This second new Starfighter sheet covers camouflages F-104Cs that were based in Thailand to provide base protection against any intruding North Vietnamese aircraft. As it happens, they were not able to show their prowess in the air to air arena so no US kills have ever been given to the F-104.

All of these planes are in the standard SEA paint scheme of FS 34079/34102/30219 over 36622 and were probably a bit ratty by the time the unit left. The recommended kits are by Monogram and Hasegawa though these markings should also fit the ESCI kit if you have one.

As this sheet is on nose art, you have five options available to you. In order is 'Pussy Cat', 'Show Me', 'Snoopy Sniper', 'Sex Machine', and 'Smoke II'. (As a late note, the serial for 'Sex Machine' is incorrect and should probably be 60934. Ed)

Reader Bob Irwin adds this commentary;

"It is a know fact, when the F-104s where airborne in SEA…numerous MiGs were vectored away from the F-104s, OR the MiGs never left the ground.  And then to add salt to the wound, Robin Olds (during Operation Bolo) ordered the F-104s to fly CAP for his F-4 force (they of course received the kills that day).  What they (the 435^th) did with those F104s while at Udorn was impressive but never receive credit due.

They never lost an escort!  And were more desirable to the FACs than other fast movers.  It’s actually quite a story the F-104C, but the USAF will never publish it.  And some information simply cannot become published!  They were doing more than just escorting EC-130, EC-121, RC-135, F-105G, and F-4s.  Not too mention their air-to-ground mission."

These planes were pretty light on data markings and the sheet provides enough of these and insignia to do all the aircraft shown. I know it has piqued my desire to do an early F-104!

October 2006