Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1041
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Diecast Model
USAF 435th TFS, #57-0923 Hellooo Dolly, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, 1967 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104C Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
Lockheed F-104C 57-0923 c/n 183-1180 was delivered to the USAF in May 1959. On September 19, 1966 the aircraft arrived at Udorn AFB assigned to the 435th TFS but returned to the U.S. on November 15, 1966 for a major overhaul. 57-0923 returned to Udorn in 1967 again assigned to the 435th TFS. The aircraft "Hellooo Dolly" was named after the squadron commander's wife Dolly and the long Hellooo after the Broadway musical. Later in 1967 the aircraft was sent to the Puerto Rico ANG and written off in 1968.
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 2003-2019 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.
