Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
08-15-2006, 05:21 PM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
I have just bought an Avonds F-104, already built and flown by someone else. I notice on Philip's website that he says do not use oleo legs on the mains as it makes the ground handling bad. But the one I bought has robart oleos fitted and they have a the axle holder welded at an angle to compensate for the leg coming out of the fuz at an angle, so the wheel is upright. I see on Robart's website that they do make this specifically for the Avonds F-104. So, has anybody flown an Avonds F-104 with the special robart oleos, and what was the ground handling like? I want to avoid going back to bendy wire legs if possible.
Harry
Harry
08-24-2006, 04:10 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Second and third flights went well. Kept the power on until touchdown and the third landing was a greaser.
However the landing runout showed I need brakes.
The basic paint job is done, just the detail work and decals to go.
However the landing runout showed I need brakes.
The basic paint job is done, just the detail work and decals to go.
08-30-2006, 05:55 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Flew it at the UK Nats showline but only managed one flight due to organisational problems.
Jut got the shock cones and the tailpipe detail to install.
I am doing my own decals using waterslide transfer stock from LASERTRAN and an Inkjet printer. They were easy to apply and although white go transparent with a sovent based fuel proofer. I am not completely happy with the results and if I can find some better quality photos of the original aircraft may have another go.
Russel videoed the flight and got a couple of shots for me; it looks great and it has been worth the work involved. It flys really well looking great on the high speed passes. An ex RAF navigator who had actually flown in a 2 seat 104 came to talk to me about it and complemented me on the realism in the air although he said he would have preferred a military colour scheme.
Jut got the shock cones and the tailpipe detail to install.
I am doing my own decals using waterslide transfer stock from LASERTRAN and an Inkjet printer. They were easy to apply and although white go transparent with a sovent based fuel proofer. I am not completely happy with the results and if I can find some better quality photos of the original aircraft may have another go.
Russel videoed the flight and got a couple of shots for me; it looks great and it has been worth the work involved. It flys really well looking great on the high speed passes. An ex RAF navigator who had actually flown in a 2 seat 104 came to talk to me about it and complemented me on the realism in the air although he said he would have preferred a military colour scheme.
09-04-2006, 03:30 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Better pics thanks to Russel.
If anyone knows of some high resolution pics of the tiger graphics on the original aircraft I would be very happy as I am working from a vey compressed JPEG.
If anyone knows of some high resolution pics of the tiger graphics on the original aircraft I would be very happy as I am working from a vey compressed JPEG.
11-02-2008, 12:15 PM
#34
RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Here is my new Avonds F-104 in red Ferrari paint scheme. I got it from ebay and it was built in Belgium a while ago. I plan to fly her with G-80 turbine next summer. Model has scale retracts and gear doors, I would have built this beauty for years...its well built and still unflown. Sorry about the iphone picture quality. Superb device, but the camera is not very good...Luckily, I got my small building shop ready just in time to protect her from the winter. Now the Starfighter shares a room with the Baby Boomerang.
http://gallery.me.com/stobe777#100014
BR, Tuomas Pietinen , Finland
http://gallery.me.com/stobe777#100014
BR, Tuomas Pietinen , Finland
11-03-2008, 09:42 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Tuomas, I hope you also got the tip tanks for the ends of the wings. Don't even think about flying it without them, you will have no chance of telling which way up the F-104 is!
Harry
Harry
11-03-2008, 01:13 PM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
it,s one beauty,i dit the paintjob on this plane,please send some inflightpictures when you are going to fly;
greetings from belguim.
greetings from belguim.
11-03-2008, 04:46 PM
#37
RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
I certainly WONT EVER even consider flying it without the tiptanks. In the picture I just hold the nose in place as my wife snapped the photo-tanks are still in wrapping. To wolfshound-good job! I could never have done such a nice finish. BTW, can You tell me the colour code and paint brand as I need to fix some small damage in the model? Is there also a clear coating over the paint? Also, the fuselage is missing its Italian markings, I can either make them myself of if You know where these ones in the wings are from, it would help. I am a little worried of the flaps, as they have some play in them that is difficult to remove. Just thinking of avoiding flutter. They are short, though. Anyway, its a really good looking model which I am already (6 months or so too early) exited to fly! I will post new pics as I get her more ready for action.
BR,
Tuomas
BR,
Tuomas
11-04-2008, 12:04 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
I will emphasise - never fly it with out the tip tanks.
I thought I would try for a max speed flight which I did get completed but even with reduced aileron throws and mucho expo it was very very hairy esp on landing.
I thought I would try for a max speed flight which I did get completed but even with reduced aileron throws and mucho expo it was very very hairy esp on landing.
11-04-2008, 01:10 AM
#39
RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
ORIGINAL: Stobe777
Also, the fuselage is missing its Italian markings, I can either make them myself of if you know where these ones in the wings are from, it would help.
BR,
Tuomas
Also, the fuselage is missing its Italian markings, I can either make them myself of if you know where these ones in the wings are from, it would help.
BR,
Tuomas
Gas goes hereah
Airah goes hereah
Pilot: Cdr Paulie Walnuts
Fuuugggettabouuuutit!
11-04-2008, 06:35 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
ORIGINAL: Stobe777
I think it looks much better with the tiptanks!
I think it looks much better with the tiptanks!
11-04-2008, 11:30 AM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
i will send you the paintcode,after looking up,en yes it's clearcoted.i stil have the paint in spare here.
dare are no italian marks on that plane because it's sponsord by ferari.it' identical to the real one.
gr werner.about the flaps i'm also concernd but PA fly's identical setup;
dare are no italian marks on that plane because it's sponsord by ferari.it' identical to the real one.
gr werner.about the flaps i'm also concernd but PA fly's identical setup;
11-10-2008, 08:30 PM
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RE: Avonds F104G Starfighter build thread.
Thanks for the info about the tip tanks. I have a JDE F104 That is ready for a maiden. I a Wren 54 in it for power. I have not installed the tip tanks but I will after your warnings. It sounds like they go a long way to reduce lost lift tip vortacies.