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Gavvin wrote:Your attention to detail is has always amazed me. I, for one, would like to know how you do the comparison of the actual model with the pictures, as it looks darn useful for those who want to build in the little details that make or break most scratch-builds. Would it be possible to do a mini-tutorial on that process?

It would be my pleasure; to answer questions such as this is my reason for posting these threads.

First of all a decent photo editing program is required. I use Photo Impact Pro Ver. 10 but I am given to understand that even the Windows provided photo editor can accomplish these rudimentary tasks.

1. What I do is (especially on this Thunderhawk model where an excellent 3D projection is provided) is to upload the images to the editor.

2. Expand the image to the actual size of the model.

3. Plot lines on the image giving me coordinates to work with. If you make the image the same size as the model you can take the measurement right off of the screen.

4. Plot the lines on the model surface in pencil. I alway do the right side of the model first and avoid switching from right to left side as you build in distortions.

5. Make a right side piece and see if it corresponds to the image.

6. make a mirror piece for the left side.

Unfortunately in the case of Lucie there was no acceptable 3D projections and in Lucie's case I had to study the images I had intensely and make educated guesses on size and placement of the parts. Alas there is no substitute for practice in this.

I did have the benefit of a will accomplice Jabbakahut who provided me with priceless information to whom I am indebted and without who's assistance Lucie would have been merely a shadow of her actual completed self.

Hope this helps if not I will go deeper into it.

This was harder than one would suspect, not just cutting out rectangles in 5 mm thick plastic but the angles are actually rhomboid shape in the front elevation and set at compound angles to boot.



Also the 'bonnet' cover plate is installed.



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E. Blackadder

WOW! are you sure your a person and not some kind of techpriest?

Wow, subsribed!

more photos please! =)

In spite of my attempt to render this model as close to the 3D image I just can't bring myself to make the cargo door projection as thick as it appears on the 3D picture. I have to trust in the fact that these are prospective drawings and that my effort will bear a reasonable likeness when completed. Not much to show for the week. Heavy work load recently.

The cargo bay opening:


The door in place 6mm thick and it appears still not enough! Egad!


The reinforcement stringers being applied as I type; 4mm X 2mm that should be enough by god:


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E. Blackadder

A minute glimpse into a slow process. No time to work on this this weekend as yet. The 4mm X 2mm strips had to be hand cut as no precut styrene of this size is available the tiny2.5mm squares are likewise cut to order. More fun and games from the madness brought to you by:

The Blackadder

Its looking great!
could i see it next to a model? for scale?

Jeez if I had a model I wouldn't have to make a scratchbuilt.

Wow! Can`t wait to see this finished!

i meant like a space marine or something.

This is some exeptionally good vehicle construction, fabolous. My hat off for you good sir!

To say I envy you and your abilities would vastly understate how awesome I find your work. Another thread to check on obsessively in subscriptions I think.

Looking forward to seeing this progress too.

Commander Cain wrote:Wow! Can`t wait to see this finished!

'Finished' is an unfulfilling experience that leaves a vast emptiness that can only be filled by the start of another project. I dread the finish.

Norn King wrote:i meant like a space marine or something.

Of course you did! Apparently my ability is exceeded by my lack of perspicacity.

The_Blackadder wrote:

'Finished' is an unforfilling endeavor that leaves a vast emptiness that can only be filled by the start of another project. I dread the finish.

Sig'd.

Reading my own quote revealed "forfilling" is not a word and "experience" better conveys the thought.

Wow, awesome project! Sub'd!

Before I get too deep into the aft end of the hull I'd better show where I'm starting from. Since last seen I lopped off about 4 cm and added 0.5 mm sheeting to both sides where the wings mount. Also 0.5 mm to the bottom of the hull to provide a base to glue to.

I also added a top 2.0 mm sheet to the unfinished superstructure aft end as I am fairly certain that this is the length I shall go with.

The tail base is truncated and it appears I have the correct angle but I'll have to build it to be certain.

The rough cutout for the air brake panels interior detail.

Buildup of the airbrake internal compartment:

Wow! coming along nicely BA.

How do you cut angles into the edges of the plasticard with such precision?

dsteingass wrote:How do you cut angles into the edges of the plasticard with such precision?

I've stated on numerous occasions using the proper knife is the secret. X-acto blades even the most robust of them are not suitable for long straight cuts; they're just too flexible. For that you need a Man's knife URH, URH, URH, (reminiscent of Tim Allen's "manly" sound ) I use a retractable blade Stanley utility knife.

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Stanley-10-499-6-Quick-Change-Retractable-Utility-Knife/98813/Cat/1014

but others of similar heft will do.

I pencil a line and can follow it freehand but using a steel rule is acceptable it just shortens the life of the blade.

Don't try to cut through on the first cut, a shallow furrow is sufficient. Subsequent passes with the blade deepen the cut until you are through or can snap the cut giving you a smooth edge.

If you fail, dress the cut with a smooth single cut file:

http://www.powertoolsexpert.com/product/2/44493/Draper-200mm-Farmers-Own-Garden-Tool-File.html

You can buy a cheap one in any hardware store; hell it's only plastic we're cutting.

which can also remove any flash or unwanted cut depth angles.

I think that explains your straight lines, but I believe the question was referring to the bevelling of your edges. How do you get the right angle for your edges?

Gavvin wrote:I think that explains your straight lines, but I believe the question was referring to the bevelling of your edges. How do you get the right angle for your edges?

You will note that no matter how perpendicular you keep the knife the edge will be beveled. sometimes that works to your advantage, sometimes you need more bevel. Guestimate how much bevel you need and use the file to approximate it, the glue will do the rest.
HTH,

EB

Ahhh! thank you sir, yes I always get bevels too, but I never thought to use it to my advantage. The glue filling any gap...makes sense.

The compartment walls complete, I still haven't figured out the brake hinge my original idea of a plastic rod, then steel rod, have given way to a much more durable torque tube assembly which is probably how I shall go. Time enough for that when I get the empennage skinned.



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E. Blackadder

Way back when I first started this project and was attempting to save what I could of the foam core I found that the faceted rear of the hull just didn't look right.

Try as I might there was something wrong and fortunately I scrapped the endeavor and started anew. It seems there is a bit of a jog in the hull aft of the airbrakes. Just a centimeter change with a filler angle which makes all the difference.



The shading of the 3D rendering is so subtle that I never noticed it. but I believe I am on the right track now.

In the image below you can see what I missed installed on the model and on the cutting board the opposite piece.

Now the facets should look reasonable better.

Looking good.

Well the good news is that both sides match to within the thickness of a sharp pencil line. The bad news is if this tail section isn't right I'm out a lot of work. I'll be installing the rear 45° slab later as soon as the current glue dries a bit but it looks like I might get away with out having to sand the facets.

It's amazing that the 3D model was correct and all these angles appear to be necessary.



A word of thanks to my unknown benefactor.




E. Blackadder