1:32 F-104J Starfighter (for Hasegawa Kit)

1:32 F-104J Starfighter, 3D cockpit decals

This is not a kit but a sheet of 3D cockpit decals by Red Fox Studio in 1:32 scale. The decals have relief, so the instruments and controls stand out above the surface of the panel, and the gloss backing gives the dials a glazed look without further varnishing. The dimensions of the pieces match the cabin of the Hasegawa kit.

The real subject

The F-104J is the single-seat interceptor version of the Starfighter of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, built in Japan under license and derived from the F-104G. The cabin equipment matches that role and differs from the other Starfighter versions, which is why decal sets are not interchangeable between versions.

How the set is applied

Before gluing, the raised relief of the instruments is usually sanded off the plastic parts, and the surface is cleaned and degreased. The pieces are carefully taken off the sheet and transferred to the right place in the cabin following the procedure the manufacturer gives on the box. The safest way is to work on a model under construction, while the fuselage halves are not yet joined and the cabin is not yet covered by the canopy.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who build the Japanese Starfighter in 1:32 scale.
• Those who want a faithful cockpit without the laborious painting of small details.
• Builders of models with an open canopy and an exposed interior.
• An accompaniment to photo-etched and resin cockpit sets.