Italeri 1:32 Scale F104 A/C Starfighter

[Tabasco]

Just ordered this kit online, going to buy some after market parts, very much looking forward to building this one.

[Tabasco]

Arrived in the post today

Packed very well.

[Tabasco]

On opening the box, this is what I found, very well packed and protected, will attempt to do a review on this kit as can;t see one that has been done, I have had a quick look at it and impressed with what's in the box.

[Tabasco]

Excellent decals designed and printed by Cartograf, looking at building the F-104C 435th TFS US Air Force.

[Tabasco]

Canopy and other clear parts, you may not be able to pick up in this photo, but there are some very small and thin scratches on the canopy, guess these can be easy to remove. A question on this if I may, what is the best way to do this, by paste or by snading sticks, which grades of paste and sanding sticks would you use for thses 2 methods.

[Tabasco]

This is the paint callout list that's in the instruction manual, which type of paints should I go for, the ones from Italeri that's in this list or should I go for a differnt brand, what are my options and which are the best paints to use and where is the best place to buy from.

If using a different brand of paints how easy is it to convert these using the conversion charts that are available.

Are there any other colours that I may need that are not in the list.

What type of priming paints should I use.

A - Gloss White - F.S.17875 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4696 AP
B - Flat Gun Metal - F.S.17875 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4681 AP
C - Gloss Silver - F.S.17178 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4678 AP
D - Flat Black - F.S.37038 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4768 AP
E - Flat Red - F.S.31400 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4606 AP
G - Matt Flat Alluminum - F.S.31178 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4677 AP
H - Flat Dark Green - F.S.34079 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4726 AP
I - Flat Medium - F.S.34092 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4314 AP
J - Matt Flat Steel - F.S.37178 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4679 AP
L - Flat Sand - F.S.30475 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4720 AP
M - Flat Olive Drab - F.S.34084 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4728 AP
N - Flat Insigna Yellow - F.S.33538 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4721 AP
O - Flat Gull Gray - F.S.36622 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4763 AP
P - Flat Interior Gray Green - F.S.34151 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4201 AP
Q - Flat Light Flash - F.S.33695 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4390 AP
R - Gloss Green - F.S.14090 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4669 AP
S - Gloss Red - F.S.11302
T - Zinc Chrome Yellow - F.S.13538
W - Chromate
Y - Flat Rust - F.S.3019 - Italeri AcrylicPaint 4675 AP
Z - Burnt Metal
U - Interior Gray - F.S.36231
V - Exaust

Thank you.

[Steve64]

Hi Tabasco

It's great to see this thread. I'm about to start the same kit with the same approach. Well, when I write 'about' I mean before Christmas, after I've finished another project. As for paints, I prefer Tamiya acrylics thinned with Mr Hobby Levelling thinner. I've also been experimenting with the new Mission Model paints. Both go down well, are quite forgiving and dry to a smooth finish. For primer I'm a convert to Ultimate's primer. It looks thick but once dry it also gives a beautiful smooth finish.

Somewhere out there there is a conversion chart for paints. Personally, I prefer looking for references and using those to get the colour right. Trust your eyes and use a few different ones. The kit supplied paint chart is a good place to start, but don't be a slave to it. Climate, light conditions, and wear and tear mean that the finish changes over time. Paint dulls, metal corrodes, dirt builds up. The mark one eye-ball is often your best friend. Oh and test before you paint, that's the best way to get the colour as you want it before it goes on the kit.

I hope this is a fun adventure and I'll be follow along.

Steve.

[Steve64]

P.S. Check this out, and/or do a search for 'model paint conversion.'

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... rter&hl=en

[Tabasco]

Hi Tabasco

It's great to see this thread. I'm about to start the same kit with the same approach. Well, when I write 'about' I mean before Christmas, after I've finished another project. As for paints, I prefer Tamiya acrylics thinned with Mr Hobby Levelling thinner. I've also been experimenting with the new Mission Model paints. Both go down well, are quite forgiving and dry to a smooth finish. For primer I'm a convert to Ultimate's primer. It looks thick but once dry it also gives a beautiful smooth finish.

Somewhere out there there is a conversion chart for paints. Personally, I prefer looking for references and using those to get the colour right. Trust your eyes and use a few different ones. The kit supplied paint chart is a good place to start, but don't be a slave to it. Climate, light conditions, and wear and tear mean that the finish changes over time. Paint dulls, metal corrodes, dirt builds up. The mark one eye-ball is often your best friend. Oh and test before you paint, that's the best way to get the colour as you want it before it goes on the kit.

I hope this is a fun adventure and I'll be follow along.

Steve.

Hi Steve,

Thank you and great to see that someone else is building the same kit, which version are you thinking of building, maybe working at the same pace exchanging notes and ideas during the build process, I'm looking at buying some after market parts to add a little more detail, in the cockpit and other areas, are you going to do the same.

Thank you also for the paint weblink.

Geoff

[Tabasco]

Fuselage parts and cockpit tub.



