George's Flite-Metal Process

What you see in the pictures (scroll down to last post) is the aluminum applied in separate panels. The contrast between panels in not planned, but rather just the way the panels are cut from the sheet to minimize waste of the Flite-Metal. After it is completely covered, I have to sand the entire airframe and that will remove the contrast between panels and give an over all finish as if it had been cut from a single block of aluminum. Then I have to apply the rivets followed by an application of black acrylic paint that gets rubbed into the rivets and creates a weathered look (dull) to the aluminum.

I know it looks as if it is on the production line, but the ultimate goal is to have it look weathered to match 62008 as she sits in the museum. If I had been standing outside the factory as she was rolled out for the first time, I could have taken pictures of a shiny new 62008, and the model would pose different challenges in it's finish.

I have three other models covered with the aluminum, and the finish remains the same over the years. The biggest problem is that the aluminum is very soft and is prone to "hangar rash".  The models could have been painted and achieved the same results with the finish but there would be no way to apply the rivets to the paint, which is why I cover them with aluminum and emboss the rivets.

Cheers,
George


Comments on George's Model:

Nice model.  Would like to see it fly.  Would look good in the museum when it’s done.
(So, whadaya say, George? The people say, put the model in your will to the AMC Museum in Dover?)
Bill Arnold, Maumelle, AR

That is really impressive.  His attention to detail is superb.  Wow!
Jack Slocombe, Groveland, CA

Jack: As George's models are of museum quality they look better in the air. And fly great!
David Pinegar, George's Pilot!!