Lambda Shuttle

[RU41]

For those who missed my introduction I’m Olaf and pretty new to studio scale modeling. My first project is the Lambda shuttle. After more than a year of research, buying kits, calculating and drawing plans I started the construction. The kit scan database of this forum helped me a lot! I still have a few parts that I need to ID. I will post my ID help requests in separate posts in the research forum. 
Initially I did a 1:1 paper mock up of the hull and wings just to check the proportions and overall dimensions. The extra effort payed off because I discovered that my side wings were off. They were too short span wise and the wing tip chord was too long. I corrected my plans but did not modify the mock up though. 
   
I also started the sub assemblies like the forward guns. 
   
I still need to convert my hand drawn plans into CAD drawings for laser cutting. All wing skins&panels and the internal frame will be laser cut from acryl. What is the ‚best‘ (like easy to learn, moderate license fees) software to use? I checked Auto CAD, and SketchUp so far but IMHO a relatively simple 2D software will do the trick. What would you recommend?

At the moment I can only spend a few hour a month working on the shuttle so it will be a slow build.

[Ralphee]

Thats a great start and a good bundle of research on paper, will enjoy watching this one. A very nice project.

Lee

[marvin]

Nice job man! Great start and great planning.

Regarding software: i suggest Sketchup. Free. Easy to learn. You can mockup the model in Sketchup quit quickly and create ribs and wings and all flat surfaces there. Export to something like illustrator and youre done. Check my Sandcrawler build to see what I did as an example.

Keep it up!

[MonsieurTox]

To get the wings of my Shuttle cut I sent an .ai file (Illustrator) and it worked well. Just ask the company that cut your parts what is the best for them.

Nice start, good luck !

[LeeS]

This is one of my all time 'Grail' miniatures to recreate!
I'll be following your progress closely

[Ralphee]

Agreed Lee. I have a couple of nice projects that will start soon, but it' tempting to have a go at this one next year, can' deny it' a beautiful model.

Lee

[RU41]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. Marvin, I gave SketchUp Free a try and that’s what I came up with after a few hours. 
   
Not finished yet and I still need to adjust the panels around the connection to the hull. Using SketchUp is straight forward for easy objects, but I still have to find out how to operate with layers and move objects without distorting the all lines connecting to it. 

[Turrican]

Great start!
Looking forward to watch your progress.

[RU41]

Finally I started cutting plastic on my Lambda Project. 
The forward guns are almost done. I will add the base plate and the Bismarck parts later but I still need to ID the circular mounts for the guns though.
   
I also did the bucks for the side intakes. It was the first time for me doing it so I did 2 to have a spare one, just in case   . The ribs are from styrene, gaps filled with balsa wood and covered in Apoxie and Tamiya putty. My vac form box is ready as well and I will attempt to pull the parts in a few days. 
   
   

[Apophis]

Damn awesome!

[marvin]

Looking great! But i always thought those intakes were some large scale jet kit external fuel tanks?

[MonsieurTox]

No they are vacformed on the studio model.

Great job so far Olaf, it's going to be an awesome model once done !

[Ralphee]

I'm pretty sure they are formed from a master buck Marvin 

Lee

[RU41]

A small update. 
Panels on both sides of the cockpit.
   
Tail gun assembly.
   

[peza]

I love this, I'm hooked! Can't wait for more....peza?

[RU41]

I moved on to the wing guns. I assumed the domes were from Plastruct but now I discovered they are a bit oversized and the side profile is too bulbous. 
   
   
   
My next best guess is the Sealab part 81.

[RU41]

Second try, this now looks way better! 
   
Thank you Hammer!

I also started the rear bulkhead (few parts are still missing)
   

and scratched some minor parts
   

This will be the last update for quite some time. I will be traveling abroad for a few months so I won't be able to work on the shuttle till the end of the summer. I hope I will be able to do at least some research for my follow up projects in my spare time until then :-)

Happy Modeling

[Hammer3246]

Looking great and you're welcome!