When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is an American single-engine, supersonic interceptor. Created as a day fighterby Lockheedas one of the "Century Series" of fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force(USAF), it was developed into an all-weather multirole aircraftin the early 1960s and extensively deployed as a fighter-bomberduring the Cold War and in Vietnam. It was also produced under license by other nations and saw widespread service outside the United States.
This model is a Lockheed F-104C-5-LO Starfighter and assigned serial number 56-0891. It was delivered to the United States Air Force in October of 1958. After delivery, it was assigned to the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing of the Tactical Fighter Command and based out of George Air Force Base, Victorville, California.The "FG" was the fuselage identification code associated with the 479th TFW's Starfighters at the time, while 891 corresponds to the last three digits of the aircraft's serial number.
FG-891 was essentially the first F-104C delivered to Tactical Air Command. It was handed over at Nellis AFB during the Fighter Weapons Meet in October 1958 and became associated with the 479th TFW's commander, Col. George Laven Jr.For the occasion, the aircraft received an unusually elaborate and colorful paint scheme. It was subsequently known as "Really George," a play on George Laven's name and the fact that the aircraft was going to his wing at George AFB.There's an interesting story behind the paint job: accounts of the aircraft say that Laven had Lockheed paint the Starfighter in the special scheme, apparently without the USAF having approved the arrangement beforehand. When the bill for the additional paint work reached the Air Force, there was considerable displeasure, and the colorful scheme was short-lived.The aircraft was finally dropped from the USAF inventory in August 1975 and transferred to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. It was displayed there on a pole in Arizona Air National Guard markings.
The (approximate) dimensions are: 13.75" long with a 5.50" wingspan.
This beautiful 1:48 diecast reproduction of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a highly detailed model and includes:
- Highly detailed factory mold
- Razor sharp Tactical Air Command markings
- Detailed landing gear
- Detailed cockpit
- Detailed engine
- Wingtip fuel tanks
- Pilot figure
The original box is included but has wear from long-term storage and moving around. This is the only one available. All sales are final. Shipping to the USA only.
NOTE: This model was a display model for a short period of time. Sometime within that timeframe, the nose pitot broke off and was lost. A good hobbyist (which I am not), could retrofit a new pitot tube if so desired. Otherwise, the model is in very good shape.
NOTE: Franklin Mint did not issue a pilot figure with this model. I had a 1:48 scale pilot figure I am including in the sale (see photograph). The canopy is secured, but it would be a simple procedure to remove it and fit the pilot figure into the cockpit.
NOTE: The ground personnel and equipment in the photographs are for show only and NOT included in the sale.
NOTE: The last photograph in the series is of the actual FG-891.
