Ghostbase Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 "Hey, Ridley!" "Yeah?" "You got any Beeman's?" "I might have Mystic." "Well loan me some, would ya? I'll pay ya back later." "Fair enough!" "I think I see a plane over there with my name on it!" The film was "The Right Stuff" back in 1983 and this was the cue for Chuck Yeagar's flight in the F-104 Starfighter which. for me, is still one of the most thrilling aviation sequences ever filmed. I started this kit three years ago and it depicts 63-13269, one of the two Lockheed F-104G Starfighters used in the film. It is unusual in being mainly covered in silver foil to try to give an accurate metallic effect. She measures 22 inches in length. The kit is the old 1980 vintage Revell 1/32nd scale F-104G Starfighter, I think I got it on eBay for about £8! It is a very straightforward build, not too detailed, goes together fairly well. It does have raised panel lines which is perfect for 'foiling' and as you can see here I have been able to add different shaded panels especially at the 'hot' end of the plane. Overall the foil went on well, I also used Humbrol 27001 metallic paint in a couple of areas, also a rattle can of Halfords Aluminium spray. The white wings upper surfaces were sprayed Halfords Appliance White. The decals were a mix from the original kit, the spares box, and a few from a Victory decals set. She first flew on 2nd March 1962 and became the 69th TFTS Commander's aircraft at Luke AFB in Arizona in 1980 wearing "Fighting 69th" tail art. She starred in the film "The Right Stuff" in 1982; the pilots were Lt Col Robert Patterson (USAF) and Oberstleutnant Heinrich Thueringer (GAF); she was flown until end of operation at Luke AFB on March 16, 1983. She was struck off charge order July 19, 1983 and transferred to Taiwan (ROCAF) in 1983 coded "4383" under project "Ali Shan No.8" to 2 Wing. She was withdrawn from use August 6, 1996 and written off in 1st Depot at Pingtung AB, then scrapped. And this is her in the sun. Have to say I am really pleased with this build and I want to dedicate it to Major Mike Vivian (USAF Retd) who helped train German pilots as an Instructor Pilot with the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke AFB in the early 80's. As always all inaccuracies and mistakes are purely mine! Michael 40 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tbolt Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Looks great, lovely finish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 What a beauty! XXXX 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exdraken Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Looks gorgeous in ths scheme ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widow 65 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Fantastic finish to it, and the reference to the classic "The Right Stuff" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Great looking F-104 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darby Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Ruddy good foil work old bean! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackem01 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 That's a bit special that is...... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Nice! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackfordhibby Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Very nice indeed,looks the biz,no doubt. Peter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Awesome looking build,one of the best aviation film scenes ever too! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbus320 Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 One of my favourite movie scenes! You've done a superb job on this zipper, the BMF is outstanding Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyhunter66 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 thats stunning! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelbarnes Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Nicely done. That metal finish looks stunning. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winenut Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 brilliant... absolutely superb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomthounaojam Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Museum Quality!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJP Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Beautiful finish - love your work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinnie Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Not usually my area of interest but I have to say that's stunning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Very nice :)... it always gives me a smile to see a Starfighter build, especially a good one like yours!!! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(ex)Sgtrafman Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Blimey I like that and that's a great finish too. Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snitok1983 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Wish i could to be a such accuracy with a foil as you are! Always dreaming to build foiled overall aircraft! Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain goat Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 What a tribute to Sam Shepard who has passed away in July that his role in the Right Stuff is still so fondly remembered. I agree that the scene involving this aircraft is highly memorable. Also, this F-104 looks simply awesome..! Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Fantastic work! You have done a brilliant job with the foil. I especially like the various hues in play. So real! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelh Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 (edited) Very nice job of an iconic fighter. I actually built the Revell 1/32 model once but it was in one of those colourful anniversary schemes which I dislike. On a model it's just toylike. Your version is much better. I can see my DVD of The Right Stuff as I sit here and am tempted to put it on and see the real thing. Of course the movie is kind to Chuck, apparently in reality he 'didn't do a very good job' in the real NF104. He is quite the character, amazing to think he's still alive. Edit didn't think that was a bad phrase. didn't do a very good job But he frequently referred to what happened to the pooch. Edited September 15, 2017 by noelh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Hello Base, Monogram, always good. But, this one looks like a masterpiece. Almost 40 years old and see what you did with it. My sincere compliments, Orion / The Netherlands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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