David,
Manglord, and
Stormtripper-
Thanks for the kind words, guys.
Now, Back with another Indiana Jones Vehicle...this time...
Raiders of the Lost Ark Flying Wing
Process:
Since the shape of the Flying Wing is curved in a common tear drop shape that is universal among aircraft, I needed to approach construction in a different way from my usual box-like, modular fashion. The most obvious (but daunting) solution was to build it the way an actual aircraft is built...by creating a skeletal 'airframe' as a base:
This airframe is made from 060 styrense sheet, to give it rigidity. The wings were constructed in sections and screwed and glued together to make sure that the base was sturdy and strong.
Next, I made the c0ckpit section:
I designed the c0ckpit to be a separate module, so that I could work out the minimal details and proportions without having to handle the massive frame of the plane itself.
Using 020 thickness styrene sheet (a much thinner, therefore more flexible guage), I began surfacing the Flying Wing by gluing the properly sized and cut sheets to the underframe. This was mostly done by cursing, and by trial and error
Added the wing tips:
Puttied, sanded, and primed:
This was an insanely involved project. I really used a lot of bad language while trying to make certain elements work, and I have to say its by far my most complex custom piece to date. There are a million little things that I'm unsatisfied with, but on the whole I'd have to say I'm pretty happy with the end result...especially since I was pretty much making it up as I was going along.
The finished product:
The wingspan, from tip to tip, is 38" and from stem to stern is about 16." Its really, really big. The engines are from an Episode 1 Naboo N1 Fighter, and the propellers are styrene...they can spin freely too!
The landing gear are made from the smallest casters I could find at the hardwar store. The front wheel has a swivel joint in it, which I thought was a fun addition.
The cockpit has space for a figure, and the gun turret has a removable dome to allow for a gunner to sit back there. Unfortunately, the figure needs to rest on its knees in order for this to work, but it looks okay when its closed up.
Scale shots:
And some fun ones:
Side comparison with the Last Crusade Tank:
Let mw know what you think, and thanks for looking.
