This model is the new kit of the TF-104G from Hasegawa that has just arrived in the local shops.  The kit includes high quality detailing on the grey plastic, as we have become accustomed to from Hasegawa for a long time, for instance with the whole series of the F-104 that has been released in recent years.  The decals offer the possibility to build two examples: one from the German air force and one from the Italian air force.

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I preferred to go with the Italian example, from the 4° wing of Grosseto, destined for a long time to be the operational conversion unit.  The construction was very simple and precise with a miminal use of filler.  The color scheme is grey, and I has used the n°. 164 from HUMBROL, lighting some panels with a drop or two of white from MODEL MASTERto give the effect of paneling.

After a light sprinkling of gloss transparent varnish and the necessary drying, I applied the decals, very thin and precise. Only the tricolor coccardes are not correct but I have replaced them with decals from another F-104 kit.  Once dry, I applied the black temper of the GOUACHE and once dry I have wiped it off with a damp cloth, leaving just a tiny bit in the recessed panel lines.

I again gave it a clear gloss coat, again using MODEL MASTER, and once dry I have applied a dull coat.  In the end I dirtied the wheels with dark earth.  I used underwing drop tanks from another kit and modified the back fins.  I've been intending to build this kit for a long time and it does feel good to add it to my collection.

Busolini 

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