Hello, I'm here with another variation to the F-104: 's theme
(the scale is 1/48, the base model is the Monogram's F-104G)
OK: Do You remember the Nasa's NF-104?
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2FNF104.JPG&hash=c83c8f174672a417767071961cc31351f1a2578a)
The my idea is that the experiments made from the NASA on the NF-104 could have bring to an operative version of the F-104 with the regular J-79 engine assisted from a rocket engine for climb and combat's super-performances.
To add more difficulty in the conversion I thought to add a second canopy but using the layout used from Lockheed in the U-2 trainer and in the SR-71 Trainer....
This is a my preliminary sketch:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F2.jpg&hash=b29d599fd58d1574dd27cf1e2bf925e9d60fbec5)
And this is the project as is today:
CAUTION... the model is hold together with tape and blu tack..... I'm working in the two sections front & rear separately because it's more confortably to do this.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F11.jpg&hash=7f1dfb87401d02f69773da70fb49cf300526900e)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F12.jpg&hash=c4435cabba9e1c39275ebe09a3281f42387a9443)
Wide wings:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F7.jpg&hash=894b2d397211595f33e879043ba7b1f51c4e392d)
A closer view to the rocket pack:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F13.jpg&hash=e383ca6123f2f1a5b584af2c5f7ca570babcc347)
The rocket pack view from the rear:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F9.JPG&hash=8e3f0dbc039a2312e9a98d0ee4a05cfdd38a5a9f)
Front fuselage stretching to accomodate the second canopy:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F3.JPG&hash=a4a28ac0a62acb38d32f7210d430b0a8a079557e)
The front section with the hole made to accomodate the second pilot:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F10.JPG&hash=7163a721221e540dfed61f7c9d15f4e85221b862)
The rear portion of the fuselage with the added section (all pieces taken from the ESCI's F-104 used to do the F-104 Short):
( http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,21881.0/ (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,21881.0/) )
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Fimages%2F4.JPG&hash=76b5bb19e9a04b1397be29110f79c9439a1a90db)
The resin nose is taken from a Spinner's CHEETAH C.
The rocket pack is made at center with two F-16's wings tanks and with the central tank ever from F-16 glued to the sides.
The front part of the rocket pack is made from a strange shaped pod sold together with the British Phantoms from REVELL/Hasegawa.
Quote from: G.Marcat on February 17, 2009, 01:48:28 PM
The front part of the rocket pack is made from a strange shaped pod sold together with the British Phantoms from REVELL/Hasegawa.
That's the EMI recce pod they developed for the UK Phantom, the Matchbox Phantom included it as well.
A wierd shape it surely is, but very handy for whiffing. :)
Looks like you're in for one BIG putty session there........
Man I am really glad you're back G :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesomeness personified, G!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Rafa
Really wild bashin' going on at your place. Love it!
:cheers: Wonderful work ! I love that body shape !
Coolorama!...the F104 is just awesome for messing about with isn't it?...looking forward to seeing more of this.
OK you got my attention :thumbsup:
Ian
Looking good.
Regards,
Greg
Update:
Two days ago I glued the wings and the enlarged horizontal stabilizator to the fuselage.
This is the horizontal stabilizator enlarged: this operation was done by me bacause, since that the model is now a lot bigger than the original, the original horiz. stab. look too much small in proportion.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F13.JPG&hash=fcce56defd26cea5f7f6366a403c31bc268a4ca3)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F14.JPG&hash=438b4ee6722e75d3e8a152afcfb5762f77afa507)
Same matter on the wings, I have enlarged them otherwise the original wings would have look too small if compared to the big fuselage.
The wings have obliged me to work a lot: The my choice of to enlarge the original wings adding strips inside is a bad choice because is necessary to use a lot of putty plus there are some alignment issues.
