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AMT Eagle --- FINISHED PICS!

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  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Central Texas
Posted by NucMedTech on Sunday, May 29, 2016 11:22 PM

Doog, this is really great work you got going on here. Looking forward to the next step.

Most barriers to your successes are man made. And most often you are the man who made them. -Frank Tyger

  • Member since
    July 2010
Posted by roony on Saturday, May 28, 2016 12:48 PM

I've enjoyed watching the build.  We are probably getting a preview of an FSM article.  Looking forward to the finish.

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by knox on Saturday, May 28, 2016 8:14 AM

    I'll start with the absurd ( juvenile ).  You said "balls",  a lot. ( my inner Bevis and Butthead ).

   Now the sublime.  Gamera is dead on. You really are a master model builder.  This kit just isn"t that good, yet you're turning it into a museum piece.  I'm really enjoying the ride. Thank you.                                          gk

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2016
Posted by Xena on Friday, May 27, 2016 2:09 PM
Wow!! So much attention to detail! This is going to look so good when completed. Cant wait to see the next step :)
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Thursday, May 26, 2016 4:42 PM

Thanks, Bob and Chris! I appreciate you guys following along and taking the time to leave some encouragement and support! Big Smile

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, May 26, 2016 11:48 AM

Dang, that's why you're a master modeler Karl, you do all that scratchbuilding and detail work and I've been fumbling around for about six months on the cockpit of a single 1/32nd Zero... Embarrassed

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Thursday, May 26, 2016 9:56 AM
Wow! That's a lot of work but it really paid off. I'm going to have to order my own haul of super styrene.

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 10:13 PM

OK, big update here; I can't believe how quickly and relatively easily this went. (kettledrums...) The engines are plumbed! Big Smile

But first, I detailed the leg pod suspension things: Here's how I built them. The ParaGraphix set has parts for these, but they're mere suggestions, not really usable. I built them from:

Nothing elaborate; they look the part. I also put in the connecting tabs that connect the rail to the cages from .010x.040 strip with a .030 hex rod rivet on each.

And here's the completed legs/feet.

OK, now if you know anything about this kit, you know that the engines are really simplified to the point of being awful.

I think that the small engine "balls" are much too proud of the whole assembly; the real ones sit more "inside" of the engine circumference. Here I measure them to check....about 31.5 mms.

First things first: I cut the balls off the framework and filed the oversized rings around them. I attached the outside frame but did not attack the big nozzles yet...this will help give me better access to the work needing to be done.

Next, I replaced the rings with .010x.030 strip. When I build my next Eagle, I will wait until I have the balls mounted properly to perform this step. It will be easier to keep them straight.

This is really where the balls ought to be.

I used some old Panzer IV wheel parts to position the balls in their place, so that I could then measure their distance apart.

 A small spot of marker on top gave me a point which to measure...about 25mm.

OK, call the plumber....I started by attaching the four engine pods to the frame.

Next, I used some .080 styrene rod to add four strengthening rods inside. These are about 30.5mm long, each end has to be filed to a slant to glue flush...note the attachment points in following photos.

Next, I made one cylinder tube of 5/32 tube of 31.5mm and filed a groove to accept the mounting point on the upright post of the Eagle body.

And glued that in the very middle.

Rod placement #2. Four rod braces, 28mm each, straight back from these points. NOTE: I do not pretend that these are exact placements of measurements. They are what I could perceive to be the best possible representation from photo references within the excellent "Modelling the Eagle" publication.

Rods #3 were tight placements---they had to be chamfered at the edges to nestle up against the #1 rods already there. These rods go down along the center rod, basically enclosing it.

So here's how I managed to suspend/glue the balls. I had previosuly measured the distance that I liked them and made a template out of scrap stock--25.5mm. I vent the 1.5mm Raboesch Super Styrene into shape and slid the balls into them, but did not glue yet, as I have to wrangle that into the mess of tubes yet.

I tool one ball off, cocked the rod into the framework and then attached the other ball, gluing them. The "X" is where I would up securing the assembly to the engines. Only the rod is glued there. It tool some patient adjusting and re-adjusting to get the four balls square...

Drawing on photos in the aforementioned Eagle manual, I added the four random pipes coming off the back of the balls with Super Styrene.

The last two pieces were these horizontal pipes on the opposite sides of the engine pods...

An overview...

Looking at a screenshot from the show, I am pretty convinced that this is an accurate plumbing job for this particular Cargo Eagle. It doesn't have the encircling ring of later engine configurations and has those odd last four pipes coming off the rear of the balls.

