When I was first saw this kit at HLJ web site, I decided to  one  for building an accurate 1/48 F-104 S of Turkish AF. After ten days from order, I went to my local post office to get my box coming from Japan.

First I opened the box, I look for accurate "S" parts but I was disappointed by finding only two little canards for aft fuselage sides...

It is the same kit as Hasegawa F-104 G. So, I won't write many things about it. Only two little "V" coded frame added including little aft fuselage canards and new decals for Italian AF ,23. Gruppo 5.Stormo,for green-gray over silver aircraft. These decals are to be used to replace the "G" model intake side doors that are filled in.

  Although box picture shows "G" or "S"type under fuselage Sidewinder pylons, there is none in the kit. There is no new air inlet parts with rectangular hatches. As you see in the plan, you have to fill "g" type hatch lines and use a decal instead.

 There is no additional  underwing pylons nor fuel tanks. And, AA gun is not deleted from the fuselage side. Italian "s" types can carry sparrow missiles, so AA gun deleted to make room for new avionics. Turkish AF "S" types have the gun and can not carry Sparrows. TuAF "S"types carries additional sidewinders at hardpoint 2 and 8 instead of Sparrows. So, If you want to build a TuAf  "S" Starfighter like me, there is no problem.

I do not recommend this kit as an "S" type. As I mentioned, this kit is a "G" type with only two parts addition. If you want to build an accurate "S", you have to enlarge air intakes, rescribe rectangular hatches, change exhaust with a "Phantom" type J-79-GE-19 one, rebuilt all cockpit instruments, add additional 7 pylons( two for each wing, three for fuselage), etc, etc.....

 So, I don't know if any aftermarket company makes a conversation set .If so, buy one and add those parts to "G" kit. (Editor's note: there is an S conversion set produced by Cutting Edge, but you shouldn't have to buy a $25+ set to get an accurate 104S.)

 A.Cagri Acikgoz

 Ankara-Turkey

http://turkhavakuvvetleri.tripod.com/

For a more detailed look at the sprues, please visit this preview.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has well over 100,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.