ZELL CF-104 on MM-1 Teracruzer- Completed, more pics

sandiego89 · May 08, 2012, 01:40:34 PM

Stand back boys it's going to be a big one!

A Zero Length Launch (ZELL) F-104 Starfighter mounted on a MM-1 Teracruzer. Deployed near Baden-Sollingen, Germany.

Brief backstory: To ensure preservation against a Warsaw pact attack, several NATO squadrons with nuclear equipped F-104's were mounted on MM-1 "Teracruzer" mobile launchers. The MM-1's were available with the retirement of the Mace missile from Europe. The MM-1's/F-104's would be dispersed to remote locations in times of crisis. ZELL is achieved with a large booster rocket. Recovery would be to surviving airfields, autobahns or bail out.

The kits: 1/32 Revell F-104 (it will not be red)
1/32 Revell MM-1 "Teracruzer" transport/launcher. This was a 1980's re-release of the 1950's Renwall kit- which has just been re-relased again in a Renwall box.

PR19_Kit · May 08, 2012, 02:05:12 PM

That's going to take up a LOT of sideboard space!

Army of One · May 08, 2012, 02:59:08 PM

This is gonna be BIG.....in more ways than one...!!!!

kerick · May 08, 2012, 03:31:51 PM

This will be great to watch! Fantastic idea!

RotorheadTX · May 08, 2012, 04:28:13 PM

OH HELL YES!!!
Go man, go!!!!

Alvis 3.14159 · May 08, 2012, 08:00:28 PM

Freaking awesome!

Alvis Pi

Scooterman · May 08, 2012, 08:13:37 PM

Quote from: RotorheadTX on May 08, 2012, 04:28:13 PM
OH HELL YES!!!
Go man, go!!!!

I second that!!!

sandiego89 · May 11, 2012, 01:48:28 PM

Have started on the F-104. This thing is huge!- I rarely do anything in such a large scale, and it seems especially huge since my last build was 1/350 scale! Needed some primer to tone down the red.

Grey primer on. Green and other colors to cover. Will be a traditional scheme worn by a NATO member.

Cockpit.

PR19_Kit · May 11, 2012, 03:50:52 PM

Ouch! That red really is RED!

Is it moulded in that colour styrene?

coolpop6307 · May 11, 2012, 06:58:50 PM

It is way to bright but it looks better with primer on it.

sandiego89 · May 11, 2012, 07:46:41 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on May 11, 2012, 03:50:52 PM
Ouch! That red really is RED!

Is it moulded in that colour styrene?

Yes, ALL the F-104 sprues are molded in that bright, bright red. It was the 25th aniversary scheme CF-104 for 421 squadron Canadian Air Force. I believe other releases of this kit were molded in gray.

Go4fun · May 11, 2012, 07:47:15 PM

I use flat black for a primer then use light misting colors to tone down colors.

sandiego89 · May 20, 2012, 05:53:14 PM

Main color on the F-104.

Note the 1/72 scale F-104 fuselage for reference (gray fuselage by the wingtip). About the same size as the 1/32 scale tip tanks!

Two Teracruzer tires on display.

kerick · May 20, 2012, 06:32:18 PM

Where did you find the Terracruzer kit and how much was it? Looks like an awesome combo!

Weaver · May 21, 2012, 04:16:16 AM

Excellent project - got to be one of those rare models that you need a wide-angle lens rather than a close-up one for though....

Great site about the Terracruzer here, with lots of detail photos: http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Missiles/MM-1.htm