15/08/2026
Hi all.
With the final parts fitted, the Italeri Scale Model Kits 1/32 F-104S ASA/M Starfighter is finally finished.
This is my contribution to a duo build with Rowdy Flugzeugwerke. His creation represents, the aircraft in its unfortunate and career ending hard landing at Leeuwarden airbase, May 2, 2002.
The basic kit is very nice but lacks a bit in surface details. Since the real aircraft weathered quite badly, the details were quite visible, so I decided to add rivets, mainly on the fuselage.
The cockpit of the ASA/M version is different from the 'S' which is included in the kit. fox Red Fox Studio produces a nice 3d printed cockpit set but you need to modify the kit parts a bit. Reference photos from the Internet proved to be invaluable here.
My original plan was to arm the model with 2 'Sidewinder' missiles under the wings but the launcher rails would only fit on the wingtips. This meant only the 'Sparrow' rails were installed.
The model was painted with MrHobby paints over a black primer base. As with all my models, the model was painted in multiple thin, cloudy coats to achieve a weathered or discolored effect. An oilpaint wash was all I used to give the aircraft a well used look.
The 2 resin carts are from Videoaviation and are a very nice addition to create a realistic scene.
Just for fun, I let AI 'play' with 2 of my photos.