KMC 1/32
Lockheed F-104G/J Cockpit Detail Set

Kendall has recently released five detail sets targeted at the Hasegawa 1/32 F-104G/J. This first set replaces the kit cockpit with a completely new resin cockpit comprised of approximately 40 parts. The cockpit tub depicts the actual F-104 cockpit tub that has no floor (to accommodate the original downward-firing ejection seat). The ejection seat included in this set is the upward-firing C-2 type that was selected by many countries to replace the original downward-firing ejection seat. When using this set, look at photo references of your intended model subject to see which seat is installed. Some exported F-104s retained the downward-firing seat for some time, while other nations selected the Martin-Baker Q5 seat (distinguishable by the trademark dual ejection handles over the headrest).

The four other sets that Kendall also released to round out your 1/32 F-104: a gunbay detail set, an avionics bay detail set, external fuel tanks and pylons, and Sidewinder missiles with launch rails. While not mentioned in the instructions, it should be possible to adapt these sets to the Revell 1/32 F-104G as well.

If you have avoided the F-104 as a modeling subject because of the intimidation of bare metal, fear not! The F-104G was usually found in a variety of camouflage schemes as well as some of the most colorful special event paint jobs seen on aircraft (the Tiger Meet schemes are a good example!).

This set is highly recommended.