Dandiego Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 (edited) A new WIP, a rare subject and an even rarer kit. I have always had a thing for this jet. Its unique look has always intrigued me. I built the Collectaire kit in 1/48th scale about 15 years ago and it turned out ok. But hopefully I can do a better job this time around. I bought this 2 years ago off of Ebay. I didn't even know that this kit existed until I saw it online. This is a homemade Vacform made by an LSP member. I wonder how many he made, just how rare this is. Did he made 20, or only 5?? No, I don't know where I will display it when I am done. I am hoping to have this ready for the 2021 IPMS Nationals in Las Vegas. Anyway.... After my recent move I have set up a new workbench and have started cutting plastic. The kit arrived in a loose plastic bag jammed into a box. All of the main pieces had been cut from the carrier sheet. The overall shapes look really good. The plastic is a little on the thin side and I will need to reinforce the wings and fuselage as I get into main construction. Here are some overall shots as I begin construction. New workbench. Still a little cluttered, I have not totally settled in yet. Forward fuselage and 1:32 scale plans. The whole enchilada taped together. I have already cut out the wheel wells. Length of fuselage is 32 inches. Rear fuselage. Thanks for looking. Dan Edited November 28, 2019 by Dandiego Paul in Napier, blackbetty, LSP_Kevin and 18 others 21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out2gtcha Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Great start Dan, cant wait to see this one come together. Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMaben Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 An interesting and rare subject. I seem to remember that it featured in a film as "The Gilmore Fighter", but I can't recall the film's title. Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee White Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 2 hours ago, MikeC said: An interesting and rare subject. I seem to remember that it featured in a film as "The Gilmore Fighter", but I can't recall the film's title. The "Gilbert XF-120" from "Towards The Unknown". sandokan, D.B. Andrus, MikeC and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Palimaka Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Talk about a rare and fascinating subject! I had a vague idea of it, but had to look it up for the full story. Even though it doesn't have a propeller, I'm really looking forward to see what you do with this build. It's going to be huge. Good for you for tackling this one. Richard Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Eagle Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 going to be a monster/ 32" fuselage R Palimaka and Dandiego 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdthoresen Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 (edited) Wow, Dan this is going to be badass! You are reaching a whole new level with this kit! I enjoy your builds immensely, this is going to be a real treat! Always loved the “Buck Rogers spacecraft” lines of this airplane! Keep the updates coming. With your skills on these vacs and scratchbuilds, I would definitely put you up there with the late-great Larry Hawkins! THOR Edited November 28, 2019 by bdthoresen Lee White and R Palimaka 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandiego Posted November 28, 2019 Author Share Posted November 28, 2019 (edited) Thanks guys for the comments. Yes featured in the film "Towards the Unknown". If you search for videos from this film there are some spectacular shots of the jet inflight. The take off scene is really great. Only 2 ever built, both destroyed in crashes. Buck Rogers is a good description. This model was produced by Lee White, a LSP member. He split the fuselage in half so that it would fit his vac form machine. He believes that he produced less than 10 copies. This will be a long build so buckle up. I will need to make the wings removable for easier transport. Interior details will be minimal as you won't be able to see anything. Landing gear and wheels will be a challenge. I may open up one of the engine nacelles. I have a Kittyhawk F-86D which comes with a full J-47 engine. Dan Edited November 28, 2019 by Dandiego Out2gtcha, R Palimaka and Rocat 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandiego Posted November 28, 2019 Author Share Posted November 28, 2019 (edited) A small update. I am adding bulkheads to the middle of the fuselage. Basically I am adding strength and defining the wheelwells. Cutout for the rear well. Tailplane. Overall look at major components taped together. This is an important stage for me as it gets me excited to see what it will look like. Dan Edited November 28, 2019 by Dandiego LSP_Kevin, patricksparks, Lee White and 15 others 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcin_Matejko Posted November 28, 2019 Share Posted November 28, 2019 Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airscale Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 wow, this is going to be an adventure! I too had to google the aircraft - what an amazing bird - and massive in 1/32 I love your way of doing things Dan - quite fearless and carving your own path (literally...) Peter Dandiego, Lee White and Uilleann 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Gadbois Posted November 29, 2019 Share Posted November 29, 2019 Excellent work with that vac-form! Very interesting project! Alain Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark64 Posted November 30, 2019 Share Posted November 30, 2019 Another stunning building in the making Dandiego 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandiego Posted November 30, 2019 Author Share Posted November 30, 2019 15 minutes ago, shark64 said: Another stunning building in the making Thanks Mr Shark Sir. However the end result is by no means certain. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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