When I first started collecting, the Tamiya classics made in the late 70’s and early 80’s had seemed unattainable as NIB kits. While searching for used cars I happened to stumble across this beautiful shelf queen I was able to make mine. That queen was the 1981 Ford F150 Ranger in stunning box art blue.
This amazing build was created by eBay member @nitrotoysandhobbies. Its one deficiency was that it was missing the sunroof. @nitrotoysandhobbies graciously offered to paint one in the same color blue as the rest of the hard shell body if I could find an authentic one. Turns out, that particular part is rather hard to find. I searched for some time but didn’t want to lose out on the offer to get it painted in matching color. I ended up settling for a new Blackfoot sunroof which happens to be the same size and fits nicely.
After receiving the painted sunroof in the mail I installed it in its proper spot and plopped the truck on my “shelf queen” shelf. I have since acquired an authentic F150 sunroof but still haven’t attempted to paint it.
Every now and then I take it down and get some good pictures,. After a good dusting it shines up pretty well, but I am still afraid to drop it. Here are a few good pictures that show it off really really well.
This is a quick guide to my blog series on my R/C collecting and restoring history. Listed in the order of my journey.
- Let’s Restore (My First Restore)
- Shelf Queen Fast Track (A Queen It Is)
- Satisfied With 1970’s Legend (An Oldie But Goodie)
- No More Shelf Queens? (The “Wild” One)
- Phase Of Mediocrity (Going In Circles)
- Back To Restoration (Emotion And Drama)
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