Jabo 33 Circa 1964 F-104G

[Rod Bettencourt]

Hello all,

This is my attempt at the Italeri F-104G kit. I’ve been wanting to do a natural metal finish (NMF) in Luftwaffe markings for quite some time. My goal was to achieve a scale effect that makes the model look as close to 1:1 as possible.

For the setting, I imagined this aircraft on a temporary duty assignment (TDY) to Torrejón Air Base in Spain, circa 1963–1964. I could not find much history for DC 107 other then delivered to Jabo 33 in May of 63.

I added the Quinta Studio cockpit set, Master Model pitot tube, Quickboost intake covers, and Res Kit engine and wheels. There’s also some minor scratch building in the cockpit area. The kit itself was excellent in some areas and more challenging in others. I had to fill some panel lines, do some re-scribing, and add rivet lines to improve the overall realism.

Paints used were a combination of Model Master and Alclad for the NMF finish.

Right now, I’m doing my best to resist starting another one (specifically an A-model). While I’m fairly pleased with how this one turned out, I know I could do even better now with the experience I’ve gained on this kit. That said, I’ve got a stash full of kits waiting their turn—maybe someday!

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I truly hope you enjoy the build.

V/R

Rod

Note: I am aware that the fire bottle is not correct for this era, thought would be fun to ad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Martinnfb]

That looks bloody real Rod, stunning finish, Bravo!

 

Martin

[PanzerWomble]

Wowsers , yes had me fooled into thinking you interspersed real with scale photos 😀

 

You may have come across this website before , it's written by a German pilot, Hubert , who flew them from the start of the program , fascinating stuff. 

 

https://www.916-starfighter.de

DC+107. https://www.916-starfighter.de/Large/dc107.htm

 

[Rod Bettencourt]

6 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

That looks bloody real Rod, stunning finish, Bravo!

 

Martin

Thanks Martin!! 

[Rod Bettencourt]

3 hours ago, PanzerWomble said:

Wowsers , yes had me fooled into thinking you interspersed real with scale photos 😀

 

You may have come across this website before , it's written by a German pilot, Hubert , who flew them from the start of the program , fascinating stuff. 

 

https://www.916-starfighter.de

DC+107. https://www.916-starfighter.de/Large/dc107.htm

 

Thank you for your comment very much. Yes I combed that website during the build.

[Count0]

Idk how much better it can be, the overall shots look like the real deal. Only in the close up's can I pick out the size of it. 👍

[Rod Bettencourt]

6 minutes ago, Count0 said:

Idk how much better it can be, the overall shots look like the real deal. Only in the close up's can I pick out the size of it. 👍

Thank you!

Rod

[DocRob]

Wow, that´s jaw dropping, Rod. I´m a little afraid, when you say, you can do even better. Time to look for another hobby then . I love the finish of your lawn dart and the photography and setting is also excellent. The glaring NMF and slightly sepia toned pictures looking like a heated airfield in Spain, you could only add some flaring heat shimmer.

Cheers Rob

[BlrwestSiR]

Wow, truly stunning work, especially the NMF. The patina looks perfect. 

Carl 

[Rod Bettencourt]

11 minutes ago, BlrwestSiR said:

Wow, truly stunning work, especially the NMF. The patina looks perfect. 

Carl 

Carl, thanks for that comment much appreciated.

Rod

[HubertB]

Beautiful, Rod, and, as per your usual, fantastic photography to enhance the finished effect.

If I may venture a criticism, your work rating is 110 %, and the final note is 100 % : -10 % for Italeri’s trench-like panel lines, which your great finish just puts in evidence …

Still, I wish my NMF Cutlass could show as great a finish as your 104 

Hubert

[Rod Bettencourt]

9 hours ago, DocRob said:

Wow, that´s jaw dropping, Rod. I´m a little afraid, when you say, you can do even better. Time to look for another hobby then . I love the finish of your lawn dart and the photography and setting is also excellent. The glaring NMF and slightly sepia toned pictures looking like a heated airfield in Spain, you could only add some flaring heat shimmer.

Cheers Rob

What a cool comment! Thank you very much. I look forward to your next build.

 

Rod

[Rod Bettencourt]

3 hours ago, HubertB said:

Beautiful, Rod, and, as per your usual, fantastic photography to enhance the finished effect.

If I may venture a criticism, your work rating is 110 %, and the final note is 100 % : -10 % for Italeri’s trench-like panel lines, which your great finish just puts in evidence …

Still, I wish my NMF Cutlass could show as great a finish as your 104 

Hubert

Exactly Hubert! This is why I want to do another one. Thank you for you comment.

 

Rod

[Merad]

That is amazing, looking at the first few pics it it took me a minute to realize it was the finished model instead of a reference photo.

[Rod Bettencourt]

On 7/28/2025 at 8:55 PM, Merad said:

That is amazing, looking at the first few pics it it took me a minute to realize it was the finished model instead of a reference photo.

Very cool, thank you.

 

Rod

[Landlubber Mike]

On 7/28/2025 at 11:55 PM, Merad said:

That is amazing, looking at the first few pics it it took me a minute to realize it was the finished model instead of a reference photo.

Me too!  Really amazing paint work, wow!

[JohnB]

Outstanding Rod! At first I thought I was looking at the real thing! Very well done. 🙂

[Rod Bettencourt]

On 8/2/2025 at 5:43 PM, JohnB said:

Outstanding Rod! At first I thought I was looking at the real thing! Very well done. 🙂

Awesome comment John, it is appreciated.

Rod

[JohnB]

🙂 Very much deserved Rod.