Legendary Blackbird - Part 0: Genesis... (3D Printing)

[Serkan Sen]

23 hours ago, The Podfather said:

I'd be interested in your opinion on the new Elegoo printers - I've been thinking recently whether to dip a toe into the dark world of 3D printing myself.

Actually I was very happy with Mars3 Pro but only reason having a new Mars 4 Ultra was having a higher resolution (18 micron instead of 35 micron).  I can strongly recommend Mars 4 (preferably Ultra) if you don't need larger print volume, otherwise Saturn 3 Ultra. There is no much difference in price but occupied size. The new Saturn 4 Ultra has been announced recently, but personally I wouldn't go with this because it has a new tilting vat mechanism that increases the risk of potential mechanical failure.

[Serkan Sen]

Last few weeks I was working on engine bay inner details. Unfortunately there is no enough detailed photos which is showing some specific areas but I have found two photos which are showing both inner wing side (fixed half) and outer wing half (movable part) details relatively good. I have started with the outer wing side. The engine bay split requires the split of nozzle assembly models. Here are the images of evolution of outer wing half detailing (from left top to right bottom):

 

Adding all these frame and stringers required the updating the outer panel line positions which improved the outer view as well. I must admit that the new outer wing model looks very beautiful than before. But printing this part will be very challenging. We will see weather it can be achievable or not very soon.

 

Serkan

 

[The Podfather]

On 17/04/2024 at 11:41, Serkan Sen said:

Actually I was very happy with Mars3 Pro but only reason having a new Mars 4 Ultra was having a higher resolution (18 micron instead of 35 micron).  I can strongly recommend Mars 4 (preferably Ultra) if you don't need larger print volume, otherwise Saturn 3 Ultra. There is no much difference in price but occupied size. The new Saturn 4 Ultra has been announced recently, but personally I wouldn't go with this because it has a new tilting vat mechanism that increases the risk of potential mechanical failure.

Thanks Serkan - good to hear the opinion of someone that clearly has a lot of experience with these machines 👍

[Serkan Sen]

Finally two weeks ago the old heating system was replaced with the new high-tec one. Here are few pictures of the replacement process:

 

The new system is not only much more efficient but also significantly compact which lets more space for my 3D printing equipment. I got a 110x60 cm countertop from local DIY store and I used two idle drawers left from kitchen renovation to create a new work area (Mars 4 Ultra is still unboxed):

 

To test the performance of new Saturn 3 Ultra "heavy weight" printer I submitted the Oxcart parts in 1:48 scale:

 

The new Ultra series have many improvements compared to standard ones such as Linux operating system, full metal case, WiFi connection and large display with glass surface. The new high resolution display shows all settings defined in slicing software and let the user to change most of them in printer without editing in slicer:

 

What I learnt from this test print is: " when a large print job is submitted to printer, check the amount of resin in the vat to ensure that there is still enough resin in it".

 

I refilled the vat during the print job but it was too late to recover it.

 

But still the printed parts can be used to compare the size and shape of the model in 1:48 scale. Here is the comparison of printed model versus Italeri/Testors conversion :

 

Next step is to print all parts in 1:48 scale and check the result.

 

Serkan

 

[Serkan Sen]

In the supply cabinet I found full black and white standard resin bottles whose shelf life expired two years ago. I decided to go with the black one to print all missing parts. It was a bit risk to use this old resin but the result looks very good:

 

The overall model length will be longer than 65cm. Next step is to update the decal artwork and add the missing instructions to compete the set.

 

Serkan

 

[Serkan Sen]

I finished the decal artwork including cutting line paths (blue lines around labels and markings). Here are the decal sheets to be printed:

 

Using my Alps MD-5500 I printed the decals onto blue backed decal sheets using multi pass spot color printing method:

 

And finally printed decal sheets were sent to Silhouette Cutter to precut each marking from entire carrier film:

 

Now the decals both in 1:72 and 1:48 scales are ready to use:

 

Next step is to create the instruction sheets.

 

Serkan

 

[PeteH1969]

WOW

[Parabat]

Seriously impressive endeavour... this is going to be good.

[billn53]

I am so jealous of your decal-making equipment! So many times I’ve been frustrated that I don’t have an ALPS printer. Must be nice 😉

[The Podfather]

23 hours ago, Serkan Sen said:

I finished the decal artwork including cutting line paths (blue lines around labels and markings). Here are the decal sheets to be printed:

 

Using my Alps MD-5500 I printed the decals onto blue backed decal sheets using multi pass spot color printing method:

 

And finally printed decal sheets were sent to Silhouette Cutter to precut each marking from entire carrier film:

 

Now the decals both in 1:72 and 1:48 scales are ready to use:

 

Next step is to create the instruction sheets.

 

Serkan

 

Nice looking decals Serkan. I could do with some of these if you are putting them up for sale😀. I’ve just been fitting the Revell ones to my SR71, and they were not the best.

Keep up the good work. 👍

[Serkan Sen]

On 5/25/2024 at 9:39 AM, PeteH1969 said:

WOW

 

On 5/25/2024 at 1:01 PM, Parabat said:

Seriously impressive endeavour... this is going to be good.

 

On 4/17/2024 at 11:34 AM, IPMS19 said:

- What a tremendous job,! I have to say that it is very difficult for me to understand something of the computerised process, but nevertheless this work must ne very rewarding once finished.........

 

 

Many thanks gentlemen, I am doing my best to bring all these projects to the happy end and apparently I am very close to that.

 

On 5/26/2024 at 5:54 AM, billn53 said:

I am so jealous of your decal-making equipment! So many times I’ve been frustrated that I don’t have an ALPS printer. Must be nice 😉

Absolutely Bill. I was one of the last lucky guys to get this printer direct from Japan. It cost me a little bit, including shipping and customs fees, but it was worth every penny.

