My custom built 12” Eagles

[Nocoolname]

Hi folks

As part of my attempt to take up model making again a short while back I started a project that was based around customizing the AMT/MPC/Airfix Eagle with a mix of scratch-built and custom designed parts in resin and brass. For various reasons, I had to park that effort, but since re-starting a short while back it has taken a significant turn in development involving the replacement of many components with custom designed 3D printed parts. The main reason for this was the use of resin command modules which altered the proportions of the model to such an extent that most of the other parts needed to be resized. This meant that many of the previous parts were no longer viable so in a slight reversal of the original principles behind 3D printing, I used these parts to experiment on and scratch build raw prototypes which I then re-mastered through CAD and 3D printed. The end result of this is that there’s not much of the AMT kit remaining, just the main parts of the landing pods and the underside of the passenger pod, both heavily modified. The rest of the parts are a mixture of custom designed etch, supplemented by resin command modules and turned aluminium engine bells, thrusters and sensor dishes. The builds are finally complete in every sense but the final paint and decal job.

I have provided a “Primed” view of the two builds – first coat primed, with the custom etch (and aluminium parts) showing in all their glory. The Eagle Transporter is shown with the cages in place while the Nuclear Waste Carrier is shown without in order to better reveal the walkway detail. It’s almost sad that these parts will be covered up in the final paint job. Apologies for the wonkiness of some of the parts – this is a dry build so many are (precariously) held together with blu-tack – and some of the photos. The dry builds are meant to provide an impression of the overall builds.

The highlights are as follows: The landing gear, both main and on the pods, is fully working (the gear for the NWC pod is not shown). The pods connect to the spine through tiny but powerful neodymium magnets. Although had to see from the pictures, due to the lighting and the grey primer, the forward walkway, passenger pod and aft engine compartment are fully detailed. These will be picked out better during the final paint job. The exterior of the walkways are detailed in custom etch. The engine and thrusters are supplemented with three sizes of custom baffles. The main doors to the passenger pod slide aside and the doors to the walkways are all removable. Although steel pins have been used for the dry builds in some areas, all connecting components – brackets, hinges, spine, including the command module and engine assembly, will all be connected using tiny brass hex bolts, to support both movement and disassembly. Some of these can already be seen in place. These will be removed and returned post-paint and then trimmed to the right length.

If I were to sum up this project in one word I would probably choose ‘traumatic’. While I am very satisfied with the end result, the amount of effort, frustration, exhaustion and sheer expense that went into this venture, almost put me off from model making just as I was trying to get back into it. It is certainly not something I would do again in a hurry. Then again, these are my 3rd and 4th models since taking up the hobby again after a break of more than 25 years so maybe this was a little ambitious

To finish the Eagles (and their accompanying full-sized launch pad!) will require a quality paint job and this will necessitate re-learning my painting and airbrushing skills and acquiring a few new ones. To this end and to try and get into some ‘enjoyable’ model making again, I have started on a brace of Spitfires – my first Spitfires since the early 80’s – on which to practice. For the time being, the Eagles have been packed away (literally wrapped in cotton wool). When I return to the Eagles and complete their paintwork I’ll post the final pictures. Until then, I hope you enjoy the pictures of the Eagles in their primed state. Adieu!

[oileanach]

Beautiful- nothing else fits. Looking forward to the end result mate, thanks for sharing.

[Pete in Lincs]

No cool name.

But cool models.

Nice.

[Romeo Alpha Yankee]

Impressive scratch building there

[Nocoolname]

Cheers folks! Really appreciated! They were horrible builds and costly to boot with all of the experimentation around custom designed 3D prints and etch. I'm glad to have taken a break from them while I practice painting on the spitfires. Cheers for now!

[Anthony Kesterton]

Excellent Eagles! Very ambitious for your 3rd/4th models - can't wait to see what you do next.

I particularly like the interior doorways for some reason.

anthony

[Nocoolname]

Thanks Anthony

I'm currently working out my painting skills frustrations on a brace of Spitfires. Once I'm satisfied I can make a decent job of the paintwork I'll return to finish up the Eagles and their launch pad, though I might have a crack at my 1/72 Concorde before then. Cheers for now!

[Gimme Shelter]

how are the eagles coming along?