July 13, 2026

Fine Molds gives us a little G – the F-104G in 72nd scale...

Fine Molds has added new tooled sprues to their 72nd scale F-104 kit to transform it into the "G" model of arguably the West German Luftwaffe's most famous fighter. Details in our preview...

Fine Molds gives us a little G – the F-104G in 72nd scale...

German Air Force F-104G
From FineMolds
1/72nd scale
Shipping Tuesday, July 28th
Product number FX10 
The subject: F-104Gs of the West German Luftwaffe:
The West German Luftwaffe became the world's largest operator of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, acquiring 916 aircraft beginning in 1960. While Lockheed originally engineered the aircraft as a high-altitude, daytime interceptor optimised for extreme speed and climbing, Germany required a multi-role platform. This choice was heavily influenced by a massive international bribery scandal involving Lockheed executives and European defence officials. To meet West German demands, the airframe was extensively modified into the F-104G ("G" for Germany), heavily augmenting its weight with heavy internal avionics, radar systems, and structural reinforcements required for low-altitude ground-attack and reconnaissance missions.

A very good photo of several Starfighters lined up perfectly in an "Elephant Walk" style.
Beneath its sleek exterior, the F-104G fulfilled a critical role in NATO's Cold War deterrence strategy. Under a strict U.S.-controlled nuclear sharing agreement, special Luftwaffe squadrons maintained a constant 24-hour quick reaction alert (QRA), sitting in concrete bunkers with jets pre-loaded with American B61 nuclear gravity bombs. Simultaneously, the Marineflieger (German Naval Air Arm) utilised a fleet of 151 specialised F-104G variants assigned to naval attack wings. Operating over the freezing waters of the Baltic Sea, these naval aviators weaponised the Starfighter with heavy anti-ship missiles—such as the AS.30 and, later, the sea-skimming Kormoran—specifically designed to target and neutralise the Soviet Navy's Baltic Fleet.

One of the best photos of the Starfighter (ever, we think)
The transition from a high-altitude interceptor to a low-level, all-weather strike bomber proved catastrophic in Germany’s volatile weather and mountainous terrain. The jet's high landing speeds and tiny, stubby wings left almost zero margin for error, resulting in a horrific accident rate where 292 aircraft crashed and 116 pilots were killed. As the public and press dubbed the jet the Witwenmacher ("Widowmaker"), a severe political crisis unfolded. To resolve the disaster, WWII ace General Johannes Steinhoff was appointed chief of the Luftwaffe. Steinhoff revolutionised the fleet's safety by grounding the jets to install upgraded Martin-Baker ejection seats, overhauling the logistical infrastructure, and transferring pilot training to the clear, predictable skies of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

The F-104G was essentially an enhanced F-104C, featuring:
- A reinforced airframe to help cope with the fighter-bomber role.
- A North American Autonetics F15A "North American Search & Ranging Radar (NASARR)" FCS replacing the AN/ASG-14T-2 FCS.
- Generally improved avionics, including a Litton LN-3 inertial navigation system.
- The latest J79-GE-11A turbojet engine with 70.28 kN (7,165 kgp / 15,800 lbf) thrust.
- A Lockheed C2 rocket-boosted upward-firing ejection seat. Some production would feature various flavours of the better British Martin-Baker Mark 7 ejection seat with true "zero-zero" ejection capability. 
- The larger tail fin of the F-104B/D twin-seater Starfighter.
- Improved brakes with an anti-skid system & a larger drag parachute for increased weight.
Modification of the flight control system to permit the use of the leading-edge flaps in combat manoeuvres, reducing the Starfighter's turn radius considerably.
- Provision for an F-104C-style bolt-on refuelling probe.
- F-104Gs could be fitted with two stores pylons under the forward fuselage to carry Sidewinder AAMs. 

The Kit:
This model kit from Fine Molds faithfully recreates the F-104G variant as operated by the West German Air Force – this one in 1/72nd scale. 
Distinguishing this kit from the F-104J variant, this kit features newly tooled parts to accurately depict specific modifications: 
-A revised engine nozzle shape
-The addition of VHF antennas on the upper fuselage and lower nose sections
-The installation of navigation lights on both the upper and lower fuselage
-The replacement of the original ejection seat with the Mk. GQ7 model
-The use of a different tyre configuration. 

The sprue Layout of the kit.
The included decal sheet features markings for aircraft belonging to the 33rd Fighter-Bomber Wing (JaboG 33) and the 34th Fighter-Bomber Wing (JaboG 34). 
Here is the built and painted test kit that is already on its way to the model shops for the end of the month...
The kit should be available at the end of July 2026. Check out FineMolds kits on their website...