RickSchad Posted August 25, 2020 Report Posted August 25, 2020 Hi All, Here is one of my latest commission builds for a friend and former F-104 pilot. This represents the exact plane he flew in the early 1990's. This model is covered in actual aluminum panels cut from sheets, not bare metal foil. Decals are custom made for his squadron. The tail section is scratch built to represent the late model 104. I spent around 200 hours on this build. Rick
nmertes Posted August 25, 2020 Report Posted August 25, 2020 Outstanding work, Rick. I'm curious. How thick was the aluminum and how did you get the panel lines so straight?
RickSchad Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Posted August 25, 2020 Thanks! Its very thin a little thicker than aluminum foil. I made a template for each panel and cut and sanded them individually. I hand rivet each panel before applying them.
ghodges Posted August 25, 2020 Report Posted August 25, 2020 Outstanding skills and results! I'm betting your buddy is very pleased! Thanks for sharing! Gil
RickSchad Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Posted August 25, 2020 Thanks Gil! He was very pleased :)
RickSchad Posted October 26, 2020 Author Report Posted October 26, 2020 So was I Mark lol.....doing all metal finishes is quite the undertaking. Thanks for checking her out! 1
Bradley25mm Posted October 27, 2020 Report Posted October 27, 2020 Most impressive Rick! Not sure I would have the patients that you do to apply the aluminum. From the looks of it you’ve mastered your skills applying it. Chris
RickSchad Posted October 27, 2020 Author Report Posted October 27, 2020 Thank you Chris! Yes it was a steep learning curve, but I really enjoy doing it now.
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