Cutting Edge Decals

F-104 Starfighter Special #1

Stock Number: 48-042

Reviewed By Mike Reeves, #39908

MSRP: $10.99 USD at www.meteorprod.com

Very few jets have ever worn more special schemes than the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.  It has had quite the colorful career.  Cutting Edge has captured two of the schemes with its latest release number CED48-042 F-104 Starfighter Special #1.  With this sheet you get two VERY colorful special schemes for the Italian F-104S and RF-104G.  For the F-104S you will need the Cutting Edge F-104S conversion that is meant for use on the Hasegawa 1/48 F-104G.  Here are the options you get on the sheet:

  1. F-104S ASA “The Last Starfighter”.  This aircraft is quite striking with the full color tiger clawing its way out of the forward fuselage!  The scheme is overall Aluminum FS17178 overall with the nose and tail section painted FS15056 gloss blue.  The back end of the tip tanks were also painted the same blue.  Since the kits release Hasegawa has also released its own F-104S kit in 1/48.  If you are using a G model you will need the Cutting Edge F-104S conversion which is actually more accurate than the Hasegawa F-104S kit.
  1. RF-104G “Strega”  This aircraft is possibly the most gawdy F-104 I have ever seen!!  It is overall white in the mid fuselage with the nose area Chrome yellow FS 13655 on the nose.  The tail area is painted gloss black FS17038.  There are roughly 167 yellow and white stars sprinkled all over the jet!!!  On top of all of that there is an evil Strega (witch) on both sides of the vertical stab!!!  If you want a colorful jet, this one is for you.  Also, even though this is an RF-104G, it did not carry the recce pod while in this scheme so it is basically an F-104G.

All you need is a Hasegawa 1/48 F-104G or S model kit to make these schemes happen.  Cutting Edge has provided all of the markings to build two complete jets.  The decals are in perfect register and I am sure there are extra stars for the Strega option.  My only wish is that the instructions were a tad more detailed as you only get a starboard profile for the Strega jet.  It would be nice to see if the stars are placed the same on the port side.  You also only get starboard top wing view for the same jet.  My guess is that they are mirrored on the other side but, it would be nice to know for sure.

Many thanks to Meteor Productions for the review sample.  This sheet is highly recommended.

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