1/32 Scratchbuilt Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

[Jim Barry]

Another rare one here. Let’s go swept wings . (And right, no one makes an injection molded kit in 1/32) Tigger made a vacuform kit and I think some effort to make a 3D print is out there somewhere, idk. Anyway, I’m feeling up for a challenge much in the spirit of the Vigilante. Probably no 3D. Possibly rob parts from a 1:32 Thunderjet . I’ll do a take on the plane’s history tomorrow . Isn’t she beautiful though? 
 

 

 

 

The plan is to surface model it with epoxy clay. To keep it reasonably light,I’m building a balsa subframe under the epoxy clay. And I’m pretty confident I can final surface it with aluminum tape. I don’t think this is going to be mind blowing in detail, but should still present pretty well much like my Fury.

 

 

Edited August 1, 2025 by Jim Barry

[blackbetty]

another nice project, will follow closely!

[geedubelyer]

[Jim Barry]

Getting there. Building up the fuselage one scrap of something at a time. 
 

[LSP_Kevin]

Great project, Jim! About as old-school as you can get. It's amazing that we have builds like this here, alongside 3D-printed kits and other modern marvels. Vive la difference!

 

Kev

[Jim Barry]

Yes! I feel at home here in that all efforts seem very creative and enjoyable. 

[Jim Barry]

All blocked in, ready to sand. 10 hours in. 
 

[LSP_Kevin]

Love it, Jim!

 

Kev

[Jim Barry]

Time for wings. This is really not that hard. Cut the shape and sand some airfoil. It’s admittedly a little thin but honestly I’m working on technique/tools/materials more than anything mind blowing. It’s an interesting progression in aviation models from wooden kit to plastic kit. It was so “space age” to embrace plastic. Wood was for grandpa, I don’t know. (And oddly enough that sparks a memory of my grandfather making me a wooden Helicopter.   
 

 

 

 

 

[monthebiff]

Superb stuff Jim, this will be spectacular. 

 

Regards. Andy 

[Jim Barry]

Thanks Andy. It's funny how this project falls on the tail of the Vigilante project, the most modern thing in aviation modeling, 3D printing. There are differences. Dan could print 20 of them and give everyone a huge headstart, but I feel very much this is the Vigilante again (as builder).  The metal foil is going to be the thing and I expect from experience that it should work out very well! 

 

 

 

Edited June 10, 2025 by Jim Barry

[amurray]

THIS is modeling!  Great project!

[Jim Barry]

A few good hours. I think it’s going well but it’s not very pretty. Faith required! 
 

13 hours in. 

 

[LSP_Kevin]

It's funny how much that looks like a tree branch!

 

Kev

[Jim Barry]

7 hours ago, LSP_Kevin said:

It's funny how much that looks like a tree branch!

 

Kev

Hey easy! I’m sensitive while it’s getting some form. Haha!