F-104A/C
USAF Starfighter

Kinetic, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The F-104A was the initial production single-seat interceptor version.

The F-104A was in USAF service from 1958 through 1960, then transferred to the Air National Guard until 1963. At that time they were recalled by the USAF Air Defense Command for the 319th and 331st Fighter Interceptor Squadrons. Some were released for export to Jordan, Pakistan, and Taiwan, each of which used it in combat.

The 319th F-104As and Bs had their engines replaced in 1967 with the J79-GE-19.

On 16 May 1958, an F-104A flown by USAF Captain Walter W. Irwin set a world flight airspeed record of 1,404.012 mph (2,259.538 km/h)

In 1969, all F-104A/Bs in ADC service were retired.

A total of 153 F-104As were built.

The F-104C was a fighter-bomber for USAF Tactical Air Command.

The F-104C had improved fire-control radar (AN/ASG-14T-2), one centerline and two pylons under each wing (for a total of five), and the ability to carry one Mk 28 or Mk 43 nuclear weapon on the centerline pylon.

The F-104C also had in-flight refueling capability.

On 14 December 1959, an F-104C set a world altitude record of 103,389 ft (31,513 m).

77 F-104Cs were built.*

Kinetic has released a number of single and two-seater 1/48 scale Starfighter kits starting wth the F-104G in September 2019.

This is the first time that Kinetic has released these initial Starfighter variants.

Please note that this is not a simple re-boxing with new decals. The kit includes a brand new sprue that accurately reflect the important specific characteristics of the F-104A/C.

Kinetic's new 1/48 scale F-104A/C Starfighter comprises 193 parts in grey plastic; 35 parts in clear a small photo-etched fret with 12 parts and markings for four USAF aircraft.

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Thumbnail panels:

The new sprue, labelled G, offers most of the main airframe parts including the fuselage halves, wings, horizontal tailplanes, slats, flaps, burner can and refuelling probe that are specific to the A/C variants.

Surface textures are world-class - fine and crisp panel lines supplemented with appropriate recessed rivets. Please note that the main surfaces of the wings do not have rows of rivets, which will please most modellers.

Kinetic includes both the Lockheed C-2 and Martin-Baker GA-7A ejection seats. Photo-etched harness straps are included for both, although you'll only need the downward-ejecting Lockheed seat for this F-104A/C.

The rest of the cockpit is nicely fitted out with a detailed tub, integral side consoles and an instrument panel with raised bezels and switches.

The nose radar module is fully fitted out and the nose cone may be posed open to display the detail. The avionics bay behind the cockpit is similarly detailed and a separate poseable hatch is included.

Undercarriage bay detail is also well done with separate side and top panels plus plenty of detail by way of raised hydraulic lines and cables.

The rear engine pipe includes separate fan and flame holder parts as well as a crisp one-piece nozzle.

Undercarriage legs are well done. The wheels are bulged and flattened, with a choice of styles for the nose wheel. The forward main undercarriage doors may be depicted closed or partially open.

Fuselage speed brakes are separate parts that may be posed open or closed. Flaps, ailerons, leading edge slats and the rudder are all separate parts that may be posed to taste.

Clear parts are supplied on an expanded Sprue D with new windscreen and canopy parts. The clear parts are thin and free from distortion. The windscreen is a separate part and the canopy may be fixed in the open or closed position.

A nice selection of underwing and wing tip drop tanks as well as a choice of under wing and fuselage mounted rockets are included.

Markings

Four USAF marking options are offered - two in natural metal and two in SEAC camouflage.

The decals are designed by 104Graphs and printed by Cartograf.

There is an issue with the US national markings. The white star section on the US national markings seems to have been shifted down whereas it should be centred. You might have to check your spares box for replacements.

Instructions are supplied in a 16 page booklet across 28 steps. Four-view illustrations of all marking schemes are included.

It is great to see these initial Starfighter variants added to Kinetic's 1:48 scale F-104 family.

The model scores big points in every category - its surface textures, high level of detail including fully equipped radar and avionics bays, poseable control surfaces and speed brakes, and Cartograf-printed decal sheet.

I have built two of Kinetic's 1/48 Starfighters over the last couple of years and they were a pleasure to work on with straightforward parts breakdown and excellent fit. You can see these builds by following the links:

F-104G Starfighter

TF-104G Starfighter

I expect that building this one will be just as satisfying.

The frugal modeller will appreciate the budget price-tag of USD$39.99 too. It really is great value.

* Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia

Thanks to Lucky Model for the samples

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2021 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 October, 2021
Last updated 14 October, 2021

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