DN Models 48-827-140 1/48 F-104C Starfighter Vietnam Era Camouflage Paint Masks Set

F-104 Starfighter Vietnam Era Camouflage Paint Masks Set 1/48

Suggested scale: 1/48

Suggested kit: F-104 kits in 48th scale

Re-usable die-cut paint masks

The set includes two sheets of pre-cut masks (shown in the picture). The masks are made from thin masking tape, which is easy to be peeled off and doesn’t leave any stains. The tape is tested on clear and painted model too. If carefully removed after painting, they can be used over and over again. It is flexible and easily applied over curved surfaces. Semi-transparent for easy and accurate placing.

F-104C
Starfighter was a tactical fighter-bomber, used by US Air Force Tactical Air Command. That was the variant that introduced Vietnam Era Camo. The supersonic plane was capable of carrying a nuclear bomb on the centerline pylon, but due to strategic reasons only 77 of the variant were built. Conceived as a day fighter only, the Starfighter was slowly transformed into a multi-role plane, which left F-104A and C variants in the past as obsolete platforms rather quickly. Nevertheless, the F-104C was a potent flying machine, proving its worth with an altitude record of 103 389ft of altitude, achieved in December 1958.

Vietnam Air War
was something that Starfighter wasn’t designed for. As part of the Century Series, it was made for a single role and thus its career was planned to be short-lived. Deployed in Vietnam, from 1965 until 1967, F-104C flew over 5200 sorties and suffered 14 losses. F-104C was used both as air-support and air-superiority roles. As a support plane, it flew together with F-105 Thunderchief, alongside with which it was paired rather successfully, mainly due to the speed capabilities of both planes. F-104 in Southeast Asia wore Vietnam Era earth tone camouflage, similar to those applied on almost all fighters that flew there. High-visibility insignia was kept, although in smaller size. It was complimented by some nose art and in some cases, rudder art. This mask set features the camouflage only.

F-104G
and TF-104G Starfighter variants used by some NATO Air Forces wore similar camouflage scheme. Although not completely equal, none of the camouflaged Starfighters were alike even from the early C model. However, with additional masking, this camouflage set can be successfully used for representing Belgian, Greek and Turkish F-104G single-seat or TF-104G dual-seater Starfighters. Variations in the spots can be easily modified, with specific attention required on the line dividing the light grey underside color from the dark earth tones of the upper-side of the plane. That is where the main difference is between those mentioned.