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How to destroy an expensive kit with just a few cuts - or: Prowler&#33


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Wow. That's really all I can say. Amazing modeling, to take a kit and turn it into something completely different. The Prowler is a cool looking plane, and you're doing a great job converting it over.  Can't wait to see the cockpit come together.

 

 

Matt  :frantic:

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I am glad you like it! :) Jim, of course I use plans - I always try collect as many of them as possible. For the Prowler, I have used a combination of Detail & Scale and Aerofax drawings which I have combined to make my own drawing which I consider being accurate enough for my needs.   

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Rich, the parts were lasercut. I'd have preferred to have them CNC milled, but I didn't have quick access to a CNC mill. The disadvantage of laser cutting plastic is the heat the laser creates - delicate parts melt and are easily deformed. Thats why the smallest parts have been lasercut in 0,5mm cardboard which works fine. 

 

Here's how the parts look:

 

IMG_6759a.jpg

 

I definitely need to buy a CNC mill - the problem is that I can't afford one. Anyway, lasercutting pretty useful as well to get identical parts - here are the fin blisters, made from lasercut parts.

 

IMG_6760a.jpg

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Rich, the parts were lasercut. I'd have preferred to have them CNC milled, but I didn't have quick access to a CNC mill. The disadvantage of laser cutting plastic is the heat the laser creates - delicate parts melt and are easily deformed. Thats why the smallest parts have been lasercut in 0,5mm cardboard which works fine. 

 

Here's how the parts look:

 

IMG_6759a.jpg

 

I definitely need to buy a CNC mill - the problem is that I can't afford one. Anyway, lasercutting pretty useful as well to get identical parts - here are the fin blisters, made from lasercut parts.

 

IMG_6760a.jpg

I assume the blisters are being made up by adding two parts on top of each other? really liek the looks of this where do you get this stuff cut up my friend need to get some as well for the exact same reason as you mate...

 

Cheers

Fred

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Merci l'ami! :) Hopefully, I'll be able to bring it to a club meeting in September or so.

 

I'm totally impressed by your skils and courage to tackle this project, amazing.

BTW, were would that club meeting be in September?? (i'm close to the belgian border)

 

Jack.

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Fred, my parts have been made by a shop in Aachen (Aken - Aix-la-Chapelle) specialized in architectural modelling. The shop is called 'Lazycut' and they also offer shipping - no need to go to Aachen to pick up the parts! As I said, I would prefer CNC milled parts, but I don't know any company around here offering CNC milling services. 

 

Regarding the blisters, you are right - the blisters are made of two 1mm thick parts glued together and sanded to shape, the base is made of 0,3mm PS. The screws are made by hand, it's not possible to do them with the laser.

 

Jack, I am am member of Ansmodélisme, located nearby Liège. The next meeting is on Friday, September 11th.

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Here comes the fun - started the front panel yesterday. This needs to be done to help to determine the exact position of the cockpit tubs.

 

IMG_6778a.jpg

 

... and with the first basic elements in place.

 

IMG_6779a.jpg

 

If you wonder why the cockpit is already painted - it came with my (already partially started) Intruder kit and was already basically painted. I'll have to strip the paint  off soon...

 

To be continued! :)

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Thanks for your comments! :-) Rainer, when ordering lasercut parts, expect slightly molten edges if the parts are made of PS; for small parts, I suggest you order them in cardboard. These are more precise and don't melt. As already mentioned, I would prefer having my parts CNC machined but lasercutting is a satisfying alternative.

 

Some more progress. The panel is a combination of lasercut, handmade and PE parts. 

 

IMG_6786.jpg

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