1:48 Lockheed F-104 Startfighter position & navigation lights - late ver.

The real subject

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was an American supersonic aircraft of the 1950s, unmistakable to look at: a long slender fuselage, a T-shaped tail and an unusually short thin wing with sharp leading edges. The machine was built for speed and rate of climb, it flew in many countries and in Europe it was built under license as well, so it turns up in modeling collections in a whole range of color schemes.

What the set solves

The set replaces the position and navigation lights of the model. These are small parts which on the real aircraft sit at the wingtips and on the tail and whose color distinction is firmly laid down: red on the left, green on the right, white at the rear. In kits these places tend to be treated only by a suggested bump, so replacing them is among the modifications with the best ratio of effort to result. The designation for the late treatment says that the parts match the later machines; exactly how they differ from the early ones can be seen in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Carefully cut the original bump on the model off and level the surface, and only then seat the new part. The material is not polystyrene, so bond with super glue applied in a minimal amount. Cut surplus material off a little way from the part and sand the remainder down. Choose the color according to the side of the aircraft and apply it in a thin coat, so that the shape stays discernible. The glossy surface of the lights is well finished off with a gloss varnish.

Terms of supply

This is a supplementary set. The kit of the aircraft, paints and glue are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.