Skymaster F-104 NASA 820 build
11-07-2016, 06:28 AM
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Skymaster F-104 NASA 820 build
Hey guys, thought I would post a build and finishing thread on my F-104 from SM. After a few customer builds over the last year or so, I finally get to build my own stuff!
I picked up my Starfighter in gelcoat white and wanted to paint is in the NASA 820 scheme. I know they have it available in painted form but there are many differences that I would want changed.
It will be powered by a Kingtech K210 with a few extra like the Detail for Scale lights, afterburner ring and drogue chute. The stencils and decals are from Taylormade in Germany
I picked up my Starfighter in gelcoat white and wanted to paint is in the NASA 820 scheme. I know they have it available in painted form but there are many differences that I would want changed.
It will be powered by a Kingtech K210 with a few extra like the Detail for Scale lights, afterburner ring and drogue chute. The stencils and decals are from Taylormade in Germany
Last edited by Joe Westrich; 11-07-2016 at 07:12 AM.
11-07-2016, 06:50 AM
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Did the NASA F 104 fly W/O tip tanks? Would there a big difference how the plane flies with them off? It seems like a considerable percentage of surface area would not be there.
11-07-2016, 06:53 AM
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So the painting started over the weekend....
The first issue was finding a way to hold the fuse in one piece for paint so that I can get all the lines straight for the full 130in. Luckly the engine stand and some 2x4s solved the issue.
The first issue was finding a way to hold the fuse in one piece for paint so that I can get all the lines straight for the full 130in. Luckly the engine stand and some 2x4s solved the issue.
11-07-2016, 06:58 AM
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A little prework was done before paint. I made attachments for the speed door cylinders and installed the drogue chute door in the bottom. I modified it a little from Dan's design. I wanted a single servo to operate the opening so I made a device. It still uses and air plunger to eject the chute. I have a sailplane tow release on the back side so I can release the chute.
11-07-2016, 07:03 AM
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Back to painting...
So I pulled the Fed codes for the NASA 820 and the colors look right except the bottom. I checked many places and the code and colors are correct. The photos of the real aircraft seem to have a different shade on the bottom but maybe it is faded, I don't know.
So I pulled the Fed codes for the NASA 820 and the colors look right except the bottom. I checked many places and the code and colors are correct. The photos of the real aircraft seem to have a different shade on the bottom but maybe it is faded, I don't know.
11-07-2016, 07:08 AM
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The one thing I was sure I wanted to make right was that the real NASA 104s had gold pin strip separating the colors not yellow. It gives it a more of a throw back look too.
Last edited by Joe Westrich; 11-07-2016 at 07:11 AM.
11-07-2016, 07:18 AM
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both ways.... they come off and on
Most pictures show without tanks.... I am guessing because they don't need the range for the kind of work NASA does vs military use.
11-07-2016, 12:52 PM
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Joe,
Very glad to see you have started this build thread, given your experience and because you are installing exactly what I am planning to put into mine when I do the build over the end of year break.
Interesting idea having a tow hook release for the chute - could you please show a photo of that with a bit more description and detail?
Following closely ......
Jan
Very glad to see you have started this build thread, given your experience and because you are installing exactly what I am planning to put into mine when I do the build over the end of year break.
Interesting idea having a tow hook release for the chute - could you please show a photo of that with a bit more description and detail?
Following closely ......
Jan
11-07-2016, 08:11 PM
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Thanks guys... fuse is nearly finished. Luckily the wings, elev and tanks are just white.... should be easy enough.
Last edited by Joe Westrich; 11-08-2016 at 05:04 AM.
11-07-2016, 08:20 PM
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Not sure if you can see the tow release very well but it is actually located on the aft part of the box opening. there is a small domed shape opening on the inside of the box to give it clearance when the door is fully open. I couldn't have it in the rear of the box because I was limited by clearance and a way to make it strong. you can't attach it to the box and expect it to hold.
behind the black former is the tow release. You are looking towards the tail in that pic. If you look closely, you can see the clearance notch out of the top of the grey box.
This is looking the other way. You can now see it on the other side of the black former. It is reinforced so it can handle a pull from the big chute.
behind the black former is the tow release. You are looking towards the tail in that pic. If you look closely, you can see the clearance notch out of the top of the grey box.
This is looking the other way. You can now see it on the other side of the black former. It is reinforced so it can handle a pull from the big chute.
11-07-2016, 08:25 PM
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Sorry that first picture you cannot see the notch because it was before I made it. This picture shows the notch and the front end of the tow release.
Also, you can see the carbon rod going across. I mad that with carbon horns so I can use one servo with plenty of leverage to open/close with attachments on both sides of the door.
I preferred it over the air cyl system. Losing air and having the chute sucked out would be bad for business. I also plan to incorporate fishing line as a break away in case of accidental deployment in the sky. Not sure what weight line to use. I will figure out that later.
Also, you can see the carbon rod going across. I mad that with carbon horns so I can use one servo with plenty of leverage to open/close with attachments on both sides of the door.
I preferred it over the air cyl system. Losing air and having the chute sucked out would be bad for business. I also plan to incorporate fishing line as a break away in case of accidental deployment in the sky. Not sure what weight line to use. I will figure out that later.
Last edited by Joe Westrich; 11-07-2016 at 08:30 PM.
11-07-2016, 08:29 PM
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Outstanding job, love that scheme going to use it next yr on a big build.
Regards,
Regards,
11-08-2016, 09:28 AM
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Hi Joe. I am the stage in my CF-104 where I need to install the chute. I am interested in how this release would work. Also not sure what the other item you have fabricated is that goes across the top of the chute box. Any further pictures you can share would be appreciated. My chute mechanism is also from Dan.
11-09-2016, 11:06 AM
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Hi Joe. I am the stage in my CF-104 where I need to install the chute. I am interested in how this release would work. Also not sure what the other item you have fabricated is that goes across the top of the chute box. Any further pictures you can share would be appreciated. My chute mechanism is also from Dan.
The fuse is still in the paint and detail stage so I will be a couple days before I can get more pictures. There is a couple 2x4s in the tailpipe right now holding it up. Video might work best. I have all the servos and linkage hooked up now so it may be easier to see the workings.
11-09-2016, 11:18 AM
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After painting I want to fix up the cockpit a little bit. I like the bars around the canopy frame. You also have a bit of fabric over the avionics panel. It has some interesting detail.
That first pic is a little sloppy but you get the idea.
That first pic is a little sloppy but you get the idea.
Last edited by Joe Westrich; 11-09-2016 at 11:24 AM.
