Here's the finished prototype.
More tweaks are coming!
For now more flight testing . . .
The finished model is smaller than I would have thought, about the same size as the Centuri original.
This version has a circular air scoop on the bottom and the card stock canopy. The Centuri kit didn't have a air scoop, just a long profile fin. If this becomes a kit I might offer both options for those who don't like cutting and fitting body tubes.
There are no plastic detail ends for the bombs. The main tube is a heavy walled BT-50.
In the end, the model does capture the feel of the original Fighter Fleet.
Chris - That turned out really slick. I can visualize a couple of cool alternate paint schemes... BTW what are the dimensions of the F-17? You may have already stated them - sorry if I missed that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would suggest putting two launch lugs to make it symmetric and maybe cut them at an angle to look like some kind of launch tube or air scoop.
ReplyDeleteThere was an f17 but it resembled the f18 more than the f16.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_YF-17
Really cool design, it really captures the vibe of the Centuri Fighter Fleet, those were way cool.
DeleteHi Glen,
DeleteTo be honest, I didn't know there was a (real) F-17 after the F-16! I just did an approximation of the old Centuri design and gave it the next number. The next prototype will have some tweaks. This is not meant to be a scale model, just a fighter jet design.
Regarding the launch lug, we'll see! if anything, the front end of the lugs on the wings would be cut at an angle.
DeleteYou could put cardstock cones and fins on them to make them look like the sidewinder missiles a fighter jet typically carries...
DeleteHi Glenn,
DeleteI've played around with some ideas to make the "missiles" look a little more detailed. But at this size card stock fins would be hard to do. 3d printing was also explored but would be too expensive. At that size, 3D printed parts would be hard to smooth out. You can always leave it up to the builder to take it to the next level.