1/7th F-14D Scratch build thread

[Thomas_W]

A bit more progress on the bottom.. i've got to remove parts of the bulkheads for the missle "slots" b/c i completely forgot to remove them before starting construction.. oops, good thing for dremel tools

[2robinhood]

This might be a stupid question, but here it goes.
How do you cut all the formers out with it all constructed and sheeted?
Shouldn't they have been cut out first?
I see the patterns on the formers and it looks like the centers are open.

[Thomas_W]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 2robinhood
	This might be a stupid question, but here it goes. How do you cut all the formers out with it all constructed and sheeted? Shouldn't they have been cut out first? I see the patterns on the formers and it looks like the centers are open.

	Quote: Originally Posted by Thomas_W
	I'm planning on doing this "harold huff" style w/ plugs that are lithoplated, then molds and an all composite airframe.

Plugs = not a flying model. What you see will be used to make a set of molds for an all-composite airframe, which will be the flying model.

[3Dguy]

Gosh, this is fantastic.

[2robinhood]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Thomas_W
	Plugs = not a flying model. What you see will be used to make a set of molds for an all-composite airframe, which will be the flying model.

Gotch ya, Now I'm on first base.
I did get to third last night though.

[Thomas_W]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 2robinhood
	Gotch ya, Now I'm on first base. I did get to third last night though.

and the quest starts all over!

[Andy Thomas]

Thomas, maybe I missed this somewhere but is this the actual fuse or a plug?

[3Dguy]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Andy Thomas
	Thomas, maybe I missed this somewhere but is this the actual fuse or a plug?

Read above.

[Thomas_W]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 3Dguy
	Read above.

+1

its a plug

[Thomas_W]

Not much progress tonight.. spent most of the day doing some stuff around the house, then finally got home to start routing out the missle slots. After cutting up two - 2"x2"x48" solid balsa blocks into 1"x1 1/2" strips and routing out a 1/2" half round on each corner, then ripping these in half and joining them in the middle, i could finally start installing those to the fuselage.

Anyways,
here's what it looks like after 6 hours.. should have the nose section completed by the end of tomorrow, then all thats left planking wise on the fuse, is the inside of the engine nacelle's, wing gloves and the inner inlet splitter plate.

[Thomas_W]

BIG update for today:

Got the remainder of the "planking" done minus the wing gloves (i'm really dreading doing these). And got some pictures that EVERYONE has been waiting to see... including one w/ my truck and yours truly in them picture to give everyone a size reference.. unfortunately i couldn't get the wife to pose with the plane (as she's much better looking than myself).

[3Dguy]

That's awesome!

[Thomas_W]

here's a shot of the TCS pod i'm working on.. I've still got to throw some hardwood in a lathe to mill out the lens' for it, but other than some finish sanding and glassing, i think its just about perfect! Figured i'd do something small since its been a long day and i'm gettin tired... might start on trimming out the blow-in doors as well...

[Thomas_W]

Alright the fin fairings are done, I haven't done the rudder ones yet as i've still got to shape the rudder leading edges, and install the hinge gap seals. Then I can shape the rudder servo fairing and install the fairing to the rudders...

[vatechguy3]

looking great!!
can't wait to see it completely planked!!

tony