[A-109E]

On eBay I've won the 21CT F-104C "Really George", the aircraft of Col. George Laven, Jr., commanding the 479th TFW at George AFB in California. I have several questions for you 1/18 scale experts, if you'd be so kind:

1. I paid $24.98 for a brand-new unopened item. I assume this is a very good price for this 3-foot long beast. Would this be a correct assumption, based on the model's fit, finish, detailing, freedom from blemishes, and what-have-you?

2. Anyone have any opinions on the model in regards to the authenticity of its markings, detailing, accuracy, and the user-friendliness of its operating features?

3. Any other input? I'm curious how it compares to the Armour/Franklin Mint version in 1/48 which may be seen here:
Armour/Franklin Mint 1/48 F-104

....and thanks!

[SKUNKY]

I 'REALLY' have no idea, I just wanted to say "Hi Bob!!!".....

[A-109E]

Hi yourself, Skunky, you totally awesome Master of Time, Space, and Dimension!

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by A-109E

Hi yourself, Skunky, you totally awesome Master of Time, Space, and Dimension!

Nice to see you posting again, HB! Welcome back!

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by A-109E

On eBay I've won the 21CT F-104C "Really George", the aircraft of Col. George Laven, Jr., commanding the 479th TFS at George AFB in California. I have several questions for you 1/18 scale experts, if you'd be so kind:

1. I paid $24.98 for a brand-new unopened item. I assume this is a very good price for this 3-foot long beast. Would this be a correct assumption, based on the model's fit, finish, detailing, freedom from blemishes, and what-have-you?

2. Anyone have any opinions on the model in regards to the authenticity of its markings, detailing, accuracy, and the user-friendliness of its operating features?

3. Any other input? I'm curious how it compares to the Armour/Franklin Mint version in 1/48 which may be seen here:
Armour/Franklin Mint 1/48 F-104

....and thanks!

Hi A-109E,
I don't have the 21CT "Really George" but I do have the original USAF F-104C 479th TFW, the USAF F-104C "Smoke II" and the German Navy Marinefliegergeschwader F-104G Starfighter. I also happen to have the Franklin Mint USAF F-104C 479th TFW Starfighter to compare with the 21CT XD version.

To answer your questions:

1) You got yours for an excellent price. The least amount of money I paid was $29.99 each for the Smoke II and German Navy versions.

2) a. I can't answer the question of authenticity for the "Really George" but the 479th TFW version is very accurate. The paint (on my F-104 is crisp, w/no overspray) is very accurate from the photos I've seen of the real thing. 21CT went the extra mile on this model, they even made the correct tails for the C (short) and G (extended) models instead of just giving each a different paint job.

b. The plane is extremely well made. IMHO, it's one of the best if not the best from 21CT. The F-104 has a ton of moving parts(flaps-leading & trailing edge, rudder, landing gear, canopy, ejection seat, etc., all user friendly and very well done!

3) Like I said earlier, I compared the 21CT XD version to my FM 1/48 version and the paint schemes are identical. 21CT really did a great job on this thing (maybe because it was their first jet), I just wish that they had maintained this level of QC!

If you'd like more info. on some of 21CT's XD's, check out Cybermodeler dot com (under "Kit Build Reviews" - "Aircraft" - "Pre-Finished Models"

I think you're really gonna love the 21CT F-104 when you have it put together, IMHO it's damn impressive!

[A-109E]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Nice to see you posting again, HB! Welcome back!

Thanks, FXW! Nice of you to say so!

Originally Posted by trex0770

Hi A-109E,
I don't have the 21CT "Really George" but I do have the original USAF F-104C 479th TFW, the USAF F-104C "Smoke II" and the German Navy Marinefliegergeschwader F-104G Starfighter. I also happen to have the Franklin Mint USAF F-104C 479th TFW Starfighter to compare with the 21CT XD version.
(....& etc.)

I think you're really gonna love the 21CT F-104 when you have it put together, IMHO it's damn impressive!

Thanks, Trex. Much appreciated! When it arrives I think I'll just hitch it up to the tractor and tow it into the garage. Should fit in the stall only partially occupied by the tractor........

[Cardinal]

Welcome back Historical Bob! Where have you been ...?

[SKUNKY]

Never mind where he's been, I'm sure we really don't want to hear the sordid details (after all, tank nut reads this forum)!.....Just supply us with photies of your latest projects and visits to Corgi Field/NAS Willow Grove please....

[A-109E]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Welcome back Historical Bob! Where have you been ...?

At the detox center, Cardinal, at the detox center. Heheheh......

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

Never mind where he's been, I'm sure we really don't want to hear the sordid details (after all, tank nut reads this forum)!.....Just supply us with photies of your latest projects and visits to Corgi Field/NAS Willow Grove please....

Okay, Skunkster, see if you can make out what any of this is. It's almost as much fun as.......................

[trex0770]

A-109E,
where do I send you my 21CT RC M5 Stuart for refurbishment? Nice suspension system you have there and thanks for the picturs!!!