Italeri 1/32 CF-104 Starfighter Kit Photo Feature
By Rob Pollock
| Date of Review | July 2014 | Manufacturer | Italeri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | CF-104 Starfighter | Scale | 1/32 |
| Kit Number | 2502 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nicest F-104 kit in any scale to date | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $169.00 |
Photo Feature
Here's Italeri's new-tool, 1/32 F-104 Starfighter, modelled as the RCAF CF-104, nuclear strike version, Cold Lake, Alberta AB,1962, which is one of ten kit livery choices but I think the only NMF version.
I used an Aires exhaust nozzle, as I plan to display the kit's own, complete and well-detailed GE J79 turbojet engine on the stand that's also part of the Italeri set. I used an Eduard cockpit set as a personal preference, and because the kit's webbing harness is offered in a somewhat heavy PE and might not be to everyone's taste, but the kit details are fine in other respects.
I scratched additional detail in the compartment areas behind the cockpit as I wanted to display the areas with hatches open. As this version has the Vulcan cannon port faired-over, there's nothing on show, but the kit item had nice detailing and would certainly look good opened up.
The kit has some fine extras, including a delicate, detailed crew ladder, and an interesting selection of stores. The decal choices are extensive, including stencils, and handled beautifully.
There's been some negative press about this kit on forums, but I found it built cleanly, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in this iconic aircraft in a larger scale (tip to tail, 57 centimetres/22.5 inches), particularly for the opportunities it offers for additional detailing.
