Small Scale Military Headquarters

Didn't see this news posted anywhere so I thought all of you 1/32 scalers might like to see this: It's official!!!

From bbi's website:

Dear bbi Members,

Those of you with a knowledge of aviation history will know well the legendary Lockheed “Skunkworks” and the amazing works of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson.

But even those who have never heard of these two will certainly have heard of the famous and legendary F-104 Starfighter.

This outstanding aircraft looks more like a rocket ship and in fact was often called a “missile with a man in it”. It also had an astonishing rate of climb and awesome performance.

But no matter what you call it you have to agree it is truly a work of art. Here at bbi we are pleased to announce the release of our 1/32nd scale Lockheed F- 104 Starfighter.

And just like the Lockheed original it has killer looks and enough detail to satisfy any true collector.

Add this one to you shopping list as it make the ideal partner for our 1/32nd scale F-4 Phantom that you must already have.

So don’t be slow…get out there and get yours…because just like the real thing…they’ll go fast!


Click on the news dated 07/04/2008 (Even though it says EF 1/18 Hellcat, it's a typo)

Then click on the image link at the bottom of the write up to see pictures. It even has an opening access door to the gun!!

Here's the link to bbi's website:

http://www.blueboxtoys.com/bbi2005/

YES!

Pretty sweet. Looks like it's unfinished though, doesn't seem to have many panel lines. I wish they would have done a better scheme though, I don't like the US camo on the F-104. Bavarian... oh so much better. I hope they bring something like a Sidewinders A-7 later on!

Thanks for the heads up Birddog!

I agree, I wish they would have gone with a different scheme. The Bavarian would have been nice, or any of the US Interceptor squadrons could be pretty colorful. The only thing I can think is they want a Vietnam tie in with the Phantom. Can't complain too much though with more jets coming through in the 1/32 pipeline!

Agreed. You can't bite the hand that feeds...

...too hard.

Awesome!! I would have prefered a more classic silver USAF scheme, but I do like the Vietnam cammo and it allows the plane to perfectly compliment the F-4. They really need to make a Mig-21 now

Thanks bbi for the upcoming F-104......please consider Luftwaffe or Marine(German Navy), in particular the BAVARIA!!!!!!!!!!!! If Hasegawa can produce a 1/48 F-104G offering with the Bavaria flag (white/blue diamonds) decals, I know that bbi can do even better!!!!

Danke sehr/thanks very much,

dV

BIRDDOG:

Thanks for the link.

I was at ToysRUs last month and passed up the 21st Century 1/18 Vietnam F-104 Smoke II for $40 because I was waiting to see the BBI 1/32. The 1/18 F-104 is too big. I'm glad the BBI F-104 is in Vietnam paint scheme because that gives it a little combat history.

One question: what's the price?...I hope it's around $50 like the F-4J.

Sounds cool but I not into modern much now.

Meh. Not for me but cool for you guys.

I guess I am in the 1/32 scale now "Throws hat in to the ring"

SO where do I get me one of those 1/32 scale F-4,

VMF115 wrote:I guess I am in the 1/32 scale now "Throws hat in to the ring"

SO where do I get me one of those 1/32 scale F-4,

The Flyingmule has a good price and good shipping too!!

I'm still baffled as to why BBI chose the F-104---instead of the more glamorous F-14 and F-15. Both of the latter jets have much more history behind them, both are reasonably current jets and have lots of repaint potential. 21st already makes many 1/18 F104s, but nobody makes plastic F-14s and F-15s.

they'll probably eventually get around to making an F-16....it will be interesting to see if they make it as overscale as they did their 1/18 offering....their motto is 'accurate 1/32 scale', just like it was 'accurate 1/18 scale'.

AFERFUSON:

I wouldn't mind a 1/32 F-16---since I waited too long to get Target's clearance 1/18 F-16 Wolfpack.

I agree with Dragon53. It is puzzling why BBI decided to go for a lesser known jet in 32scale instead of Tomcats or Eagle, or Super Hornets, or Falcons, or heck why not F-8's or A-7's?

Black Lion VF-213 wrote:I agree with Dragon53. It is puzzling why BBI decided to go for a lesser known jet in 32scale instead of Tomcats or Eagle, or Super Hornets, or Falcons, or heck why not F-8's or A-7's?

I think you are correct on the F-8 and A-7. I see more VN era stuff from them in the future. Wouldn't an A-4 and A-6 be sweet flying formation with the Phantom?

21st F-104 has done well, I think BBI thinks its an aircraft already proven to be a good seller plus it looks so hot on its own. They may believe the looks will sell the plane to non collectors as well. That's the only reason I'm getting it. Its such a cool looking plane. But I also hope they build something more modern like an F-15 or an A-10.

Give it time guys. Believe me, I want every damn military plane ever made pre-built and pre-painted by one of the companies in 1:32. I know things have shown that to be a killer before, but I'm not going into that, I hate that argument, and I truly believe we will see a 1:32

F-14, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-117, F-22, F-35, Su-27, MiG-15, MiG-17, MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, MiG-29, MiG-31, Tornado, Jaguar, Typhoon, Mirage 2000, 3000, 4000, Rafale, Harrier, F-105, F-101, F-8, A-4, A-6, A-7, A-10 and I could go on, and on... and on...



...and this is only the modern list...

I cant wait

Was the leading edge of the wing on these things really so sharp mechanics could cut themselves on it?

ltcbj wrote:Was the leading edge of the wing on these things really so sharp mechanics could cut themselves on it?

Yes, although most ground-crew mechanics injuries were from falls off ladders while shaving with the things.

Ouch!

2 questions about the BBI F-104:

1. cost?
2. release date?