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ESCI 1/48 Lockheed F-104C Starfighter


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Today's update, have done some remedial work on the nose cone and the jet air intake joins. I had applied ADC Grey too far back on the nose cone so I have had to re-mask this area and respray with aluminium. I was not happy with the joins on the jet air intake parts and I have made a second application of Perfect Putty and carefully sanded it down. Its still isn't perfect but it looks a lot better!

 

52214537318_abd58362a8_b.jpg20220713_191655 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Bit of a low mojo day today so decided to start adding some of the main decals. I am trying not to use the Caracal decals on this basic old kit, rather do a mix-and-match with the original decal sheet and some that I have in the spares box. I found some USAF titles and Stars-and-Bars in an old Experts-Choice F-4C Michigan ANG set, these appeared to be very close to the correct size so I popped them into tepid water and this was the result:-

 

52213514422_c4b0825e63_b.jpg20220713_194308 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

52214519541_65f151121c_b.jpg20220713_194729 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

I had forgotten how fine and delicate these decals are and the care that is needed to apply them! Still, I persisted and managed to apply a few today. This is the end of the day result:-

 

52213514367_ac2b3dc9c1_b.jpg20220713_215236 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Slowly getting there 💘

 

Michael

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14 hours ago, modelling minion said:

Good job on the remedial actions Michael, made a big improvement to the look of the model.

Not such good news with the decals, though I am very impressed that you have got the result that you have with the ones you have got on.

 

🇺🇦

Thank you 😎 I started applying the decals in a very 'gung ho' manner and was quickly reminded to slow down and take my time!

 

Michael

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A most productive day today. I always leave masking canopies to a late stage in a build however with some time and patience the one-piece ESCI canopy is relatively straightforward to mask. I can understand why pre-cut masks are so popular!

 

52217005204_cc0650ecff_o.jpg20220714_134546 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Today's painting was matt black and olive drab acrylics. I have added the majority of the decals to the F-104C and, as Dansk says, the Zipper does look very cool indeed. All these decals are from either the original kit or from the spares box; I am keeping the Caracal decals for a more modern kit in the future. All I really have left to do is assemble all the parts visible here:-

 

52216735426_e71f9d5f4e_o.jpg20220714_161456 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Still outstanding, a pair of wingtip mounted AIM-9B missiles on launchers. The missiles will be sourced from the Hasegawa 'Aircraft Weapons C' series.

 

Sadly, there might be a gap of a few weeks now before I can complete this build. It has certainly been rewarding to this point and thanks for the support. Michael 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Back in the 'mancave' for a couple of days, have started putting the sub-assemblies together.

 

Cockpit: ejection seat installed, joystick, instrument coaming, canopy cemented closed (the only option) 👍

 

Undercarriage: wheels attached, all gear doors cemented on.

 

Exterior: refuelling probe attached, gun bay access door attached.

 

'Tail' section: horizontal stabiliser attached, jet exhaust inserted into rear fuselage (not in this photo).

 

52250291949_b73476f54b_b.jpg20220729_214743 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

See how tomorrow goes...   Michael

 

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So close now...

 

52254618454_58ee2f901b_o.jpg20220730_161728 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Just awaiting a pair of AIM-9B Sidewinders on wingtip rail / launchers, both have been painted but awaiting decals, also...

 

...red turbine warning stripe on the rear fuselage and air brakes. Then that's it 😎 Sadly another 10 day gap before I can return to my man cave.

 

Michael

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  • 3 weeks later...

Calling her done today 🙂 Have painted and decaled two AIM-9B Sidewinders and launch rails and attached to the wingtips; have added the red turbine warning line as well as a few no step markings.

 

52315495253_93d9b69d2e_b.jpg20220827_121423 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

52315178356_fcaaa90491_b.jpg20220827_155606 by Ghostbase, on Flickr

 

Turned out OK in the end. Better still, I have actually completed a GB entry before the deadline! And I enjoyed myself and I have got my mojo back. What's not to like?

 

Thank you Paul and Craig for your stewardship which is greatly appreciated 👍

 

Michael

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superb result. well done for fighting with those decals and coming out with a stunning build. you can't beat a silver usaf starfighter, it looks great.

thanks for joining craig and i and making it a fun gb.

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On 28/08/2022 at 07:33, Ghostbase said:

Better still, I have actually completed a GB entry before the deadline! And I enjoyed myself and I have got my mojo back. What's not to like?

A successful mission I’d say. Looks terrific, great subject!

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