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Voyageur Press |
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Warbird Tech Series, Volume 38 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter by Jim Upton |
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Reviewed By Steve Little, #35338 |
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MSRP: $16.95 ISBN: 1580070094 104 Pages, 40 color and 250 black and white photos. My memories of the F-104 range back to about 25-30 years ago when my father, who at the time was a USAF Senior Master Sergeant, told me that the nickname for “that plane” was the “Widow Maker.” If that didn’t scare you – nothing did. Lockheed’s venerable F-104 has been a common modeling subject for many years. When I first returned to building models, the second kit that I built was an old ESCI version of the F-104 in natural metal. I sure wish that I had this reference when I built that kit. Jim Upton has done a great job of assembling information about the F-104 lineage in this book, and tells the story of the aircraft and its many options and variants. He also includes anecdotes about the aircraft’s systems and their development such as the one by retired Lockheed President Dick Heppe and the careful scientific “method” in addressing F-104 T-Tail Flutter. The result is both a great reference source and an interesting book to read. A number of things in the book really stand out. First, on page 46 is this incredible image of a flight line of F-104 aircraft, with a DC-3 at the end of the line – with an F-104 nose on it! Other drawings and photos cover the gamut of F-104 versions, from the early XF-104 (which did not have conical inlets and was smaller than the production F-104), through bright QF-104A drones, as well as the many, many international versions. Among the color images in the book are a Tiger Meet variant, civilian versions, international aircraft, and even an F-104 converted for a land speed record! Of course there are many images of the more traditional USAF F-104 aircraft in natural metal glory. Close-up cockpit photos and drawings are included in the book, as well as all of the major weapons systems, landing and arresting gear, and even details and the true story of the CL-361 Escape Capsule design. Specs for the F-104 series variants, production numbers, and even a section by IPMS’er Richard Marmo about model kit options for the F-104 are included in the book. If you are considering building an F-104, this book is THE reference to use. The book may be ordered for $16.95 plus $4.95 shipping by calling Specialty Press at 1-800-895-4754, or by visiting their website at www.specialtypress.com. Thanks to Specialty Press and IPMS/USA for the review copy of this wonderful book. |
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