THIS PRODUCT IS IN-STOCK. SOLD OUT AT WHOLESALE LEVEL, HARD TO FIND WITH ONLY ONE LEFT!!! PLEASE NOTE: The Image may be slightly different than the Actual Product.

Herpa Wings JASDF Lockheed F-104J Starfighter, 203rd Hikotai, 2nd Kokudan, Komatsu Air Base, 1/200 Scale, Item# HE552165. (With Changeable Cockpit Canopy) •  Type of Model:  Pre-Assembled Diecast Model •  Scale:  1:200 Scale •  Year of Release:  2008 •  Product Attributes:  Tamp Print Technology used for Outstanding Graphics with No Peeling Or Fading since Graphics are Printed directly on the Diecast Airplane Model •  Limited Production: •  Brand new, unopened, mint in box condition; PLEASE NOTE that product boxes do have some shelf ware and may have a few creases, folds, small tears or indentions in the boxes as well.  SMALL PARTS ARE FRAGILE AND MAY COME OFF MODEL, SO IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO USE MODEL GLUE TO RE-ATTACH SMALL PLASTIC PARTS.

About the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter:  The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a high-performance supersonic interceptor aircraft, capable of high speeds and climb rates.  The Starfighter entered service with the US Air Force in 1958, but dissatisfaction with the aircraft's range, load-carrying ability, and equipment led to it being phased out in 1967.  However, in a heavily modified form, the Starfighter sold well abroad, particularly to the air forces of Germany, Canada, and Italy, where high-speed fighter-bomber versions continued in service until the mid 1980s (and, in the case of the Italian Air Force, until 2004).  The modified Starfighter versions also gained an unenviable reputation for being challenging to fly, with high fatal accident rates, particularly in German service, where it gained nicknames like "widowmaker" and "earth nail" for frequently driving itself into the ground.  Many air forces that used F-104s eventually replaced them with the F-16 Fighting Falcon.         The Starfighter was generally considered a rewarding, if very demanding, sports car of a fighter.  It was the first combat aircraft capable of sustained Mach 2 flight (not just a brief dash), and its speed and climb performance remain impressive by modern standards.  If used appropriately, with high-speed slashing attacks and good use of its exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio, it could be a formidable opponent, although being lured into a turning contest with a slower, more maneuverable opponent (as Pakistani pilots were with Indian Hunters in 1965) was perilous.  The F-104's turn radius and high-alpha behavior were always tricky, and the Starfighter had a well-deserved reputation for unforgiving behavior.  Some users lost nearly half their aircraft through accidents, although the accident rate varied widely depending on the user and operating conditions; the Spanish Air Force, for example, lost none.  The Starfighter was a particular favorite of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (Italian Air Force), although the AMI's accident rate was far from the lowest of Starfighter users.

Herpa 1:200 scale diecast military airplane models are a great compliment to Gulliver and Hogan diecast airplane models. Very good detail and a pleasure to display. Don’t wait...these items won’t last. If there is a specific model that you're looking for, please let us know and we will try to find it for you. Now is the time to start a collection or expand your collection. Remember, collecting is fun! We want you to enjoy yourself. If you have any questions, please contact us before making any purchases at questions@jtscollectibles.com Welcome to JT's Collectibles.    As our customer, you will be pleasantly surprised by our "Knowledge, Quality, Product Selection and Exceptional Service".  We serve customers Worldwide and invite you to join us. We have four programs (CAP, POP, CRP, SOP) that are designed to reward our valued customers with SPECIAL DISCOUNTS, FREE MODELS, SPECIAL ORDER PURCHASE OPTIONS and IMPORTANT MARKET NEWS. Please contact us for more information at questions@jtscollectibles.com As a JT's Collectibles customer, you can be assured that you will receive excellent service, competitive pricing and will receive In-Stock product releases in a timely manner. CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR STORE FOR HARD TO FIND AND NEW RELEASE DIECAST MODELS FROM HERPA AND OTHER BRANDS. PAYMENT OPTIONS: We accept payment by Paypal, VISA and MasterCard. SHIPPING COSTS AND POLICIES: Please review the Information Sections of JT’s Collectibles web site to learn more about our Business and Customer Programs, as well our other policies. Shipping Communication Privacy Security Conditions of Use Refund Cancellation