Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1037 CF-104 Starfigher “Coke Bottle” 104868, 421 Squadron, CAF, 1981

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 serial 12868 c/n 683A-1168 went to the RCAF on December 11, 1963. The aircraft was assigned to 2 Wing / 1 Air Division and then 1 Wing until 1968 when it was put into storage. CF-104s were reserialed in June 1970 so 12868 became 104868. In 1971 the aircraft was reactivated and in 1978 104868 was with 441 and then 421 Squadrons. For 1981-82 the aircraft received a red and white paint scheme nicknamed “Flying Coke Bottle” or “Flying Coke Can”. March 2, 1984 a hangar fire destroyed the aircraft.

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.