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F-104 Plastic Model Conversion Photos

Hello all. I'm posting this as an update to my query a couple months ago about advice for successfully converting a plastic model kit of a Hasegawa 1/48th scale F-104 Starfighter jet into a flying model rocket.

Well, the project is now complete, looks great, and has already logged two successful C-motor flights. Thanks to everyone who offered advice and helpful links. Below is a link with a dozen photos of construction through the finished rocket/jet. Make sure to cut & paste the entire link. The link works best with the Explorer browser:

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A few project stats:

  • Single 24mm motor mount.
  • No additional fins used for stabilization.
  • Lead shot fills the nosecone.
  • Full cockpit was installed.
  • C6-5 is best because C6-3 was too short a delay.
  • Plastic Estes 18" chute to keep down the weight.
  • One-inch long launch lug mounted on the belly.
  • Carved balsa plug behind the nose section.

This was my first PMC, but it won't be my last.

David Marshall NAR Level 2

Reply to
David M.
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That looks fantastic!

Any pictures on the launch pad or even of flights?

Leo

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Reply to
Leo Nutz

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Really nice! My favorite jet of the 60's.

Randy

Reply to
Randy

Wow...excellent work! What is the finished weight? (w/o motor)

Stones

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Reply to
stones

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That's way too pretty for you to fly. Box it up and send it to me! ;)

tim

Reply to
Tim

Nice Job!

David Chen

Reply to
Davidhuifang

| David Marshall | NAR Level 2

Gorgeous! When are the flight pictures coming?

TK

-- Cogito ergo Bibo

Reply to
TDKozan

Here's an update. I flew the F-104 this morning (1-24-03) for the third time. It was the first flight after I applied all the paint and decals and it was perfect! The C6-5 takes it up to about 600-700 feet at a 45 degree angle. I don't have a scale, so I don't know the weight. The center of gravity, with motor, is about 1/4 inch forward of the front wing root.

I've created a second album that includes a few photos of this morning's launch, however the "flight" shot is just the smoke trail -- that sucker is surprisingly fast. The new link below will take you to the updated pictures and added captions.

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David Marshall NAR Level 2

Reply to
David M.

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-Tip: Try

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next time you've got a loooong URL you wish to post. The above URL and this one:

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both point to the same page.

The paintjob looks excellent, btw. :-)

Reply to
Odd Erling N. Eriksen

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