Here is a vintage Jetex-powered Comet
Lockheed
F−94C Starfire kit (Kit No. SP−1) that, prior to my receiving it, had been started by
the previous owner. It was designed and drawn by Gerald Blumenthal. The
copyright date printed on the plans is 1953.
Many of the parts had been cut out of the printwood balsa sheets, but none of
the airframe has been assembled.
There were no laser-cut kits back in the era of this kit, when the die-cut balsa
sheets often were more appropriately referred to as "die-smashed" due to dull cutting
edges on the die. It was also not uncommon for the die-cut part to not exactly match
the outline of the printed pattern. Cutting out the parts with an X-Acto knife takes
more time, but at least for the small shapes and for accuracy that is the way to go. I have not done a full inventory
of the kit, but it appears most, if not all, parts are present. The vacuum-formed
plastic components are a bit deformed and discolored (might just need cleaning)
from sitting in the box for many decades, but are useable. It would take a lot of
patience and motivation to build this F−94C Starfire kit.
A unique feature is the way the landing gear legs are assembled out of a hardwood
dowel for the main strut with music wire protruding from the bottom for attaching
the wooden wheel. One of the gears is already built. Details are provided for the
installation of a Jetex 150 engine with the augmenter tube.
The Free R/C Plans website has a downloadable set of
Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire plans suitable for
building.
Wingspan = 25-5/16" | Length = 24-7/8" | Power = Jetex 150

Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire box top

Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire all parts remaining
in kit


Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire plastic parts

Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire box end

Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire box sides
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Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire kit parts and plans

Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire Plans and instructions
(see larger version below)



Comet Jetex-Powered Lockheed F-94C Starfire balsa parts
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Larger version of plans with legible instructions |
Posted September 21, 2019
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