Well, phew! That's it for tonight. I have to still put in the engine nozzle inserts, build the cargo pad and finish the passenger pod legs on the seperate pod display.

Thanks for looking in and all comments are welcomed!! Big Smile

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 9:08 PM

Gamera

Yeap, I'm with Bob here, neat work on the landing gear. And that Raboesch bendy styrene looks really useful. 

 

Yes, it's great! Wonderful for bending around the engines and for car engine wiring, etc. I actually placed an order the other day and am expecting a haul of it to come in.

In the meantime, I found a few pieces of it for the engine tubing that I needed so I have the engines finished. Here comes the update... :)

And thanks for following along. I really appreciate the support! Big Smile

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 9:06 PM

Bob, thanks, I honestly appreciate your comments. It's always nice to know that my work inspires people and so nice to actually get responses here. I appreciate your following along! New update coming right now! :)

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, May 23, 2016 7:27 AM

Yeap, I'm with Bob here, neat work on the landing gear. And that Raboesch bendy styrene looks really useful. 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Sunday, May 22, 2016 9:46 PM
I was wondering how you were going to do the feet with styrene and you did it pretty much how I thought you would. The PE is a really nice touch. That Raboesch super styrene rod looks really cool! When I saw how you used it on your other Eagle my mind started racing about all the different things I could do with something like that. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it works. Great work Karl.

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, May 22, 2016 6:31 PM

Here's the latest installment guys--making good progress here.

The installation of the legs presented a bit of a challenge: ParaGraphix does not include a "leg" per se and they suggest that you use different sizes of aluminum tubes, but I have NO experience with working with that, so I thought "well maybe brass", but then that brings up the problem of working with different adhesive complexities, so I figured that I would just try to make it work with styrene rod and tube.

After a special trip to the only local hobby store still around (thank god) I was able to size and settle on three sizes that worked well: .100 mm rod for the actual leg, and two different "nesting" sizes -- 5/32 (4mm) and 7/32 (5.5mm) tube, which, when fit inside each other, would not only provide strength and stability, but also allow me to find the right "ride height" for the Eagle before cementing them in.

 First I measured the inside race of the pod: 26mm.

Nest, I cut 4 pieces of each tubing and fit them into each other (below right in the photo). Note the brass PE parts which form the base of the leg pods. MAKE SURE you put them together first because those spider-legs have tiny tabs which fit into cutouts which would be impossible to get into if the flat brass pad is glued on first.

Make sure to position the pods as they will go on the model. I'm pretty sure they're all the same anyway, but the important thing is that the little tabs on the PE part face toward the rear of each pod.

Next, I placed two of the 26mm nested tubes over the hole of the PE base and used a random length .100mm rod to locate it accurately in the dead-center. This is NOT GLUED at this point!!!

Hold the tubes carefully in place and glue them onto the inside of the brass base.

Now, to help make a dead-solid, strong tube column for the leg to fit into, I glued a small square of .010 plastic onto the inside-top of the leg pod. This is slightly uneven here, so this small piece helps to make a firm bond to the tube tops. Also, it provides a small degree of "interference fit" which adds strength to the whole assembly when you join the halves.

I add Testor's glue to the top of the tube and the square and sides of the pods, and join them together with some pressure for a minute or two. The glue on the top of the tube will "sink" into the soft styrene square and really set up with immoveable solidness.

After allowing to dry for an hour or so, I went back and kept reducing a four pieces of .100mm rod until I settled on a height of 29mm rod which fit into the tubes extending into the pod. This gave me the "ride height" that I liked. (The 29mm measurement is just my note to measure each pod point to ensure even height after they all dried--this point is the line of the top of the side-thrusters panel where the black maltese cross decal will go)

You'll also notice the feet, modifed with PE. This involves the normal procedure of removing the molded-on details and sustituting the PE parts.

Here's where the Eagle stands now.

I remind you that I'm building the cargo version of the Eagle here, but it seems a waste to not build the passenger pod as well, given the nice PE endcaps in the ParaGraphix set.

I'm going to display the pod next to this Eagle. In order to do that, I had to eliminate the molded-in legs for the pod and fashion new ones.

On this piece, I did use brass rods onto which small pieces of tube were slipped to simulate the hydraulics. I secured the brass inside the pod by building up some bulk styrene and drilling through it, making for a tight fit, but then also using epoxy to make sure the legs didn't slip and cause it to sit unevenly.

The feet are easy enough to make. I used .040 x .188 styrene strip with .010x.040 strips running broadly on them for the detail.

