1:48 Lockheed F-104S Starfighter ASA-M

The real subject

You recognize the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter at first glance by its narrow fuselage and its exceptionally thin wing of small span. The F-104S version came about in Italy and served there considerably longer than the original machines elsewhere in the world. The designation ASA-M belongs to a later stage of modification of the Italian aircraft, which followed on from the ASA weapons system upgrade and kept the type in Italian service long after the end of the Cold War.

What the set solves

This is a set of photo-etched metal parts for a model in 1:48 scale. Thin metal sheet makes it possible to produce elements that cannot come out of plastic at this scale: fine grilles, frames, stiffeners and small controls. The extent of the set and the order of assembly are described in the instructions enclosed with the set; go by them.

Building and painting tips

Cut the individual parts off with a sharp blade on a hard surface; nippers would bend the edge. Make the bends over a sharp edge or in a bending tool for photo-etched metal, always in one movement. Degrease the surfaces before gluing; metal holds best on cyanoacrylate glue. Apply paint only over a thin layer of base color, otherwise it peels off smooth metal. Put the separated parts in a dish, so that the small elements do not get lost.

Who it is for

The set is for modelers who build the Italian Starfighter in the ASA-M version in 1:48 scale and want to take the detail beyond the plastic parts. Working with photo-etched metal calls for tweezers, a sharp blade and patience. The kit of the aircraft, paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.