HobbyMaster Diecast Model Lockheed F-104S Starfighter MM6930 9-99, 9 Stormo, 10 Gruppo Grazzanise, Italy 2003 1/72 Scale - HA1006 Wingspan: 3.75" Each Fully Painted and Assembled Model Features: - Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable landing gear.
- Presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance.
- Opened canopies.
- Heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.
About this Model: The F-104 Starfighter was an military aircraft with revolutionary designs. It had short razor-sharp wings and was the first aircraft to be able to maintain Mach 2 not just in short bursts. This extremely high speed earned the plane the nickname "The Missile With A Man In It". Because of financial considerations 15 or more countries purchased the F-104. The Starfighter flew with the USAF in 1958 and the last airplane was decommissioned in Italy in 2004. In 2003 to celebrate the last Starfighter in Italian service and being the last operational F-104 in the world, F-104S/ASA-M c/n: 783-1230 s/n MM6930 was painted Ducati red. The Ducati Motorcycle Company paid for an air show to celebrate the F-104 in Italian service and the pilot was a Ducati fan so the plane was numbered 999 after Ducati's new super bike model "999". The "Prancing Horse" has been the insignia of the 91st Italian Squadriglia and made famous by WWI Ace Francesco Baracca who was killed during WWI. |
