Uncle Les

Earlier today before the model gets stored away for the next decade.

Thanks. I learnt a lot from this project and will endeavour to transfer knowledge gained into the next one. I did something similar with the vacform and the pans and came to a similar conclusion - hence me going the way of 3D design and construction.

I do not have all the station dimensions so yes I would appreciate that thanks. If Reskit did proceed with a complete airframe I'd be there in a flash. I intend to build on what I learnt from this experience (pun unintended) and fashion another pig, probably a bombed up USAF bird.

Slight correction to Kevin's observations - the airframe around the cockpit is cast resin from 3D printed sections of my and a friend's designs. I have the Tigger vacform example and consider it not even close to being useful. I mistakenly used a Hobby Boss 1/48 example as a reference ( note the progress pic below ) and the nose profile is too shallow before it suddenly jumps up the front of the cockpit - after making that mistake I bogged it up and as a result that nose profile is a degree off in ascending gradient towards the cockpit front so yes the nose profile from the side is off to the keen eye. I promise to fix that for the next one. The spine is also too high by a fraction also resulting in a bit of a hump - these are the issues one faces when building a large model in sections ! One other take away from using the HB 1/48 kit - their walkway decals are flawed as they've managed to swap the WALKWAY stencils with the NO STEPS resulting in some serious OHS issues if you walked on the wings ! I scanned the decals (1/48) and digitally remumbled them by 150% ( 1/32) and only realised the error the day before Expo ( the build physicaly started a week before my self-imposed deadline - delays for a month not self-imposed ) so by that time it was too late. I will edit the file for the next one. This build served as an excellent education for me in what to do and what not to do when taking on a project like this. Some pics included here to show some of the virtual progress.

You've got your own 3D printer now Kev, you can just magic up a Beaufort anytime you please !!

LOL ! ( Yes I AM reading this) I'm doing it in 1/32, 1/48 & 1/72 in limited numbers ( because that's how I roll). There's one on eBay right now to drum up finance for further work. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/194447123175 Here's the work I just finished on the 1/48 accessories set which is being test printed as I write this and some examples of where the masters begin life.

I'll pop another on eBay as soon as it's set !

Re the Macchi, one day soon. It's a slow process to get it all together as a kit.

Nothing special, just FDM 3D printed up in ABS a slightly curvier piece and cajoled the intake lower lip into place. A little filler a load of sanding and replacement of the front sensors.

No the kit doesn't come with a pilot, I employed a slightly modified "Aerobonus" unit.

Here's a little something I cracked the whip on last week. Basically wheels up OOB with the exception of a new scratch-built intake lip to make it curvier and a resin cockpit set. I loaded up the fuselage with magnets and will fashion a proper display stand at a later date.

it was nice out so I left it out.

I hear'em ! When the mojo's right....

Cheers, it tanked in competition - but excelled in being noticed ! I've got to get the MB326 out there and it's taking longer than anticipated so once that's done and I see how it goes I might change my mind on doing something with the MB339 masters.

Here's one I finished last week. brief build story : https://www.facebook.com/pg/uncleles1/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1687672618018678

I built it on the long held premise that as soon as you scratchbuild something vaguely popular it'll magically appear as a mainstream kit just as the last coat's drying.. So guys.. I'm doing my bit for the greater good !!

Thanks Hubert, re the Winjeel, no not as yet as some serious flaws in my master came to light. The wing root and chord are a couple of mm too thin horizontally and this has ramifications that require a rebuild.

The model was entered as a composite - Revell Mirage III ( front end ) & Revell MiG29 (wings) plus scratchbuilt components... but the manufacturer part of the entry form only shows the major branding. Thanks for calling it superb ! - Les

Awesome build mate.

Is it finished yet ?

Wow, you didn't waste any time getting into it ! I recommend using the opaque vacform canopy supplied as a guide to getting the fit right and to act as a sort of mask for the coaming - but you'll work all that out. I'll watch your progress with keen eyes !

..and kudos to John Holloway for his excellent X-15 !

It's already been said - your health is of paramount importance. Get well soon mate.

..lovin' this build.