Real aluminum paneled Italeri 1/32nd scale F-104C – Build in progress!
Hello stranded at home modelers! This is something I’ve wanted to do once in my life and because of this virus I decided to dive in! This is a F-104 with all individual panels made from real aluminum, not that bare metal c**p. I have individually cut each panel using templates that I made from the existing panel lines and research using photos. I sanded each panel a little differently to give an accurate look. I have spend at least 100 hours so far! I can tell you this isn’t for the faint of heart or the impatient!
I really love this look but I don’t think I will do this again for a very long time, hahaha!
Let me know what you think!
Stay safe and healthy, the world is in my prayers.
Rick
23 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Robert Royes said on March 20, 2020
Wow! Simply amazing.
Andrew H said on March 20, 2020
Liking what I see!
Rick Schad said on March 20, 2020
Thanks guys! I’ve always wanted to do this, thanks for checking it out!
James B Robinson said on March 20, 2020
Holy cow! That’s pretty incredible. Looking forward to the final reveal.
Rick Schad said on March 20, 2020
Thanks James!!
Walt B said on March 20, 2020
Excellent work, I have foiled planes before. I know it is a lot of work and you are doing an excellent job of it, not to mention the nice looking cockpit and wheel wells. When I did mine in the end I polished plane with tooth paste or Blue Magic Polish. Not so much to shine up the kit but to diminish the burnishing marks from working the foil around the curves. I look forward to seeing your finished product, it is already damn impressive!
Rick Schad said on March 20, 2020
Thanks walt! I am not using foil, I find it too thin. It is a lot of tedious burnishing and cutting! I appreciate it and can’t wait to have this one done and on display.
Cockpits are always fun…anytime I get to add my own details is fun!!
Thanks for checking it out!
Spiros Pendedekas said on March 20, 2020
This is absolute magic Rick. You push the modeling envelope to highest altitudes. You are the man!
All the best!
Rick Schad said on March 20, 2020
Thanks! Spiros, what an amazing compliment!! I keep striving to get better.
Thank you!!
Robert Royes said on March 21, 2020
Do have a pic of the raw stock that you used?
Rick Schad said on March 21, 2020
I’ll post a pic when I do the update 😁
Haslam Yeoman said on March 21, 2020
Spectacular. If patience is a virtue you must a very virtuous person. I will keep following this build.
Dan Lee said on March 21, 2020
Oh wow. Actual aluminum plates? That is a whole other level.
Looks really good so far.
Rick Schad said on March 21, 2020
Thanks so much! Once it’s done I’ll post a little more detail on how I did the surfaces.
Tom Bebout said on March 21, 2020
Incredible work Rick. I too am interested as to what aluminum stock you used and where did you acquire it. Also what glue or medium was used to attach it to the A/C. Nice work, looking forward to seeing her completed.
Rick Schad said on March 21, 2020
Thanks so much Tom!!! I will share much more when I post the finished model. Everyone wants my secrets!! Lol!!
Manuel Magrinho said on March 22, 2020
What an insane build 😀 looks awesome! Can’t wait to the final reveal
Congratulations
Rick Schad said on March 22, 2020
Thanks Manuel!
Ian Foulkes said on March 22, 2020
Looking amazing, way beyond my skill level!!!!
Rick Schad said on March 22, 2020
Thanks Ian!