06-10-2018, 08:33 PM
The beauty of having a digital model is that you can "build" it in the virtual world.
That way you can work out exactly how it should go together (in theory at least!)
For the past couple of weeks, this is what I have been working on...
Creating patterns from a digital model is not as simple as it sounds.
I've put much thought into how it all should go togther, and particularly in which order.
The acrylic frame will be built around a welded steel armature - just as the original was.
I will be using locating "pins" to aid in positioning some of the parts.
As noted previously, due to the nature of a hand built model made in the 70's, things are not always symetrical, or square.
This will allow me to replicate these "quirks" as best I can in order to stay as true to the original as possible.
That being said, the original model had some bondo work in places too, so as a consequence I have opted to use 3D printed parts in these locations to replicate the finished "bondo work". It will be indestinguishable from the original when done, but will make construction just a little easier.
I will use magnets to make some of the panels removable (the underside of rear hatch area and the cockpit) and possibly for attachment of the armature "plugs".
The model as it currently stands uses 66 locating pins, 14 magnets and just under 150 individual acrylic parts.
Here is a rough animation of how I see it going together:
Moving forward, I will need to organise to get an armature welded up and get the acrylic sheets sourced and cut.
From there I can move onto the physical build...
That way you can work out exactly how it should go together (in theory at least!)
For the past couple of weeks, this is what I have been working on...
Creating patterns from a digital model is not as simple as it sounds.
I've put much thought into how it all should go togther, and particularly in which order.
The acrylic frame will be built around a welded steel armature - just as the original was.
I will be using locating "pins" to aid in positioning some of the parts.
As noted previously, due to the nature of a hand built model made in the 70's, things are not always symetrical, or square.
This will allow me to replicate these "quirks" as best I can in order to stay as true to the original as possible.
That being said, the original model had some bondo work in places too, so as a consequence I have opted to use 3D printed parts in these locations to replicate the finished "bondo work". It will be indestinguishable from the original when done, but will make construction just a little easier.
I will use magnets to make some of the panels removable (the underside of rear hatch area and the cockpit) and possibly for attachment of the armature "plugs".
The model as it currently stands uses 66 locating pins, 14 magnets and just under 150 individual acrylic parts.
Here is a rough animation of how I see it going together:
Moving forward, I will need to organise to get an armature welded up and get the acrylic sheets sourced and cut.
From there I can move onto the physical build...