RetroWings 1/144 Revell F-104C Conversion
By Matt Bittner
The F-104G was the next progression from the F-104C which was the fighter-bomber version built for the USAF. This conversion set from RetroWings is the easiest way to have an F-104C in your 1/144 collection.
All parts are straight-up replacements for kit parts. In addition, RetroWings provides the in-flight refueling probe sometimes seen on F-104Cs. However, you'll need to be extra careful with part clean up and removal from its pour block as the refueling probe is quite delicate. This probably would have been better supplied in metal but seeing as how RetrokiT is a resin company it makes sense to provide it in this medium.
The set consists of replacement wheels; a replacement tail that includes the exhaust; a replacement cockpit tub, ejection seat, instrument panel and control stick for the cockpit; and replacement main landing gear doors (straight ones, to replace the buldged kit doors).
One thing you will definitely have to do, though, is track down decals for F-104Cs as this conversion set doesn't contain any.
Note that the ejection seat represents the Lockheed C2 seat whereas the one in the kit represents the Martin Baker seat, used only in Germany and Italy to replace the Lockheed seat. So if building any other country's F-104G you might want to pick up this set for the seat itself (my thanks to Eric for the help).
Many thanks to RetrokiT for sending the conversion set to review.