As some of you know, I have been trying a new method of scratching my own custom parts, which involves drawing them on the computer in a 3D-CAD program. While it wasn’t the easiest method, the results were far superior to hand-whittling plastic. And it will get easier as my understanding of the software increases. The project has now been brought full circle, from planning to completed resin castings. Here are a few photos:
Again, these parts are for the 1:48 scale Academy/Hobbycraft Polikarpov I-16 kit. I know Eduard makes a fine I-16 kit (I built one), but I have three of these Academy kits in my closet (I’ll bet you do, too!), and didn’t want them to simply fade away into obsolescence! it was a nice platform for experimentation.
There are more photos of the final parts posted on my website.
Looks like all of your hard work paid off, Mark! The quality of the castings looks superb, and I am particularly impressed with the instrument faces. Very cool! [tup]
Are you going to attempt any PE, like for instance harnesses, buckles, etc.?
The parts look great. Question for those that aren’t familiar with the process. I understand drawing the parts in CAD…I understand casting parts in resin.
How exactly did you create the tangible masters from the drawings to get the finished pieces?
I had considered getting into P.E., but gosh, I dunno. That involves nasty chemicals. And I myself rarely have the patience to even use P.E. in my builds, anyway! But I’ll just say “possibly”, because I might feel different about it next week!
Thank you Dave. The masters were produced with stereo lithography, or “rapid prototyping”. Basically, the digital files were output to a printer which prints in 3D. It builds up layers of a plastic-like material until you have a physical part, which can then be used for a mold-making master. You can see more about 3-D output at www.printapart.com and www.finelineprototyping.com.
Fantastic …[tup][tup] I also have 6 or 7 or 9 … nevermind of those old Polik’s myself…How long before you cast some extra sets to share …[8)] (I was going for the Bambi eye look) Cant wait to see your in ` progress shots of your build now…
I commend you for breaking the Tech Barrier to do this for yourself… And here I sit still trying to figure out all the options on my Printer [D)]
Outstanding work Mark! You continue to set the bar higher for all of us, and I applaud you for that. [bow]
On a side note, where is the best place to purchase your book? I would like to order a copy of it. From what I have heard, it is a must for the serious hobbyist. [tup]
Oh Frank, you’re too kind, my friend. I am but a humble pilgrim, searching for answers to life’s most significant modeling mysteries! (sitar music playing in the background) And if anyone here can utilize my methods to shine even brighter, then all the better.
