Hi, I’ve never done an actual space model, but I was wondering what the gold foil parts on the model are made of. For instance: on the lunar landing module, the gold foil around the base; how is that replicated in the plastic model? Is it aluminum foil or molded plastic? Are there other ways to scratch build this? I am scratch building a Sci-Fi model and don’t have the cash to spend on an actual model just to see how they cover this detail. Thanks guys and I am looking forward to reading your responses.
Most of us space modelers use gold foil from candy wrappers, like “Rollo’s”. This gives us an excuse to buy candy without feeling guilty about our ever-expanding waistlines. [:P]
If you’re up in the Great White North, use both an Aero or Caramilk chocolate bars. You’ve gotta cover some Foil Adhesive on the back of it, let it dry and apply as you wish.
Thanks guys, those are great tips. Thank goodness Easter is coming up. (you know? us modlers are pretty good for the environment with all the re-cycling and re-using we do!)
Jaysun
Ps…great job on that dio Pete. What scale is that, if you don’t mind me asking?
– Cadbury’s chocolate bars come in a gold foil that replicates the yellowy-golden color you find on a lot of gold-insulated spacecraft. (And I like the foil on the Rollo candies for replicating the Mylar that is a bit more reddish in color.)
– Also, be on the lookout for those foil “emergency” blankets (like the ones used by marathon runners) because they can be a good source of gold foil. And one blanket will last a lifetime.
– Check out your local florist or balloon shop for Mylar helium balloons. Some of them are gold in color. I found one shop that had plain gold and silver balloons (with no “Happy 40th Birthday” lettering or anything…) and I was able to buy a couple of each.
Get them while you can. Around here the Special Darks have been switched to plastic wrappers. My son and I discovered this when looking for “supplies” for his lunar landing scene.
Yep! That’s already happened in California as well. Supposed to keep the chocolate fresher, longer. Plus, when the store owner doesn’t turn on the air conditioning and the store temperature gets to 90-plus (that’s 33 C for those of you on the metric system), it keeps the melted chocolate in the wrapper and not all over the candy shelf.[yuck]
I believe the Cadbury brand has a good source of gold foil also.
I collect foil from where ever I can especially food packaging. Coffee, peanut butter, hot chocolate all seem to use foil or foil laminated paper to seal them. Gum wrappers, carefully light the paper on fire to separate the two (keep the flame low).
