Profile Photo
Spiros Pendedekas
141 articles

Academy 1/72 F-104G Marineflieger

September 1, 2021 · in Aviation · · 37 · 2.8K

Hi everyone!

This is my F-104G , finished as a stand model.

Germany received 916 “G” (for Germany) all-weather ground attack Starfighters in total. They were 2,000 pounds heavier than the original , keeping the same engine. Most German missions required 4 wing tanks attached, meaning more weight.

Assigned to perform fast and low attack missions (meaning sensitive to control input) in the usually overcast North European weather, and also it being a “hot” jet (meaning approaching the airfield and landing at high speeds) can easily explain the big initial number of accidents of the German F-104s. After a number of fixes (training techniques and procedures being among the most effective ones), things improved, but not minimalized. In total, 292 German Starfighters were lost and 115 pilots perished, a high attrition rate for this technically advanced, gorgeous looking plane, beloved by the pilots who flew it.

Despite the accident rate, the F-104G proved a highly efficient and reliable platform in the hands of the Marineflieger pilots, serving the Bundesmarine for 23 years during the challenging Cold War days.

This is the ultra simple Academy kit, that I built wheels up, as a present for my Godson. It was a simple build, not opting for deep detailing (of which the simplistic Academy kit barely offers), but was a pleasant build that resulted in a passable Marineflieger in flying status.

Should you wish to read the full build review, you may do so by visitng my beloved site Modelingmadness here: https://modelingmadness.com/review/viet/us/usaf/fighters/pen104.htm

Build thread here: https://imodeler.com/groups/work-in-progress-aircraft/forum/topic/academy-1-72-f-104g-starfighter/

Also, some in-progress shots are below posted.

Happy modeling!

Reader reactions:
15  Awesome

9 additional images. Click to enlarge.


37 responses

  1. Very nice model and work Spiros.
    Good the German Navy had no aircraft carriers. Or one would have seen a lot more “ Mishaps”. Great plane nonetheless.

  2. Simply kit but looks good 🙂

  3. Very nice, Spiros. I like the flight display

  4. Great one Spiros @fiveten, one of my first models was an F-104 two seater, same scale. Brings back great memories. I dunno what happened to the model, must have been 7 or 8 yo but the other day, I discovered the canopy. I think it was match box brand...

    https://www.scalemates.com/kits/matchbox-pk-40-lockheed-starfighter-tf-104g--211407

  5. @fiveten That is cool Spiros! And a great gift to give as well. 🙂 I've never built an airplane "in-flight", maybe it's time to try one!

  6. Nice manned missile!

  7. Great looking in-flight build, nice stand as well!

  8. Have followed your building thread with great interest and have seen this kit being turned into a wonderful Starfighter, Spiros @fiveten
    Those flying engines were great to see when performing high speed passes at low altitude.
    Incredible sound.
    Love this build a lot.

  9. A thoughtful gift for a kid - you have to "infect" them young with this "virus." 🙂

  10. @fiveten - How old is your god son? I recall building a Starfighter when I was around 9. No doubt a Revell model. In those days Revell supplied a clear, half domed stand with raised Earth map panel lines in their airplane kits. I really like how you constructed yours a lot. Solid MM article too. Bullseye again!

  11. Looks really cool, @fiveten ! That stand looks nice too. ?

  12. Very cool looking Starfighter, probably looks better in flight than on the ground, nice present. Definitely liked.

  13. Hi Spiros!
    an eye-catching build of an ancient kit!
    like!

  14. You've given real life to this older kit, Spiros. I love the flying pose. The Marineflieger F-104Gs have one of the most attractive finishes of NATO 104s, IMO. I like the way the way the clean 2-tone grey camo contrasts with the orange of the drop tanks. I have thought of doing this version myself in either 1/48 or 1/32, as I have the Hasegawa and big Italeri kits in my stash. My preference is for the ferocious look of twin Kormoran missiles under the wings plus Sidewinders. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • Thanks my friend @coling! Indeed this camo contrasts nicely with the orange at the wing tanks!

      I have built the Hasegawa 1/48 and 1/32 Starfighters. Both are good kits, with the 1/48 definitely a "modern" kit, with engraved details, a lot of riveting - something that a few people have criticized, but I find it good looking, a nice kit allover, while the 1/32 Hasegawa is older, simpler, less detailed at key areas (cockpit, bays, airbrakes etc), raised panel lines allover, but has good general shape and, with some extra work, a nice model will result.

      Your 1/32 Italeri Starfighter looks to be the definitive Starfighter kit: your skills will produce a masterpiece out of it.

  15. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Very commendable work on this model Spiros.
    The model is simple yet precious and a very good motivational tool.

  16. Very nice Starfighters Spiros @fiveten. Love this plane which looks more like a rocket... Thanks for sharing.

  17. Nice build Spiros, looks great on the stand.

  18. Dear Spiros, a very nice model and building.

Leave a Reply