Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1036 CF-104 Starfighter “Toothbrush” 104805, 421 Squadron, CAF, 1983

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted Pilot figure Pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. Very collectable The RCAF received their first CF-104 in March 1962. Although originally designed as a supersonic interceptor the Canadian Air Force used it primarily for low level strike and reconnaissance. The Canadian version of the F-104 was capable of carrying a ventral mounted Vinten Vicon pod with 4 cameras inside for reconnaissance picture taking. On September 4, 1963 number 12900 was the 200th and final CF-104 produced and entered service on January 10, 1964. The CF-104 retired from service in 1985 when it was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet. Over the 25 years of active service 110 aircraft were lost to accidents earning it nicknames like “Widow Maker” and “Lawn Dart”. The RCAF CF-104 probably had the most flying time of any variant with an average of 6,000 hours per plane over their life time compared to the Luftwaffe’s 3,000 hours.

CF-104 12805 CL-90 c/n 683A-1105, made it’s maiden flight on June 12, 1962 and was delivered to the RCAF on November 1, 1962. In 1970 CF-104s were given new serial numbers and 12805 became 104805. In 1983 as part of the 421st Squadron / 1 CAG based at Baden-Sollingen, 104805 was given a red paint scheme with an Indian motif to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 421st Squadron and the 30th Anniversary of CFB Baden-Sollingen. The scheme came to be known as the “Toothbrush” because of the fuselage marking.

Specifications for the CF-104 Manufacturer: Canadair Designation: originally a super sonic interceptor but adapted for low level strike and reconnaissance Crew: 1 X pilot - “D” variant 2 crew Dimensions Wingspan: 21' 11" Length: 54' 9" Height: 13' 6" Wing area: 196.1 sq. ft Powerplant 1 X Orenda Engines J79-OEL-7, 10,000 lb. s.t. dry / 15,800 lb. s.t. with after burner Performance Maximum speed: Dash - 1,550 mph (mach 2.35) @ 40,000' 915 mph (mach 1.2) @ sea-level Climb to 30,000' - 1.5 minutes Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (12,000 m) Range: 1,630 mi (1,420 nm, 2,630 km)

Weights Empty: 13,909 lbs. Clean: 21,005 lbs. Maximum take-off: 28,891 lbs External stores 5 hard points - 1 X under the fuselage, 1 X under each wing, 1 X at each wing tip Armament External bombs and missiles such as: napalm bomb, cluster bomb, BL755 cluster bomb, a 19 rocket rocket-pod, Mk. 82 bomb, MN1A practice bomb dispenser, an M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon added to later versions.