Prior to install the wings I added to them a locator strip to be sure to have a positive connection between fuselage and wings.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F17.JPG&hash=de8b0e9ec77163847df301449309a7530bc3958e)
For the interiors I have used two seats from the Monogram's F-104s and a homemade rear istrument panel made with the punch & die.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F1.JPG&hash=e446bc1a15ab8d7d7bfc30a44c92eb38fa1d2427)
(honestly this effort was excessive.... in the finished F-104 the dashboard will be practically INVISIBLE but I would to do some practice with high end modelling)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F2.JPG&hash=eb16814ea2e9ace5efd0e30bd4e6e0b525c0e981)
Prior of to intall the canopy I glued the interiors to the rear pilot compartment:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F4.JPG&hash=61777ade4ca1152ba97108d1bae5b5a854c211be)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F6.JPG&hash=64840659ed50bea6db433ef8267e5559d7aea5d3)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F9.JPG&hash=8045cb31c26478298e76f8af361a872a588c391d)
Here there are two works done:
First, I changed the shape of the front part of the rocket compartment: originally the piece was too squared for the my tastes so I add a pair of 1/72 Phantom's underbelly tanks to the sides of the original fairing. The result do not satisfy me but now it's too late to change idea.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F11.JPG&hash=1ce31d6113b5d5837133affda819e6116544e1ea)
SECOND, I glued the canopy to the fuselage.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F10.JPG&hash=df9ccd8970e66250239033c2fe90852f66dc44be)
Now the worst part: to make a flush fairing that connect the clear canopy to the fuselage:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F12.JPG&hash=8f6f741a8164606ddc6fa4550d88635711ddf1d8)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F23.JPG&hash=4e4422c1570eb4e38cbd34316a40c4ff2a65f2c2)
MILLIPUT DISASTER: the Milliput applied on the fairing NEVER DRIES: the second day I take it away using and old toothbrush.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F15.JPG&hash=44f950f070c8ff1bd8a521fdc0737c4ed7ef474f)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F16.JPG&hash=066d51dbb2ddc80505a6702af41460c7eab484b2)
Instead of Milliput I turned to seals the holes with Super Glue hardened with accelerator, that choice was successfull.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F24.JPG&hash=c17ff538c9af5ac29c62ad6c630c378ff7829110)
During the sanding process I ruined the transaprent canopy but thank to the MASTER CASTERS polishing sponges I solved this mistake with success.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2Friparazione.jpg&hash=ae18ab6fe439b2687ef821e42121fc95af94acf4)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F18.JPG&hash=4c599d7ccab137ce1caa1ba372211e281086f5c7)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F21.JPG&hash=0621181f14caf8e3ceb845eccca3c372e05742f0)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F27.JPG&hash=193a76fc61ab1850cd8a68e2b56acb2cf1e755fc)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F20.JPG&hash=90570a0150d2512ed761ecc6429b55b26c9fdbf2)
Actually I'm using putty to smooth the wings to fuselage joints.
At this point the good part of the work is done.
Here are two missiles I will install (maybe...) on the my F-104:
a SIDE-SPARROW (half Sparrow, half Sidewinder) and a Matra 530 wit some modifications:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F28.JPG&hash=31445fc7b050eba3dd36d136ad73b9ea4074e7a5)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2F01apr09%2F29.JPG&hash=adbcf09b64224c6dd43a83c57e6c2030840e1da7)
This is all.
That is spectacular :wub: :thumbsup: I cannot wait to see her painted up. :party:
In the past week replaced the resin nose (Concorde Style) with a more simpler nose then added a fairing inspired from the unit installed in the early Phantoms:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F22apr09%2Fnuovomuso.jpg&hash=819bb84601a375c22c016ab500dee84a4db1eb25)
Yesterday the kit has been primered with Mr Surfacer 1200 airbrushed:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F22apr09%2Fprimer.jpg&hash=dd15fd31955ed6019af6692a9d3412ec099b658f)
more news as possible.
Lookin sweet G :thumbsup: Love them missiles :wub:
Update:
after 3 hands of Mr Surfacer sprayed with the airbrush and some sessions of careful sanding, I finally feel myself ready to try the Natural Metal Finish.... And as foresee even the micon size imperfections in the surface have appeared.
