F-104A (Late) Update Set

for Kinetic Kits

Hypersonic Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Hypersonic Models has released an F-104A Late Update Set, This is designed for the Kinetic 1/48 scale F-104A kits.

Here is what Hypersonic Models has to say about the update set:

This set contains the parts needed to build an accurate late type F-104A from the Kinetic F-104A/C kit. "Late" means that it's an airframe that was converted to the upward firing C-2 seat. Therefore you can either use the kit supplied seat or one of the various available aftermarket options.

Hypersonic Models' F-104A Update Set comprises 8 parts in 3d printed grey resin, one masking sheet; detailed instructions

Specifically, the parts in this set are:

• lower fuselage insert piece with different shell ejector port and vent louvres

• aft fuselage panel with staggered hot air vents (not needed for all F-104A) with cutting mask template

• "L"-shaped reinforcement doublers for the fuselage/cockpit area

• detailed main instrument panel

• control stick/grip with better detail and better proportions

• throttle lever with more detail and better proportions

• aft canopy brace/bracket (two supplied)

The parts are perfectly 3d printed. Quality of the resin is excellent.

Jeffrey Kubiak from Hypersonic Models has provided some more information about the need for this update set:

"The F-104A (late) set is for building the Kinetic F-104A/C kit as a late A, with "late" meaning after the aircraft were upgraded to the C-2 upward firing seat. So the kit seat can be used (or another aftermarket seat as desired). Why the resin parts then, you wonder? Kinetic's kit can already be built as an A out of the box?

Well, no.

They put some A markings in the box, but that's it. None of the features that set an A apart from an early C are in the box and that's what this resin set takes care of.

(btw, an F-104A (early) set is currently in the making, containing the C-1 seat and many cockpit differences plus everything from the "late" set).

The aft canopy brace part is for all Kinetic F-104's, the part must have been forgotten in the design process. It's contained in Hasegawa kits for instance."

Instructions are very clear and detailed, including text and helpful images.

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Thumbnail panels:

There are a few extra pieces of surgery to do to the kit that are laid out in the instructions. Most notable is the staggered engine compartment louvre panel. Hypersonic has supplied self-adhesive masks as a scribing guide to get the plastic cutting started.

Hypersonic Models' F-104A (Late) Update Set will allow you to accurately depict a a late version F-104A.

The quality of the resin parts and the detailed insrructions is very high indeed.

This will be a welcome conversion / upgrade to the Kinetic kit for modertely experienced modellers.

Thanks to Hypersonic Models for the review sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 9 November, 2023
Last updated 9 November, 2023

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