The Odd'l Rockets F-104 Starfighter is an updated and improved rendition of the kit that Centuri released in 1977. The Centuri version was the fourth kit in the Fighter Fleet series, along with the F-16.
The original F-104 was a Lockheed built supersonic fighter aircraft that was designed in 1952. It had razor-thin straight wings that in 1955 allowed it to become the first jet fighter capable of sustaining a speed of MACH-2. This exceptional performance was a major selling point in the international market and it became the basic fighter for NATO allies; especially West Germany.
While this Odd'l Rocketry kit is based on the Centuri kit, it does have several improvements. The original Centuri kit had "fiber" fins (heavy cardstock), where this new version has balsa wood fins which are stronger and lighter in weight. The fin planforms are also modified slightly to look more like the actual F-104 Starfighter jet.
The Odd'l Rockets version also sports a heavy-wall body tube, giving the model much greater durability. It also has rounded jet intakes, where the Centuri version had rectangular inlets that were built-up using cardstock. Overall, this is a much-improved rocket that is worthy of your own fighter fleet.
What the kit keeps from the older model is that it has similar graphics and the clear vacuum form cockpit canopy.
The wings on the jet are mounted below the centerline of the fuselage. This is done so they don't interfere with the jet intake cowlings. The added benefit is that it makes the rocket more stable so it flies nice and straight.
Because the model is more stable, there is only a single lower dorsal fin, where the Centuri version had two fins. This makes the model easier and faster to build.
This rocket is rated as a Skill Level 3 rocket on the Apogee Components complexity scale. That means it is "average" and isn't too hard to make. You'll find this rocket enjoyable to build if you've ever constructed a model rocket before.
While not complex, this kit is intended for a somewhat experienced model rocket builder. The reason it is Skill Level 3 and not a Skill Level 2 is because you will have to sand the balsa inlet cones to conform to the body tube. Another unique step that you may not have done before is cutting a body tube at an angle using a cutting template. This is to create the jet inlet that is glued to the sides of the fuselage. And finally, you'll have to trim out the canopy from the vacuum form sheet so that it matches the curvature of the nose cone. (See our video on how we do it here). All of these steps are a little more advanced than a normal entry level kit.
We think you'll have success building this kit because all the parts are high quality, and the instructions are well illustrated. The fins are pre-cut by a laser cutting machine, so they assemble easily. The paint scheme is also fairly easy.
The nose cone, we're proud to say, comes from Apogee Components. It is our PNC-24C. The one hiccup is that the yellow color is so intense, that it seems to bleed through the paint. Both we at Apogee and the guys at Odd'l Rockets recommend that the nose be painted with primer to reduce the discoloration of the final part
If you would like to have more information on assembling this rocket kit, Chris Michielssen of Odd'l Rockets has a build thread here: http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/search/label/OR%20F-104%20Starfighter
The F-104 Starfighter model rocket kit comes with all these parts you see here. Lots of decals and pieces to attach!
High-Quality White Body Tubes - The tubes are thin-wall to reduce weight, but are plenty strong for this model. The surface is slick and smooth, which makes marking lines on them easy. Painting is also a breeze since the spirals are tight and require little filling.
Plastic Nose Cone - The plastic nose cone with shock cord loop saves time when building. The nose cone comes from Apogee Components. It is our PNC-24C (in case you ever need a replacement).
Laser-Cut Balsa Fins - Precision laser-cut fins means there's no waste and no cutting out these funky shapes! And they're easier for beginners to glue on because the edges are perfectly square and straight. Balsa wood was chosen for the fin material because it is very lightweight which gives you great performance.
Plastic Parachute - The parachute is thin yet extremely strong, keeping your rocket safe without adding weight. The bright red color helps to track the parachute and your rocket through the sky. Odd'l recommends you use his template and cut the 'chute down to 12". Replacements are available here.
Dual-Shock Cord System - The combination of both Kevlar and elastic gives the durability of flame resistance plus the security of elastic in that it will stretch and is less likely to wreck your body tube.