However, this is the result of today's first layer of HUMBROL 11 (silver) mixed at 1 to 4 ratio with the Humbrol's Gloss Cote:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fusers.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ff-104-rocket-silver-small.jpg&hash=3ef1fd37c5f2cde6408c276cb74178b1491a2165)
Excellent concept and it looks like you have done a great deal of work. One question, however, why not use a 2 seat F-104 to begin with?
Wes W.
Quote from: tigercat2 on May 24, 2009, 02:31:06 PM
One question, however, why not use a 2 seat F-104 to begin with?
The more prevalent reason is because I was interested to obtain a completely different subject from a common TF-104, so the raised second cockpit as used from Russians and in the SR-71B looked like an interesting concept at the my eyes:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfrc.nasa.gov%2FGallery%2FPhoto%2FSR-71%2FSmall%2FEC91-372-13.jpg&hash=068e495dfa874dd1c089ef272978ef9ea9cd3260)
What has become of this F-104 project? Is it done?
Wes W.
Wow....is that ever funky !
:wub:
Quote from: tigercat2 on June 12, 2009, 12:32:14 PM
What has become of this F-104 project? Is it done?
Wes W.
NOT sorry!!!
It is currently waiting: as usual I'm having problems painting the kits ...
I'm working on the Crusader-Hornet mix :
>>>> look here: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,24287.15.html (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,24287.15.html)
Quote from: tigercat2 on June 12, 2009, 12:32:14 PM
What has become of this F-104 project? Is it done? Wes W.
As I get near a my kit with the paints the DISASTER is ready behind the angle.
This time the victim of the my paint's alchemy is the F-104 Rocket.
This is the current status of the kit:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff208%2Fitalian_o%2Ff104-rocket-vernice-rimossa.jpg&hash=9f6eaca8e8860e74025686c5d0cb7780ca023e37)
YES... I have stripped away the paint from it.After one month from the painting the varnish have NEVER DRY, at today I was unable to touch the kit, the my fingers still stick to the paint.
The my test sauce of Humbrol Gloss Cote plus Humbrol 11 (Silver) have turned in something of very lethal.
Today finally I have removed the paint.
GM go to a hardware store and look for a product called Japan Dry. Mix it with your paint to accelerate drying with enamels.
Or just use Laquer thinner instead of paint thinner and put the paint on thinner with more coats.
In the recent days I have repainted the NF-104:
This time I have used a "chrome effect" spray paint can purchased in the "house works" of a regular supermarket and the model have now an unreal ultra bright finish.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff208%2Fitalian_o%2Ff-104rocket-cromato.jpg&hash=ea18bbe63d703dce78f41b6a9cd2a6758366c9b7)
Yestreday finally applied the decals from the original Monogram box from the 80's
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff208%2Fitalian_o%2Ff-104rocket-cromato-decals.jpg&hash=dadcb39735695577a9bfed838cb0ecd201e24cce)
But this is NOT the result that I have in mind of to reach.
More work will follow.
For a natural metal finish, I have found a very inexpensive way to get a pretty good effect; I use Testors silver in a spay can (over a base coat of Testors flat white), then after it is dry (it dries in less than an hour), I use a product called Rub'nBuff; it is a paste-like substance found in craft stores.
Wes W.
Quote from: tigercat2 on July 22, 2009, 11:22:49 AM
For a natural metal finish, I have found a very inexpensive way to get a pretty good effect; I use Testors silver in a spay can (over a base coat of Testors flat white), then after it is dry (it dries in less than an hour), I use a product called Rub'nBuff; it is a paste-like substance found in craft stores.
Wes W.
I think that I am victim of the my continuous changes of ideas. I have purchased for this F-104 a bottle of Alclad Alluminium as I have already tested this paint and I feel comfortable using it: as usual I have renounced to the Alclad opting for the ultrachrome obtained from that paint never tested before....
