Thread started by RLHDLW on scalemates.com
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Can anyone confirm this is a new tool? I'd assume that it is rather based on the Monogram kit.
24 February 2012, 18:05
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Yep, 99% sure this is the Monogram mould. Will dug out this kit and have a closer look when I visit my parents. Most of my stash is stored on their loft so my dear wife doesn't notice what I have collected over the years... but compared to other Scalemates I am only a mediocre collector/builder... 😉
24 February 2012, 21:48
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I think this is a new tool, circa 1996. I have no idea how it may be related to any Monogram kits. I have this kit and it is very nicely molded. The panel lines are engraved, and appropriate for the scale (not too wide or deep). Rivets are present, but not overbearing. It's molded in silver plastic and is made in Korea. Instructions are printed in Poland. The cockpit and bang seat look pretty good for the scale, but idiots like me will want to detail it a bit more. There's a nice refueling probe, too. It looks very nice overall, and should build up into a nice replica of a short rudder Starfighter. You get a choice of two tip tanks or two Sidewinders.
Oddly, though, my kit came without a decal sheet! But Revell of Germany doesn't fulfill requests for replacement parts in the USA. And since I bought it in Germany, Revell in the USA won't do it either. So I'll have to buy an aftermarket sheet.
24 February 2012, 23:20
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This is a Monogram kit. I've got it myself n' it's a beauty. I just checked the decals on my kit as I plan to build the SEA version but there's sadly to much decals on the sheet for both versions so I can't just cut the decals for the NMF version out n' send 'em to you. Would've done it otherwise mate. Sorry...
25 February 2012, 14:28
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Thanks for thinking of me, Urban! It's not a big problem, I'm sure there is an aftermaket sheet somewhere for an F-104C. I probably have one in my stash, but I'm too lazy to go looking through all that stuff!
26 February 2012, 01:20
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This tool is based on the F-104G F-104G Starfighter (Revell 04344, 1:72) , they have common sprues; Monogram released it too, but it's a Revell tool.
Both includes decals for the 479th TFW, but different squadrons; Revell with the comet in red, Monogram in blue.
About decals, Propagteam 72104 includes markings for a F-104C of Puerto Rico ANG in SEA scheme, and Albatros Modelworks 72006 includes "Pussy Cat" and "Smokie II", other F-104C in NMF, three F-104A in NMF from Taiwan, Pakistan and Jordania, and one in desert scheme from Jordania.
26 February 2012, 10:13
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Thank you, Juan. That makes perfect sense. There was an error in the datatbase concerning Revell 04344. It was released in 1995, not in 2005, and it was the initial new-tool release.
The only thing that needs to be confirmed is whether TF-104G Revell 04378
TF-104G Starfighter Trainer (Revell 04378, 1:72)
is based on the same new tooling or whehter it is rather a re-release of the Matchbox TF-104G tooling.
26 February 2012, 10:29
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Don't worry, it the same tooling, nothing in common with Matchbox.
By the way, note that the Revell's F-104G includes de Martin-Baker ejection seat only. Hasegawa editions include this or the Lockheed seat, either or both in many editions. Revell F-104C includes the Lockheed seat, and the MB as surplus.
And about Monogram, as far as I can recall, they haven't released any 'own' new 72nd tool in the last 30 years!
26 February 2012, 12:01
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Monogram (which is no longer a company, just a brand name) may have released some 1:72 kits more recently than that, but they are snap-fit toys for kids. Thanks Juan for the information on the AM decal sheets. And it makes sense that the Revell F-104C was based on the Revell F-104G. Revell of Germany was releasing a LOT of new tool 1:72 kits in the mid to late 90s.
26 February 2012, 14:55