18mm Engine mount - The rocket comes with a standard size engine mount, so you can fly the rocket on a wide variety of motors. The kit includes a Spring-steel engine retainer clip to make it easy to swap out motors between rocket flights.
Clear cockpit canopy - to add realism, the rocket includes a clear vacuum-formed plastic canopy. It is specifically designed to conform to the plastic nosecone.
Full-Color Waterside Decals - These extra-thin, clear-backed decals blend perfectly with the paint job! This is an easy rocket to finish because you just paint it white and let the decals provide the decoration.
Instructions - Well drawn, detailed instructions show you exactly how to build your rocket and fins to get the perfect flight.
Use the chart below to help determine which motor to use for this kit.
Estimated Altitude Predictions generated using RockSim
| Motor | Manuf & Type/ Casing | Color | Comment | Alt. | Delay* | Price | Buy Now! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B6-4 #05735 |
Estes Single Use |
-- |
Not Yet Tested |
See Motor |
$16.48 3 pack |
||
A8-3 #05747 |
Estes Single Use |
-- |
Not Yet Tested |
See Motor |
$15.53 3 pack |
||
C6-5 #05738 |
Estes Single Use |
-- |
Not Yet Tested |
See Motor |
$17.85 3 pack |
||
|
Rocket motors are sold separately from the kit. For more help in selecting rocket motors, see our video tutorial. If you're unsure, start with the "First Flight" recommendation or the one with the lowest altitude, then go up from there. For other motors that are not tested or not listed here, download the F-104 Starfighter RockSim file and load it to see if it will work in this rocket kit. See also Technical Publication #28 for guidance on selecting appropriate rocket engines other than those listed in this chart. | |||||||
To see how the F-104 Starfighter looks and performs with each motor configuration, download the FREE RockSim design file.
This file can be opened with the FREE demo version of RockSim. Both Windows and Macintosh versions are available.
What is a RockSim Design file?
The RockSim software gives you a lot of information about the flight characteristics of this rocket: how high, how fast, where it will land, how will it react to wind, etc. The "design file" is intended to save you time. All the parameters (size, shape, weight, fin design, etc.) of this rocket have already been entered into the RockSim program, and saved as an electronic database file. You can just open it up in your copy of RockSim and start loading different rocket motors to run launch simulations. It's fun and educational to see the rocket zoom skyward, even before you built it. For more information about RockSim and to download a FREE 30-day demo version, click here.
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors
Masking Tape
Hobby Knife - Hobby with #11 Blade
Adhesives - CA Glue (super glue), thick viscosity
Adhesives - CA Glue (super glue), thin viscosity, foam safe
- Adhesives - Plastic Model Cement
- Adhesives - Wood Glue or White Glue
Sanding Block (or Sanding Tee)
- Bowl of water for wetting decals.
- Paper Towels
- Finishing Supplies like sanding sealer, paint and sandpaper (200 and 400 grit).
Toothpicks
- Recovery Wadding - Disposable | Reusable
- Rocket Motors - See the motor selection tab.
Launch Pad & Controller - See FAQs tab for recommended choices.
Sanding Burrs for sanding and finishing small areas.
- Safety Glasses
We recommend the Estes Launch System. This smaller rocket flies just fine off this inexpensive launch pad, and the controller can easily ignite motors up through D size.
Yes. But you have to remove the engine hook and the thrust ring from the kit. If the kit hasn't been constructed yet, that part is easy to do -- just skip the steps that tell you to install the engine hook and the engine block. If you've already built the rocket, then you'll have to do more invasive sugery. Watch Advanced Construction Video #311 that shows the process.
At the top of this page, where the kit dimensions are, you'll find the location of the CP. This is the important number you should be looking at for stability. You want the CG location to be in front of the CP by about one tube-diameter. A greater distance between the CG and CP is OK. For more information on rocket stability, please click here.
Watch this YouTube video - How to Select Model Rocket Engines
We encourage you to learn the proper motor selection technique. Please watch our YouTube video that will walk you step-by-step through the process
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