Yesterday I bring to term the painting on the F-104 Rocket as I have in mind from the beginning.
This is the photo that have inspired me: a Phantom used in the early days of the Vietnam war with the camo stressed that reveal the underside's original paint and markings!
(Look here: http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal3/2301-2400/Gal2386_F-4C_Roberts/00.shtm (http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal3/2301-2400/Gal2386_F-4C_Roberts/00.shtm) at the work done from Darren Roberts)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff208%2Fitalian_o%2Fphantom-vernice-scrostata.jpg&hash=52a81a5150ef2775ecfa86b3073265e92e3f0ccb)
The result achieved from me is here.
I do not like as it's come out ((https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fatypically.net%2Fsmilies%2Fvomit.gif&hash=d01c6bf1a74f9bdef673ee4f4c925461573da89c) ) because the black paint hide too much the shape of the modified F-104.
This is the top coat of Gunze's Flat Black. It was sprayed over a layer of HAIR SPRAY to let the black come away brushing it with a wet brush (water).
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-1.jpg&hash=6c0811ad1fdf3d877636f12156f4111c752ee7a4)
And here there are some views of the F-104 with the paint flown away thus revealing the underside chromed original paint and decals:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-3.jpg&hash=37dceb8ea0acf7ce2997da4468f243bc164906c3)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-2.jpg&hash=2ee800c4c4605edfced9058957883c43d7e5d65f)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-4.jpg&hash=6c30090b960760db5d79f4557a950cbc7c26303c)
Comparations:
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-33.jpg&hash=0bbc982c0c5621b1db49faf7ae995c41c3e9d986)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-22.jpg&hash=01e865a58056344ae19c2d8ffe9fe2c92b638d37)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2F%2Ff104rocket%2F310709%2Ficone%2Ff104rocket-chiazze-11.jpg&hash=aa5690b947e0d20252b8108239514061eda64ed7)
At this point I'm unsure if to finish the F-104 in this way or if to repaint (This would be the second time that this happen)
I think you have the "extreme weathering" done very well.
Wes W.
;D OK, finally I'm able to show the TF-104R FINISHED. :thumbsup:
As said in the my last post dated July 31 I was completely unsatisfied of how the Rocketized TF-104 was became after the experiment with the "heavily faded finish".
SO, for the second time I stripped away the black and chrome paint layers from the TF-104R.
During this process the nose have collapsed... so I finally replaced it with a almost regular F-104 radome.
Then I decide to left apart every too much exotic camouflage.
And here shown today there is the final result: a kit finished in ISRAELI camo and markings.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-1.jpg&hash=0284b62670c44af2d43f28ead14e859846aa8c2b)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-4.jpg&hash=c9d11c7bcbf78b2941e2a40531499afb05b3edb4)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-10.jpg&hash=707ed66c12b1a9f4f85f4fdd1938882db1ee38ac)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-18.jpg&hash=73dd86b0d9099d6ac953bffc65c69b18a7ee3400)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-15.jpg&hash=dddc0cbdd77a5110b907a9f91343edc23efbe0d3)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-17.jpg&hash=27cab0fd475967d533044219653dd91c0e5dd361)
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdigilander.libero.it%2Fgmarcat3%2Ff104rocket%2Ffinito%2Ftf104r-finito-7.jpg&hash=6f3b83a4f4821f18e1e1160f8782ca432eb28286)
Spectacular recovery. The final product turned out excellent. :thumbsup:
Ed
Turned out great :thumbsup:
Alot of work with the repaints but well worth it, the IDF paint job was an unepected (and pleasant) surprise. Well done :thumbsup:
Wow what a plot-twist! It was a touch of genius to go with the IDF scheme.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Brian da Basher
How the h*ll did I miss this one ?? - Cannot say how impressed I am about those multiple recoveries, and then to turn-out a very, very nice project at the end of it alll..... Just great, well done sir.
:thumbsup:
Ian