 

On 5/26/2024 at 9:26 AM, The Podfather said:

Nice looking decals Serkan. I could do with some of these if you are putting them up for sale😀. I’ve just been fitting the Revell ones to my SR71, and they were not the best.

Keep up the good work. 👍

Many thanks C. If you are interested in please send me a PM.

 

Ok, after spending couple of weeks to finish AG-330 now I am back to Oxcart/Blackbird modelling... Before adding improvements on SR-71A model let me present 1:48 AG-330 starter cart beneath Revell Blackbird intake:

 

Although the rear fuselage and nose cone details of Blackbird was done before, the front fuselage panel lines were missing. Now all these panels as well as the sensors, cameras and louvers have been added to model:

 

 

The next step is to add canopies and the wind shield.

 

Serkan

[Serkan Sen]

I have started another Blackbird project (in 1:32 scale) here:

I will do my best to finish (at least) this one 😁.

Serkan

[Serkan Sen]

Hi all,

I am back in modelling work. Parallel to my other ongoing projects (especially 1:32 YF-12A) I did some progress on modelling very special SR-71A, #61-7959 Big Tail. Here is the initial model of the long tail shape:

 

Here are the printed standard and Big Tail cones:

 

I have  also Big Tail Hasegawa kit in my stash.  Here is the casted Hasegawa tail versus the modelled one:

 

There are significant differences between the 3d model and Hasegawa tails. Although few areas still have to be improved, I am very satisfied with my own model.

Serkan

 

[Gondor44]

I had never heard of the Big Tail version until I read your post Serkan. The things you learn on here.

 

Gondor

[Serkan Sen]

17 hours ago, Gondor44 said:

I had never heard of the Big Tail version until I read your post Serkan. The things you learn on here.

 

Gondor

Thanks Gondor. I copied this text from AFMC Web site:

"In 1974, the Air Force identified a requirement for aft facing ECM requirement on the SR-71. Several proposals examined by the Air Force included conformal packages, belly pods as well as an extended tail fairing. After researching all the possibilities, the extended tail appeared to be the most viable option based on lowest cost, added volume and least aerodynamic drag. The new “Big Tail” assembly is 13-feet, 9-inches long and weighs 1,273 lbs. with 49 cubic feet of space to carry 864 lbs. of payload. The primary payload consisted of aft facing ECM as well as the 24-inch Optical Bar Camera. The new assembly needed to articulate 8.5 degrees up and down to clear the runway during take-off and landing."

 

Full article can be found here:

https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3007014/flashback-lockheed-sr-71a-blackbird/

 

After several attempts finally the tail model is complete. The newest to oldest are left to right:

 

Next step will be adding forward cockpit details.

 

Serkan

 

 

[Mark Turk]

Amazing work Serkan both in your research on the subject and the 3D renderings.  
 

Mark

[Serkan Sen]

Hello everyone,

It’s been a little while since I last posted, but I’m back with an update on my ongoing (or you might call it "never-ending") project, now with the addition of the SR-1 Ejection Seat, which was used in the SR-71 Blackbird. I’ve been diving into the finer details of the seat, and I wanted to share my progress on building the basic seat frame.

 

The first step in the modeling process was creating the basic frame, rails, and headrest. Once these components were in place, I proceeded to add the survival kit, seat base, and pull handle. Throughout this process, I’ve focused on achieving the correct proportions and geometry based on available reference photos of the seat found online.

 

 

Next, I’ll be working on the harnesses, routings, and the rest of the details.

 

Serkan

 

 

[Serkan Sen]

I completed the SR-1 ejection seat modelling. The seat harnesses, routings and many other tiny details were added to model:

 

 Next step is to perform a test print.

Serkan

[Serkan Sen]

Here are few more images that show three view and some close shots:

 

Serkan

[Serkan Sen]

Here are few photos of printed SR-1 ejection seat:

 

In overall the printed seat looks really good. Now I can finish the detailing of SR-71A front and rear cockpits.

 

Serkan

[Hazelhorn]

Very exciting to see!

 

This project has been so fun to follow (and benefit from, with the printed parts I incorporated into my A-12 build). I'm trying to keep track of everything you've modeled so far, but there's so much across several threads!

 

If you have been tracking it, would you be able to post a summary? Which aircraft and components, and maybe what you are considering for the future? If not, no worries, I might try to compile it myself!

[Serkan Sen]

11 hours ago, Hazelhorn said:

Very exciting to see!

 

This project has been so fun to follow (and benefit from, with the printed parts I incorporated into my A-12 build). I'm trying to keep track of everything you've modeled so far, but there's so much across several threads!

 

If you have been tracking it, would you be able to post a summary? Which aircraft and components, and maybe what you are considering for the future? If not, no worries, I might try to compile it myself!

I am using this thread for all 3d Oxcart/Blackbird modelling related posts only. Up to now A-12 prototype and serial, TA-12, M-21 (including D-21) and YF-12A models have been 100% completed. SR-71A modelling also almost finished (including SR-1 ejection seat, but cockpit detailing is ongoing). To complete entire family I will add SR-71B/C later.

Serkan

[David H]

I continue to be amazed.

[Sirius90]

Hi. Great detailed work of the legendary aircraft. Perhaps these reference photos might be of use to you. Taken at the Legends of Flight museum at Dallas Love Field airport. The J-58. 

[Screech]

On 11/19/2024 at 8:15 AM, Serkan Sen said:

Here are few photos of printed SR-1 ejection seat:

 

In overall the printed seat looks really good. Now I can finish the detailing of SR-71A front and rear cockpits.

 

Serkan

 

 

Serkan, sign me up right now for this kit!   PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!