got My F104 in the mail yesterday from BadCat (Thanks again!) The box was slightly crushed at one end but arrived in excellent time.

Overall it is very good, however the paint job could be better. It seems the paint on the left front air intake is partially rubbed off, somehow.

The most serious issue is the warped vertical stabilizer. I definitely require another. The top horizantal stabililizer is all askew and just does not look right.
Do I have to contact 21st about that or BadCat?

I've not had any problems with the flaps. but my cockpit canopy like to fall off. No problem closing it though.

Aside from the warped vertical stabilizer, the other problems can be fairly easily delt with.

It is absolutlely fabulous looking and again, the detail is pretty good. I like the 2 options for the front pilot tube, although a bit if fine wire in the flexible one would help to keep it straighter.

I hope they put out the CF 104G version. Looks pretty slick with the maple leaves on it. We used the same version as the Germans and built them on licence here in Canada for many, many years. Would not surprise me if the German ones originated from here.

This is one of my all time favourite aircraft, so there was no question about getting it.

That's about it for now.

HD

KAGNEW · Post by **KAGNEW** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 9:31 am

GOT MY F-104 from Badcat thursday
i had oedered early so my total cost was about $57.00
THIS IS THE BEST 1/18 AIRPLANE YET
i can't wait to get a F-104G
i want to do the one the Starfighters aerobatic team uses out of it.
thanx 21st and Badcat i think you 2 have a real winner on your hands
ps mine was perfect , not a scratch or bend on it

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