That's it for now. I'm probably going to tackle the engines next. And--EXCITING NEWS!!--I actually found a distributor for Raboesch Super Styrene rod, which is bendable styrene rod which is absolutely invaluable for fashioning the twisty engine plumbing. I used it on my previous Eagle, and it was just the thing to make the engines look more accurate. Here's a pic of the former engines before painting:

I'm waiting on the arrival of a shipment from Germany, and I also am looking into placing an order with the company itself which is in Holland. I will post detailss when I find out that latter, as the German company claims that it is no longer to be receiving shipments of this product very soon. Stay tuned! Comments appreciated and welcomed! Smile

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: California
Posted by SprueOne on Sunday, May 22, 2016 11:10 AM

the doog

Another update!

When we last left off, I was trying to figure out how to attach the CM to the body; I hit on this idea. I know that I needed a squarish cylinder to mimic the airlock corridor. So I came up with this: four pieces of 6mm tube, glued together and wrapped in a piece of .010x.250 strip which was then pared down to become the "wall" of the cylinder.

I check it for sizing...

I glued it to the CM...

That's it for now. I have to run to the Hobby Store tomorrow for some sprue. Thanks for looking in and commenting, guys! :)

 

 
Thanks for sharing that solution Idea Yes

Anyone with a good car don't need to be justified - Hazel Motes

 

Iron Rails 2015 by Wayne Cassell Weekend Madness sprueone

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, May 22, 2016 9:53 AM

NucMedTech

Karl, great work going on here and I am loving all the extra detail! Thanks for all the detailed photos too, it helps us less imaginative people get some ideas and see how things are accomplished.

- Stephen

 

STephen, thanks for looking in and following along. I'm happy to share the information! :)

knox

It just continues to get better. This is fun. Thanks for posting.            gk

 

You too, knox! Thanks for looking in; trust me, I'm having as much fun building it as you are watching! :)

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by knox on Saturday, May 21, 2016 4:30 PM

It just continues to get better. This is fun. Thanks for posting.            gk

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Central Texas
Posted by NucMedTech on Saturday, May 21, 2016 5:59 AM

Karl, great work going on here and I am loving all the extra detail! Thanks for all the detailed photos too, it helps us less imaginative people get some ideas and see how things are accomplished.

- Stephen

Most barriers to your successes are man made. And most often you are the man who made them. -Frank Tyger

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Friday, May 20, 2016 5:35 PM

Bish

Some impresive work there Karl.

One of the guys in the model club brought in the MPC 1/48th kit last month, that really brought back some memories. I used to love the series, those were the days when us Brits made proper telly, and had a metal (Dinky i am guessing) eagle which had a button on top which when pressed released the pod. I might have to get myself one of these, i am guessing your kit is closer to 72nd scale.

 

Thanks so much, Bish! Yes, I believe these are referred to as the "1/72" Eagles. They're pretty rough, honestly, but can be made into decent representations. They used to command silly prices on eBay before MPC re-released them. The new ones come with much more complete decals and some fancy card stock printouts of Alan Carter the pilot.

The Round 2 1/48 kit is KILLER! I have one, and am getting the lighting kit for it and have a pod interior for it already. Not sure if I'll be able to do both of those things in one Eagle, so I may have to spring for another one. Big Smile

I also picked up a complete Mattel Eagle toy, and am currently refurbishing that too. Got bit by a Space 1999 bug I guess.... Surprise

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Friday, May 20, 2016 5:27 PM

CapnMac82
After all that --quite excellent--work, did you have a moment where you went, "Dang, I should have made some casting moulds" moments? After all, you're on a roll now--you'll want to update the older ones soon enough as is :)
 

Thanks, Mac! Big Smile No, I don't do casting. Just too much to get into and I really don't have the work space to do something quite so involved. But it certainly would make things easier, but I don't mind working like this. I DO plan to do several more Eagles just like this---a cargo pod one, one with one of the gliders, a "regular" one...lots of fun!!!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, May 20, 2016 4:01 PM

Some impresive work there Karl.

One of the guys in the model club brought in the MPC 1/48th kit last month, that really brought back some memories. I used to love the series, those were the days when us Brits made proper telly, and had a metal (Dinky i am guessing) eagle which had a button on top which when pressed released the pod. I might have to get myself one of these, i am guessing your kit is closer to 72nd scale.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Thursday, May 19, 2016 9:32 PM
After all that --quite excellent--work, did you have a moment where you went, "Dang, I should have made some casting moulds" moments? After all, you're on a roll now--you'll want to update the older ones soon enough as is :)
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Thursday, May 19, 2016 6:46 PM

Another update!

