RickSchad 12 Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share 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 Link to post Share on other sites
nmertes 15 Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share 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? Link to post Share on other sites
RickSchad 12 Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Share 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. Link to post Share on other sites
ghodges 539 Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 Outstanding skills and results! I'm betting your buddy is very pleased! Thanks for sharing! Gil Link to post Share on other sites
RickSchad 12 Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 Thanks Gil! He was very pleased :) Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Deliduka 355 Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 Man, I am overwhelmed. Link to post Share on other sites
RickSchad 12 Posted October 26, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2020 So was I Mark lol.....doing all metal finishes is quite the undertaking. Thanks for checking her out! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Bradley25mm 39 Posted October 27, 2020 Report Share 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 Link to post Share on other sites
RickSchad 12 Posted October 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2020 Thank you Chris! Yes it was a steep learning curve, but I really enjoy doing it now. Link to post Share on other sites
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