This
model is the new kit of the TF-104G from Hasegawa that has just arrived in the
local shops. The kit includes high quality detailing on the grey plastic, as
we have become accustomed to from Hasegawa for a long time, for instance with the whole series of
the F-104 that has been released in recent years. The decals offer
the possibility to build two examples: one from the German air force and one
from the Italian air force.
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I preferred to go
with the Italian example, from the 4° wing of Grosseto, destined for a long time
to be the operational conversion unit. The construction was very simple and
precise with a miminal use of filler. The color scheme is grey, and I has
used the n°. 164 from HUMBROL, lighting some panels with a drop or two of white
from MODEL MASTERto give the effect of paneling.
After a light
sprinkling of gloss transparent varnish and the necessary drying, I applied
the decals, very thin and precise. Only the tricolor coccardes are not correct
but I have replaced them with decals from another F-104 kit. Once dry, I applied the black temper of the GOUACHE and once dry I have
wiped it off with a damp cloth, leaving just a tiny bit in the recessed panel
lines.
I again gave it a
clear gloss coat, again using
MODEL MASTER, and once dry I have applied a dull coat. In the end I
dirtied the wheels with dark earth. I used underwing drop tanks from
another kit and modified the back fins. I've been intending to build
this kit for a long time and it does feel good to add it to my collection.
Busolini
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