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1/24 Scratchbuilt Westland Whirlwind Mk.1.


GunnarO

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Hi all

 

Have an idea that starting a thread here will help me get this done, but it's going to be a long lasting experience I'm afraid.

 

Sooo.... This is my first build in years, (20 years in fact, kids have now grown and are starting to move out :yahoo:) so I'm a bit rusty on building. At the same time I want to find out how I can use my 3D printer for this hobby as well. It will be a scratch building project and a lot of experimenting with 3D printing for model kits. The intention is to print larger parts as a "kit" and detail it with plastic card and whatever suits when building. I've seen some of the marvelous metal work done by Peter (Airscale), and plan to do something similar for the skin. (after a LOT of practice)

 

The subject was a natural choice, I've been involved with the http://whirlwindfighterproject.org/ for some years. Doing all the CAD work for the project gives access to all available documentation there is on the Whirlwind, and that's what this model is based on.

 

The Whirlwind is not a particularly large plane, in 1/24 scale it has a wingspan of 571,5 mm and a total length of  411,7 mm. That's why I chose this scale. Since the 1/32 scale model from Special Hobby has been announced, it would be silly to start a scratch build in that scale when a kit is soon to be released. Bigger is better...

 

On to the experiments...

 

I've chosen a wall thickness of 0,8 mm, and doing panel line details with a gap of 0,2 mm. Panel lines is just for placing metal panels at a later stage. Surface structure is present since I'm using an FDM printer, and I have to test if I need to do much filling and sanding before putting on metal panels. I'm using a Prusa i3 printer for printing, and I'm very satisfied with the detail level of the prints. I just have to figure out how to print thin wall parts most efficiently.

 

First test was no success, they need a firmer base to stay put on the table...

 

IMG_2254.jpg

 

Next one... was ok I guess... (I have removed some details to have a clean and simple model to start with)

 

IMG_2260.jpg

 

IMG_2261.jpg

 

I'll experiment some more and do another print before selecting what works best.

 

Cheers

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Oh, Wow! 

 

Not a lot of us doing 1/24 scratch build. I think it's a great scale to explore the hobby. I'll be following this one closely. The Whirlwind is a favorite of mine. Glad you made your way here, Gunnar

Edited by Jim Barry
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Thanks a lot guys! You sure make newbies feel welcome here  :)

 

Cees: Thanks, I couldn't wait for HK Models to get started with their 1/32 scale version  ;)

 

One of the downside to 3D printing is waiting for the next print to finish... looks like it's going to be a long night...

 

IMG_2263.jpg

 

Cheers

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