Here's the original Centuri F-104 Starfighter.
Note the rectangular cardstock intakes and wing tanks.
The intakes are cut from a BT-20, a split nose cone is in the intake openings.
The tail shape was corrected, redrawn from profile photographs. The wing tanks are closer to the F-104 shape.
This is probably a Level 3 .5 build.
So what do you think - Should it be the next Odd'l kit? Many test flights first -
Chris, I think you have a winner here.
ReplyDeleteOnly thing I'd look at are the wing tip tanks. They seem a bit small compared to the rest of the aircraft.
You have a costumer should the kit become available.
Hi Leo,
DeleteThanks! It was a fun build.
the tanks are smaller than they should be. I spent more time trying to get the intakes and tail section closer to the truth. The wing tanks started at the same length as the "one size fits all" Centuri tanks.
The next prototype will be adjusted.
It's definitely a winner! I look forward to seeing the next prototype...And even more to the kit! Count me in...!
DeleteHey Chris,
ReplyDeleteAn Odd'l rockets fighter series would be great. The Starfighter would look nice next to my F-16. Maybe you could include a decal sheet with both German and USAF markings. Hoping it comes to fruition.
Hi BAR,
DeleteThe problem with the decals is I can't print white! The Air Force "stars and bars" won't work against the silver body without the white. I decided to go with the German motif like the Centuri kit.
There are laser printers that can print white (but not something you can say is cheap at around $3400).
DeleteAs for myself... I'd simply find a source for the markings on some decal sheet. I do recall seeing stars-and-bars and USAF markings on some "generic" model rocket decal sheets. I can also likely find some usable stuff with the loose decal sheets in the "bargain bin" at the hobby shop.
As for one scheme I think looks rather nice on the F-104...
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/images/306644main_EC76-5079_full.jpg
the white in the markings would be a pain to print -- but it might not be too hard to find aftermarket decals.
Nailed it. Looks great Chris.
ReplyDeleteThanks Buzz,
DeleteThe next prototype will have some revisions to get it even closer. I'm just glad it flew - very stable.
The modifications create a much sleeker design, I would definitely include this in the Odd'l rockets lineup.
ReplyDeleteYep, the body tube tube and split nosecone is a noticeable improvement over what Centuri had. As mentioned previously, the tip tanks could be a bit longer (you can Google "F-104 tip tank" to get an idea -- also note that the fins on them are asymmetrical). Another common configuration for the F-104 to have launch rails for Sidewinder missile on the wingtips.
ReplyDeleteOne of the oddest-looking configurations for the F-104 was the F-104 CCV.
Another interesting F-104 variant was the NF-104 -- main apparent features that it's basically a F-104C with wider tailfin from the two-seater and rocket pod at its base, wingtip extensions, and a very subtle change in the cones in the intakes.
An interesting relative of the F-104 was the CL-1200 Lancer / X-27 - which only made it to mockup stage (one was never actually built or flown). Early versions had same intakes as F-104, later versions featured "square" intakes.
Hi Naoto,
DeleteThat F-104 CCV was different with the second wing/tail section at the mid section.
The wing tanks need to be larger. I simply grabbed two already cut dowels from the F-15 kit parts and made them from that. The next prototype will have the larger tanks.
My first Odd'l Rockets is in the build qeue waiting for my shop to finally get properly cleaned up and reorganized - hopefully when that's done and the F16 is on the bench an F104 will be in the qeue to take it's place :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Openroad!
DeleteI hope you enjoy the build!
Bueatiful little rocket. Your vaccume form canopy looks great.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
DeleteThanks, the canopy was the big holdup trying to get the kit ready. Take your time with the canopy fit. It takes a few extra minutes sanding to the body tube contour.
Always thought the Starfighter was a beauty. I'd definitely get one.
ReplyDeleteHi Eddie,
DeleteI agree, the Starfighter was always a favorite. I hope to make some corrections and enhancements on the next test model.