Hasegawa 09365 - 1:48 F-104G Starfighter Taiwan Airforce

Plastic model kit of the F-104G Starfighter fighter “Taiwan Air Force” in 1:48 scale

Hasegawa 09365 is a kit for self-assembly representing the American fighter F-104G Starfighter. The aircraft was characterised by its very thin, short wing and slender, narrow fuselage housing a powerful engine, which made the Starfighter one of the fastest fighters of its time.

This limited edition represents aircraft of the Taiwanese air force (ROCAF). The included decal sheet allows several marking options to be reproduced, including aircraft of the 3rd and 11th Fighter Wings.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with airframe parts
• Clear parts for the canopy
• Vinyl parts (tyres)
• Waterslide decal sheet for several ROCAF marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 09365
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled length: approx. 347 mm, wingspan: approx. 137 mm (without wingtip tanks)
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

A model of moderate difficulty. The cockpit, ejection seat and gear wells are best painted before the fuselage is closed. Because of the slender shape, care is needed when fitting the fuselage halves and the air intakes.

Taiwanese Starfighters often wore a natural-metal finish; the instructions provide paint suggestions for each option. Metallic surfaces work well sprayed with dedicated metallic paints, and decals are best applied over a smooth, gloss surface to avoid decal silvering.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Lockheed F-104 Starfighter:

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is an American fighter developed in the 1950s, designed for maximum speed and rate of climb. Its hallmark was a very thin, short wing with sharp edges and a slender fuselage with a single powerful engine.

The F-104G version was the most numerously produced variant, used as a multi-role aircraft by the air forces of many countries. These aircraft were used both for interception and for strikes against ground targets.

The Taiwanese air force (ROCAF) operated Starfighters for many years. One air battle passed into history, in which Taiwanese F-104Gs intercepted a group of MiG-19 fighters and shot down two of them with no losses of their own – confirming the combat value of this fast aircraft.

Original aircraft specifications (F-104G Starfighter):

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: a single General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet
• Wingspan: approx. 6.68 m (with wingtip tanks)
• Length: approx. 16.69 m
• Maximum speed: over Mach 2
• Armament: a 20 mm rotary cannon and air-to-air missiles

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese modelling industry. The company has been active since the 1940s and has developed its range of injection-moulded plastic kits since the 1960s. Hasegawa is best known for its aircraft models in 1:72 and 1:48 scale, valued for finely reproduced, subtly recessed panel lines and good parts fit. A hallmark of the brand is its frequent limited editions with dedicated decal sheets representing specific, often commemorative aircraft. The range also includes ship, vehicle and car models as well as modelling accessories. Hasegawa kits are recognised and available among modellers worldwide.