When we last left off, I was trying to figure out how to attach the CM to the body; I hit on this idea. I know that I needed a squarish cylinder to mimic the airlock corridor. So I came up with this: four pieces of 6mm tube, glued together and wrapped in a piece of .010x.250 strip which was then pared down to become the "wall" of the cylinder.

I check it for sizing...

I glued it to the CM...

And then attached it.

Next I constructed better attachment points from strip and sprue.

Here's the next part. I have to really think this through. The instructions for the PE set tell you to use aluminum tube. I got brass, but it's a chore to cut it so I may use styrene. But then I'll have to reinforce it perhaps. The photo shows the brass pieces and the leg pods and feet modified to accept them. Lots of work still to do here...

That's it for now. I have to run to the Hobby Store tomorrow for some sprue. Thanks for looking in and commenting, guys! :)

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Thursday, May 19, 2016 6:27 PM

Xena

Big Smile another masterpiece in production.  Well done, Karl!!

 

Thank you, Xena! It's much appreciated!

 

Thanks too, SilentBob!!!!

  • Member since
    May 2016
Posted by Xena on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 1:28 PM

Big Smile another masterpiece in production.  Well done, Karl!!

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: Michigan
Posted by silentbob33 on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 7:58 AM
Very cool with all the greeblies and use of panzer parts and German helmets. That's why I love my spare parts boxes

On my bench: Academy 1/35 UH-60L Black Hawk

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 9:57 PM

Cobra 427

Impressive, most impressive! Oh, wrong movie.

Anyway....

This is BIG work for a tiny model! you'd think that the smaller the model the easier - right? WRONG!! This is why I don't build them anymore.  The greeblies for the inside are cool, and very creative. It takes a lot of imagination to bring these things to life, but very little materials, and tools to do it with. However, it takes a lot of work to get them to where you want them to be. I love to photo etch, and the details. I usually just punch a hole with my X-Acto blade where I need to remove excess plastic. Then I scrape it until I get to the edge. I know this isn't a help to since you already know how to do this. It's still very cool to see this, and the progress that you've made to it including the German "*** stomper" helmets that you've RECYCLED as a greeblie for the interior.

*** *** *** - how is K R A U T a dirty word? The stupid language filter deleted it!

 

~ Cobra Chris

 

Thanks Chris! I'm sorry to hear that you don't make models any more. This one is a fun project; I actually forgot how fun it is to actually work on something that NEEDS improvement---so many of today's kits are "shake n bake" easy. Thank for your king words and for following along!

Gamera

Super cool Karl, nice work with the greebies and the German helmets there!

 

Thanks too, Cliff! Much appreciated, and thanks for following along! :)

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 7:10 PM

Super cool Karl, nice work with the greebies and the German helmets there!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
Posted by Cobra 427 on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 3:50 PM

Impressive, most impressive! Oh, wrong movie.

Anyway....

This is BIG work for a tiny model! you'd think that the smaller the model the easier - right? WRONG!! This is why I don't build them anymore.  The greeblies for the inside are cool, and very creative. It takes a lot of imagination to bring these things to life, but very little materials, and tools to do it with. However, it takes a lot of work to get them to where you want them to be. I love to photo etch, and the details. I usually just punch a hole with my X-Acto blade where I need to remove excess plastic. Then I scrape it until I get to the edge. I know this isn't a help to since you already know how to do this. It's still very cool to see this, and the progress that you've made to it including the German "*** stomper" helmets that you've RECYCLED as a greeblie for the interior.

*** *** *** - how is K R A U T a dirty word? The stupid language filter deleted it!

 

~ Cobra Chris

Maybe a picture of a squirrel playing a harmonica will make you feel better?

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 11:04 AM

Thanks guys! I appreciate you following along!

I have another update...

The next step was to detail the tops of the corridors. I assembled a likely pile of old parts culled from a lot of extra DML and other sprues.

I used some Panzer IV bogey caps and some styrene rod to make a representation of the fuel lines inside the cages. It's important to note that what I'm going for here is a mere representation of details, not "accurate" necessarily down to the rivets, but just something to busy-up the interiors.

I think used an assortment of likely-looking parts to simulate shapes on the sides.

 For the tops, 1/35 scale German helmets were sanded down to create the half-spheres on the top of the roofs after the corridors were glued in.

The results.

Still left to do---join the CM to the cage. That should be next update...

Thanks for looking in, all!! Big Smile

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by knox on Sunday, May 15, 2016 9:56 PM

Who needs tv when stuff like this is going on. Really nice work. 

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