Subject: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Manufacturer: Matchbox

Constructed in 1988

This kit escaped the legendary Matchbox trench-digging machine. The panel lines were very restrained and the parts fitted with precision. Very good value for money.
Although the decals were sealed in with a coat of transparent satin, I still hadn't cottoned-on to the practice of spraying a good coat of transparent gloss prior to applying the decals to avoid "silvering" of the carrier film. This is caused by the trapping of thousands of microscopic bubbles of air in the surface texture of matt finishes.