Subject: Re: NASA F-104N
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Dennis Brackett" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:19:27 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dennis Brackett 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 10:34 AM
  Subject: NASA F-104N

  Gallery Template #05

  "Hasegawa 1/72 NASA F-104N Starfighter" 

  by "Dennis Brackett"
  --------------------

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  NASA F-104'S

  Here is my version of one of three specially built F-104N Starfighters procured  by NASA to be used as pilot proficiency and chase aircraft in late 1963.  Based at Dryden  Flight Research Center adjacent to Edwards Flight Test Center,  these brightly painted jets typified the use of Day-Glo high visibility color trim that was popular on test aircraft of the day.  F-104 number 011 was delivered in August of 1963.  This aircraft flew with NASA for nearly 3 decades and had accumulated 4,370 flights when it was finally retired in 1990.

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  The kit

  The NASA decal version of the Hasegawa F-104 is no longer available as far as I know.  I was impressed with the kit decal sheet for three different NASA color schemes.   Being Hasegawa, the fit and detail is excellent.  I always manage to use filler somewhere, but it was minimal with this model.  

  Painting

  Day-Glo and metallic paint schemes are a real challenge.  I used Model Master enamels exclusively.  Following priming, the Day-Glo sections were first underpainted with flat white.  Model Master fluorescent red was used for the Day-Glo sections.  This is the only fluorescent paint I have been able to find and it makes a mess of the spray area.  In my airbrush, the over spray from this paint makes cob web filaments that float in the air following spraying.  I was relieved to be finished with this painting step.  Non buffing aluminum was used to paint the airframe.  The complex high heat engine sections of this jet were painted with stainless steel and burnt metal metalizers.  Provided enough metallic paint is built up and sealed with Testors gloss laquer, I have found that the metalizer paints can be masked using blue 3M delicate masking tape (destuck by taping it on my jeans).  I also use Silly Putty and paper masks to minimize sticky tape on metallic surfaces.  Where some paint pulls off, I touch up with a brush.  I am starting to realize that these occasional brush touch ups actually enhance the visual interest of the model.  Eventually, the model was sprayed with Testors gloss laquer in preparation for decals.

  Weathering

  My photo references indicate nearly flawless surface maintnence of these birds by dedicated NASA crews so weathering was confined to a minimal light wash of oil paint to bring out some panel and control surface detail.  These jets shined.

          

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  Wonderful Hobby

  I favor building models that emphasize the aspects of the hobby that I particularly enjoy. 

  While I am in awe of the internal detail and scratch building showcased by expert modelers on ARC,  that is not for me.   I'll scratch build if I lose or  break something.  I can't resist buying after market decals if I can find one that inspires me.  After all, the inspiration aspects of this hobby can be the most fun.  I usually have several models going on my bench.  That way, I can always have at least one plane that I can move forward on.  On-line research, basic assembly, seam filling, painting schemes, decals and weathering fill out my menu of preferred aspects of this hobby.  I  have never kept track of the hours required to complete a model but it is usually a month or two before it finally takes its place in the ever growing fleet of completed models.  Other than sharing an  occasional jet with fellow modelers on ARC, these models are rarely seen by anyone other than myself.  They continue to satisfy.  Thanks Steve for providing such an informative and inspirational forum for the sharing of all aspects of this hobby.  I visit ARC daily.  Enjoy your models.

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  Photos and text © by "Dennis Brackett"