Our F-84 is outside in the sun!

[Clifford Bossie]

Well, not right now as it is the middle of the night as I post this...

Today we moved the F-84 outside for the first time after painting. There is some touch-up painting and detail painting still to go and now in the sunlight I can better see some areas that need to be addressed. (There is still the strong likelyhood that the F-84 will go inside in the next few months.) Having the airplane outside allows vistors to see some actual work.

The airframe is fairly light as many items (like an engine!) are missing and that makes towing a bit of a challenge. When we used a towbar in our first moves we found that the nose wheel would just skid along in a staright line and not turn the airplane in the direction the nose wheel was ponted, so we build a cradle atop a pallet and lifted the nose up with a forklift. It looks weird, but worked well.

Today was a big deal!

[Fouga23]

Amazing transformation! A tip for the canopy: There is a floor wax called "future". Modellers use it all the time for canopies. Put some on that plexi and it will look even better!

[jbell]

Hi Clifford, great job. Would you know where I might find another main canopy, for an outdoor static display?.............Thanks, John

[67Cougar]

Looking very good. I haven't been following this a/c - where'd it come from, where will it end up?

[Nathan]

Amazing transformation! A tip for the canopy: There is a floor wax called "future". Modellers use it all the time for canopies. Put some on that plexi and it will look even better!

I was thinking the same thing!

[viking73]

A job well-done Cliff!

Can't wait to see how your next project (the A-7) comes along.

-Derek

[rcaf_100]

Looks great!

Amazing transformation! A tip for the canopy: There is a floor wax called "future". Modellers use it all the time for canopies. Put some on that plexi and it will look even better!

I was thinking the same thing!

Me too!
Future floor polish is now under the Pledge banner, btw.
http://www.pledge.com/en-US/Products/Pa ... shine.aspx
They make a wood floor and vinyl floor cleaner with Future (there was only one Future product before) but I imagine the vinyl polish would be the choice to use for the canopy.

[Jollygreenslugg]

Thanks Clifford.

The threads about this aircraft just keep getting better. Terrific work on a forgotten and underrated type.

Cheers,
Matt

[Clifford Bossie]

Amazing transformation! A tip for the canopy: There is a floor wax called "future". Modellers use it all the time for canopies. Put some on that plexi and it will look even better!

Actually that will happen if the airplane goes inside as planned. Why not, I use it on my 72nd scale F-84s! One of the tenants on the field who flew helos in 'Nam (and owns an airworthy OH-6A) told me last week that some of the Loach maintainers did not like the ultra flat finish of the OH-6s as they were hard to maintain and keep clean. Their solution? Coat them with Future!

Hi Clifford, great job. Would you know where I might find another main canopy, for an outdoor static display?.............Thanks, John

I wish I did John. I am trying to chase down parts for "my" F-84, if I come across a canopy I will keep you in mind.

Speaking of canopies, the one in Artesia, NM needs one, among other items.

A job well-done Cliff!

Can't wait to see how your next project (the A-7) comes along.

-Derek

I am looking forward to the A-7 too Derek, though I will take a break somewhere between projects. You need to drop by when you are in the area.

[The Inspector]

Just remember,FUTURE is lint magnet until it's completely dry (like a couple days to be sure) so if you do that, figure out a method to tent the canopy off or it will look like you passed through Lint Junction on the way

[Clifford Bossie]

Just remember,FUTURE is lint magnet until it's completely dry (like a couple days to be sure) so if you do that, figure out a method to tent the canopy off or it will look like you passed through Lint Junction on the way

I will most likely pitch a tent out of drop cloth , tubing and tape. However, we are coming up on that time of year where the humidity can very well be in the single digits. Add to that I have had good luck thinning Future wioth denatured alcohol, I am kind of looking forward to that portion of the effort.

Today's shots:







I was loaned two stencil cutters today, so I am looking forward to applying some stencilling next week.

[Clifford Bossie]

Looking very good. I haven't been following this a/c - where'd it come from, where will it end up?

I am not sure of the previous history of the aircraft before arriving at War Eagles Air Museum, it has been there ever since I first visited the museum in the late 80's. It is currently on the ramp side of the museum, next to the Tu-2 ondisplay. The final location is still up in the air, but I hope to get it inside the museum by summer.