arnobiz 132 Posted August 17 Share Posted August 17 Hello all! Being quite frustrated with the absence of any intake trunking in Revell's 1/48 Rafale kit and the price/level of detail of available options I decided to make my own using 3D printing. The objective is to capture the internal auxiliary intake and to make it easy to build as I have quite a few Rafales in the stash The real thing looks like this: 3D printed parts dry fitted into Revell's intakes: Blended with Tamiya Putty: I basically have two questions for the community: 1/ Would there be interest for this upgrade (i.e., should I setup for my own limited consumption or I should go a bit bigger)? 2/ Would you prefer to have the 3D printed parts and assemble them yourself or have the entire intake cast together as a drop-in part? I would estimate the 3D-printed part price around €15, the drop-in intake around €25 Thanks a ton for your inputs, it's the first time I take such a bold step in modelling! Best, Arnaud 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Nigel Bunker 606 Posted August 17 Share Posted August 17 Hello Arnaud I can't see your 3D printed part pictures, only the first picture of the Rafale inlet is visible. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 17 Author Share Posted August 17 Thanks Nigel for letting me know, I'll fix this asap. It seems Google Photos won't let me hotlink pictures... Arnaud Link to post Share on other sites
exdraken 8,976 Posted August 18 Share Posted August 18 Photos still missing... Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 It should be fixed now, can anyone confirm? Thank you! Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
exdraken 8,976 Posted August 19 Share Posted August 19 yeah, photos are visible now! the first one looks good to me, the second one I am not sure what I am seeing... looks like a blend of Tamiya putty and kit kit part and your intake interior... maybe some better photos would help! thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 Thanks for the update and feedback. Yes indeed the second picture is not so clear, I'm working on this Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 Did a small test as I did not quite like the way the RAM cam out in the 3D printer (Left). I cut it in vynil with my Silhouette plotter (Right), much sharper Full size intakes are now printing, stay posted! Arnaud 2 Link to post Share on other sites
exdraken 8,976 Posted August 19 Share Posted August 19 I like them a lot! the vinyl one has harder edges! Can't wait to use them Link to post Share on other sites
Whitewolf 129 Posted August 20 Share Posted August 20 The full intake as a drop in part would more preferable. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 21 Author Share Posted August 21 Good news: design is now finalized, printed and assembled. Plan for the week end: Complete the master Make the molds Cast a first test I'll post pictures of the process as I go, stay posted! Arnaud 2 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 22 Author Share Posted August 22 Getting there on the prototype, what do you think? Cheers, Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Geronimo 4 Posted August 22 Share Posted August 22 Hello, It looks very good, Like Whitewolf "The full intake as a drop in part would more preferable." I would like to have one set. Have a good day Geronimo 1 Link to post Share on other sites
exdraken 8,976 Posted August 22 Share Posted August 22 I like it a lot!! Great photos now as well! Love the auxiliar intake ducts Hope your casts turn out good! How are you dealing with resin shrinkage? Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 22 Author Share Posted August 22 Thanks for your kind words guys, very much appreciated I'm glad you like it. @Exdraken: I use low shrinkage resin but I'll test the fit of the cast part don't worry On a side note it seems my Samsung phone is much better at taking close-up pictures than the iPhone! Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted August 23 Author Share Posted August 23 first compressor stage done 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Whitewolf 129 Posted August 23 Share Posted August 23 That is looking very nice indeed! Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted September 1 Author Share Posted September 1 First mold done and looking good, however as exdraken mentionned resin shrinkage is an issue considering the 3D fit required, I'm working on options now Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted September 2 Author Share Posted September 2 Success!! Adding some filler did the trick and fit is now perfect - I'll post pictures later today. I also ordered more RTV silicone so I can do the final mold for both sides Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted September 2 Author Share Posted September 2 There we are, this is only a dry fit check. I did not prime the part so engraving is not visible, I actually corrected the shape at the seam between the two original intake parts, which was very square while the real transition is very smooth re-engraved a couple of existing panels at the seam between the two original parts Engraved and riveted a panel on the left intake above the SPECTRA sensor which is missing from the kit part I can't wait for the new stock of RTV to arrive now to finally finish this project Cheers, Arnaud 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Vlamgat9 228 Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 Awesome! I am in for two sets! Link to post Share on other sites
Sundowner14 155 Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 I’d take 2 sets too! Link to post Share on other sites
salomon 70 Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 I use to get 3 minimum for the C,B and M version of the Rafale. Link to post Share on other sites
exdraken 8,976 Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 looks promising! Link to post Share on other sites
arnobiz 132 Posted September 3 Author Share Posted September 3 Thanks guys, your support is very appreciated. RTV should arrive today so I am aiming for a first definitive cast this week end and an "official" release by mid September. Arnaud 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now