B-52 "FICON": B-52 carrying F-104's *finished*

[AeroplaneDriver]

And, important, an heating system must be provided for the F-104 pilot, else he would be frosen solid. 
I remember having read something about this concerning the real FICON tests.

I would think the "easiest" solution would be to plumb a line from the B-52's environmental system though the pylon and into the F-104 system via a valve that closes after the F-104 engine start and it's system comes online. 

[sandiego89]

The moment of truth....

Will the F-104's fit?



They just make it!   

[PR19_Kit]

Like a couple of manned Hound Dogs. 

[rickshaw]

Not much margin for error there. Are they intended to re-attach in flight?  You might need a trapeze to make it work both on separation and re-attachment.   Something that is long enough to attach well below the slip-stream?   

[sandiego89]

Not much margin for error there. Are they intended to re-attach in flight?  You might need a trapeze to make it work both on separation and re-attachment.   Something that is long enough to attach well below the slip-stream?   

Launch only.  The B-52- F-104/RF-104 FICON only allowed for carriage and launch, but an air-to-air refueling capability post launch was provided....And like the Hound Dog missile, the F-104 main engines could be used for take off and climb, and the fighter could be topped off from the mother ship tanks before they were launched. 

Exactly Kit- a manned Hound Dog. 

[zenrat]

This is coming along nicely.  With this, and after your B36 Agribomber we'll have to crown you King of the Big Jobs.

[NARSES2]

This is coming along nicely.  With this, and after your B36 Agribomber we'll have to crown you King of the Big Jobs.

In my part of the world that's not an epithet you'd want  Still I know what you mean and wholeheartedly agree 

[zenrat]

[sandiego89]

Fuselage coming together.  Neat set up for the main wheels. 

Bomb bay can open and close with some cleaver hinges built into the kit.  Sorry about the poor lighting. 

Left half.

[PR19_Kit]

Yes, that Monogram kit was well ahead of its time when it was produced. The engineering is magnificent, and not just because of its size either. 

[JayBee]

This is coming along nicely.  With this, and after your B36 Agribomber we'll have to crown you King of the Big Jobs.

In my part of the world that's not an epithet you'd want  Still I know what you mean and wholeheartedly agree 

Certainly not here in Scotland where if you were to call someone "King of the big Jobbies" you would be very, VERY, lucky to get away from there with your teeth still intact.

[sandiego89]

Need some work on the pylons.



I could just glue the F-104's on, but then I wouldn't be able to play...uhh.... I mean display my model in various configurations.  Will also allow other WHIFS to be mounted if desired. 

So I will use Magnets...



Old Bobcat Harrier T-4 shell for testing.  If three magnets can hold this thick mold, the F-104s will be easy.

A few finishing nails glued to the top of the fuselage. Three magnets super-glued to the pylon. 

Weight test:



Holds great! Firm, but allows de-mating.  Fairing will be built up to hide the magnets.       

[PR19_Kit]

Hmm, I like that idea. 

'Loading stores' with the same method would save them being snapped off in transit. My mate Pete has some MEGA-powerful magnets that are only 1 mm in dia., you can only JUST see them too........... 

[sandiego89]

[rickshaw]

Lookin' good there, mate!