Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1016
Canadair CF-104 Starfighter Diecast Model
CAF No.417 Sqn, 1983 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Canadair CF-104 Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
The RCAF received their first CF-104 in March 1962. Although originally designed as a supersonic interceptor the Canadian Air Force used it primarily for low level strike and reconnaissance. The Canadian version of the F-104 was capable of carrying a ventral mounted Vinten Vicon pod with 4 cameras inside for reconnaissance picture taking.On September 4, 1963 number 12900 was the 200th and final CF-104 produced and entered service on January 10, 1964. The CF-104 retired from service in 1985 when it was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet. Over the 25 years of active service 110 aircraft were lost to accidents earning it nicknames like "Widow Maker" and "Lawn Dart". The RCAF CF-104 probably had the most flying time of any variant with an average of 6,000 hours per plane over their life time compared to the Luftwaffe's 3,000 hours.
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 2003-2024 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
