1:32 F-104 (S, G late) Starfighter exhaust nozzle for Italeri kit

F-104 Starfighter exhaust nozzle in 1:32 scale — Reskit

This is not an aircraft model but a replacement part: an exhaust nozzle for the F-104S and the late F-104G versions in 1:32 scale. The box states that the set is cut for the Italeri kit. The Ukrainian brand Reskit is based in Kyiv, has been active since 2015 and makes its add-ons as resin and 3D-printed parts. On the Starfighter the nozzle is a conspicuous spot, because the model always stands so that you can look into it.

The real subject

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a supersonic fighter with a short trapezoidal wing and a General Electric J79 engine with an afterburner. It was the J79 that gave the aircraft its legendary rate of climb and at the same time its characteristic variable nozzle with petals, which opens out under afterburner. The F-104S version was built in Italy for the interceptor and later the strike role and differs from the late G in a number of details, the engine installation included. The aircraft served in many European air forces and stayed in service longest in Italy.

Building and painting tips

First wash the parts clean of print residue and cut off the supports; sand the marks down carefully and protect your breathing while sanding. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Paint the nozzle separately from the fuselage while it is accessible from every side. A proven approach is a metallic base, then graded shades of blue and golden brown in the heat-loaded areas and finally a fine wash into the petals. Glue the finished nozzle to the fuselage only at the end of the build so that it does not get damaged.

Who the set is for

• modelers who build the F-104 in 1:32 scale
• builds of the S and the late G versions
• more experienced modelers working with resin
• collectors of detail sets for a single type

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.