Close up detail.

[Tabasco]

Main wing and tip tanks etc.



Some ejector pin marks that I guess can be easly sorted, no indication of flash anywhere.

[Tabasco]

Cockpit tub, I'm looking at buying some after market parts to add a little more detail, so will very carefully remove the light detail on the side panels.



Instrument panel.

I

[Tabasco]

Weapons and undercarrage parts.

I

[Tabasco]

Exhausts and main engine.

I

Very nice engine detail.



Close up engine detail.

[Tabasco]

Fuselage parts.



Close up very nice detail.

[Tabasco]

Hi Tabasco

It's great to see this thread. I'm about to start the same kit with the same approach.

I hope this is a fun adventure and I'll be follow along.

Steve.

Steve,

Maybe a buddy group build.

[schweinhund227]

Wow.... just the engine alone makes me want to buy it ! Nice stuff !

[Tabasco]

Wow.... just the engine alone makes me want to buy it ! Nice stuff !

Yes a very nice level of detail on the engine, painted and weathered should look

I'm taking the photo's using my iPhone.

[Steve64]

Hi Geoff

I hope the paint advice helps. It would be great to do a joint build if you don't mind waiting for a bit. I'm working on Kitty Hawk's SU-17 at the moment, and I'm no multi-task fiend. I'm at the painting stage so I reckon another few weeks and I'll be done. If you're excited to start then don't wait for me. I've already bought some after market goodies for the F-104, so if you like I can post some pictures to help you decide what to buy? Mine will be in the USAF natural metal finish markings, Vietnam.

I reckon this kit will look great when its finished, and be a fun build.

See you here soon.

Steve.

[Tabasco]

Hi Geoff

I hope the paint advice helps. It would be great to do a joint build if you don't mind waiting for a bit. I'm working on Kitty Hawk's SU-17 at the moment, and I'm no multi-task fiend. I'm at the painting stage so I reckon another few weeks and I'll be done. If you're excited to start then don't wait for me. I've already bought some after market goodies for the F-104, so if you like I can post some pictures to help you decide what to buy? Mine will be in the USAF natural metal finish markings, Vietnam.

I reckon this kit will look great when its finished, and be a fun build.

See you here soon.

Steve.

Hi Steve,

Yes the paint advice did help, thank you. A joint build it is then, don't mind waiting at all, just let me know once you have finished your SU-17 kit. I can wait until then, as I'm returning to scale modelling I still need to buy a spray gun/comperessor, priming paints, and paints for this kit, also need to buy weather washes etc. What after market goodies have you bought for the F-104, and yes please do post some photos to help me decide what to buy.

I'm sure the kit will look great once finished.

Geoff

[Steve64]

So, here are some pics of the after market stuff. I basically got everything I could lay my hands on with a view to making this a big project that will keep me occupied for many months. I have a modelling mantra 'fewer, bigger, better'. In short I'm working on less kits in bigger scales. Yes, I know, the SU-17 was a distraction!



There's photo etch from Eduard, a resin exhaust and wheels also from Eduard under their Brassin brand, and a set of metal landing gear. That last item I got because I'm a little concerned about the kit parts sagging under the weight of the finished model, but I might be worrying too much. Here are some close ups of a few items to give you a feel for the quality. I had to shop around to get all this.








Sorry about the focus!

I doubt if I'll use all this stuff to be honest. There are times when the photo etch, beautiful as it is, doesn't look authentic. Usually it can't reproduce small items with a circular cross section well, for example ejection handles. And some of the parts are almost microscopic. It all adds up to an enormous level of detail, and a real test of patience and skill.

By the way good luck with the search for your other supplies. There's loads of good advice to be found here.

So, we have a buddy build. Im sooooo tempted to start now but I'll be faithful to the SU-17 for a while.

[Tabasco]

Would it be possible to take a close up photo's of all the after market parts that you have, if you have time, like in this example below, this will help me decide what I will buy, if all of them or just selected items.



Would like to make the cockpit as detailed as possable, I have already done some research as to where and what after market parts are available for this kit. Some of the PE parts do look microscopic, the only way I'm guessing to bend these very small parts is by using the correct bending tool where you can control the very small part.

[Steve64]

Hi again,

I'll try and break into all the packaging and take some shots. In the meantime, you can see the photo etch details here (and buy if you want to):

https://www.eduard.com/store/Aircraft-a ... tn=Look+Up

On the subject of photo etch, yes for sure the right tools help, and the end results can be stunning. If you did some work with photo etch before then you'll already know, and my thoughts probably aren't helping If this is the first time, my advice is take it easy and practice first because you need to develop a feel for working with PE especially the tiny parts. Personally, I think photo etch is much less forgiving than plastic. You'll get great detail but its easier to mess up. Again its all a matter of choice, confidence, skill and experience. Those are the real tools I reckon.

Anyhow, its your build so do it your way. I'm more and more excited to get started so I'll be cracking on with the SU-17 and hoping to have a fun adventure with you and the Starfighter soon.

