1:144 F-104 German JaboG 34 25/50 Anniversary

Decals 1:144 F-104 of the German JaboG 34, anniversary finish

This is a decal set in 1:144 scale for a model of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jet in the service of the German fighter-bomber wing JaboG 34. It is tied to an anniversary finish, as the name states. It is not a kit or a part but an accessory that gives a model a specific unit and an unmistakable look. How many marking options the sheet holds should be checked against the illustration on the packaging.

The real subject

The F-104 Starfighter is a single-engined supersonic aircraft with a very thin, short wing and a slender fuselage, one of the most distinctive shapes of its day. In the Luftwaffe it served in several roles including the fighter-bomber one, and it stayed in use for decades. The anniversary finishes with which units marked their jubilees are a favorite subject on the Starfighter, because they contrast with the otherwise restrained service camouflage.

How to apply the decals

Spray the model and overcoat it with a gloss clear varnish. Without it, air will be trapped under the decal and a silvered edge will appear around the motif. Cut the motif out closely to the edge of the print, dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds and leave it to stand until it begins to slide freely on the backing paper. Once it is transferred, blot the water away with a paper towel and apply a decal softener, so the motif draws down to the surface and beds into the engraved lines. In 1:144 scale the decals are small, so work with tweezers and preferably under a magnifier. Finally seal everything with a matte or semi-gloss varnish.

Who the set is for

• Builders of jets in 1:144 scale.
• Collectors of anniversary and commemorative finishes.
• Modelers interested in German aviation of the postwar period.
• Those who want to set a model apart from the basic version out of the box.

This is an accessory for a kit. The kit, the paints and the glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.