I hope the Eduard site is fun. There's sooooo much temptation there, and as someone famous once said 'I can resist anything except temptation'. My resistance failed miserably, but now I'm pleased it did.

Have a great day.

Steve

[Tabasco]

Hi Steve,

Thank you, will wait until your able to post the close up photos, I would to make the cockpit detailed, not sure about the rest at the moment, as I'm returning to scale modelling would just like to get most of the techniques right in building a kit like this.

I have never used photo etch before and some of the parts sure do look small, for example the small parts that go on the front of the M 117 Bombs.

Yes very much looking forward to building this kit,the Eduard website sure does have a lot available for the F-104.

Talking of cold beer, just pulled a cold one from the fridge.

You also have a good day.

Geoff

[Steve64]

Hey Geoff

Well that's odd. I thought I posted some shots of the photo etch but there's nothing here. Hmmmm, maybe one too many cold beers. OK, so second time lucky perhaps. In no particular order:

Electronics bay behind the cockpit



Ejector seat



Gun bay



Remove before flight tags



Cockpit



Various exterior parts



Undercarriage



More undercarriage



Phew, I hope that helps to give you an idea.

Happy modelling.

Steve

[xSCAR45]

All that photo-etch and AM stuff must have cost a fortune.

I was looking at AM decals for a couple of my upcoming builds until I saw the price tags. This hobby sure can be expensive.

This kit has a lot of nice details. I'm sure it will be a stunner once you get going on it. Best of luck.

[Steve64]

Yes, it sure did. Its a collective birthday present from a few relatives plus some extra cash from myself to me. This might be the only kit I make in 2018(ish) so I decided to throw the credit card and free time at it. Fewer, bigger, better, that's the motto. Better not mess it up.

[Steve64]

Hey Geoff

A while back you were asking about paint conversions. I've been doing a little thinking and looking at some references and here's my provisional list. You can see there are some gaps where I either haven't decided or haven't actually worked out what the colour is yet. Zinc chrome yellow for example. I don't like high gloss finishes so in some instances I'm going to choose a satin effect or a metal effect paint that doesn't offer a mirror type finish. I'm prepared to accept a little artistic licence to create something I like, and well there's all that earlier stuff about weathering etc. I also don't mind mixing my own shades. I won't buy lots of different shades of the same colour. So, for the greys I'll have one and adjust the colour with white or black, or even just mix the right colour from black and white with a hint of blue for example. I hope this helps and when I fill in the gaps I'll let you know.

I'm not far away from being ready to start


Colour call out Paint to use

Gloss white Mission Model Paints (MMP) White + satin varnish
Flat Aluminium AK extreme metal (AKEM) Mat Aluminium
Flat Insignia Yellow MMP Yellow
Zinc chrome yellow Check references
Flat gun metal Check references
Flat dark green MMP green + black + blue
Flat dull grey Mix MMP white + black
Interior grey Mix MMP white + black + blue
Exhaust Check references
Flat black MMP black + white (yes I prefer a very dark grey)
Gloss silver check references
Mat flat steel AKEM steel
Chromate check references
Flat Red MMP red
Gloss Red MMP red + satin varnish
Burnt metal AKEM burnt metal or pale burnt metal
Metal gloss silver AKEM polished aluminium
Flat steel AKEM steel
Anti-corrosion grey Mix MMP white + black

[Tabasco]

Electronics bay behind the cockpit



Ejector seat



Gun bay



Remove before flight tags



Cockpit



Various exterior parts



Undercarriage



More undercarriage

Hi Steve,

Thank you for posting these close up photo's, a great help.

[Steve64]

Hey Geoff

I'm waiting for paint to arrive for the SU-17 and so the F-104 is going to roll out. I'm starting a blog over on Aeroscale so I don't cramp your style here. I'll drop in from time to time and hope you do the same.

Check it out here:

http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php? ... _id=262925

All set and ready to go?

I have a feeling this is going to be fun.

[Steve64]

P.S. I just noticed that the formatting on that paint list has gone wrong. Is this any better?

Gloss white Mission Model Paints (MMP) White + satin varnish
Flat Aluminium AK extreme metal (AKEM) Mat Aluminium
Flat Insignia Yellow MMP Yellow
Zinc chrome yellow Check references
Flat gun metal Check references
Flat dark green MMP green + black + blue
Flat dull grey Mix MMP white + black
Interior grey Mix MMP white + black + blue
Exhaust Check references
Flat black MMP black + white (yes I prefer a very dark grey)
Gloss silver check references
Mat flat steel AKEM steel
Chromate check references
Flat Red MMP red
Gloss Red MMP red + satin varnish
Burnt metal AKEM burnt metal or pale burnt metal
Metal gloss silver AKEM polished aluminium
Flat steel AKEM steel
Anti-corrosion grey Mix MMP white + black

[Steve64]

Oh damn. It didn't.

[MontyFlange]

Any more news ? Got this kit now on the bench