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De Havilland Chipmunk - 1/48


wellsprop

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So after a marathon 26 hour print, the prototype main aircraft is complete!

 

The slicing software predicted 21 hours, but in reality it went significantly over... I'm not too worried though as the print quality was very good (printed everything vertically at highest resolution and anti-aliasing) and the remaining parts take less than 5 hours to print. Only some very minor amendments are needed, I'm increasing the height/depth of some of the detail parts to make them stand out more and adding a couple of extra supports.

 

IMGP0921

 

The cockpit, prop and undercarriage are all printing now, so this will be complete this evening (minus vacformed canopy) :)

 

Ben

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Here's the prototype!

 

A very, very quick build, just to double check that there for assembly issues - the good news is, there are none :D 

 

1/48 De Havilland Canada Chipmunk CAD & 3D Print - First Prototype

 

1/48 De Havilland Canada Chipmunk CAD & 3D Print - First Prototype

 

1/48 De Havilland Canada Chipmunk CAD & 3D Print - First Prototype

 

The front panel slipped and I didn't notice (oops)

1/48 De Havilland Canada Chipmunk CAD & 3D Print - First Prototype

 

I still need to get round to sorting out a vacform machine.

 

Ben

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11 hours ago, Simon Cornes said:

Just one thing, you know that the rear cockpit canopy side panels are bulged outwards? Just thought I'd mention its in case you need to adjust your print?

Hi Simon,

 

Thanks, I was aware of this, I haven't yet completed the model of the canopy, I intend to add the bulges before I print it and figure out how to make some sort of vacform machine!

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This may be of some use:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAC-Vacuum-Forming-machine-220volts-Vacuum-Former-for-all-thermoplastic-102510/173440202187?hash=item2861d775cb:g:txsAAOSwIh1edLe2

 

Possibly a tad on the pricey side and that's before postage, HMRC's extortion and the Royal Mail's protection monies too.

Edited by The Wooksta!
Joyless grammar nazism
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7 minutes ago, The Wooksta! said:

This may be of some use:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAC-Vacuum-Forming-machine-220volts-Vacuum-Former-for-all-thermoplastic-102510/173440202187?hash=item2861d775cb:g:txsAAOSwIh1edLe2

 

Possibly a tad on the pricey side and that's before postage, HMRC's extortion and the Royal Mail's protection monies too.

 

Just a bit expensive unfortunately! So far, I've created a box with a mesh top and glue gunned an old vacuum cleaner attachment to the side. I need to work out a good way of securing the plastic and forming an airtight seal.

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That looks like a stunning print. A date with a tamiya panel scriber and Rosie the Riveting Tool and you'll have a fantastic model. I always think of 3D printed models as more of a carcass that needs some love but you're going a long way to prove me wrong! 

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19 hours ago, Lewis95 said:

That looks like a stunning print. A date with a tamiya panel scriber and Rosie the Riveting Tool and you'll have a fantastic model. I always think of 3D printed models as more of a carcass that needs some love but you're going a long way to prove me wrong! 

Thanks, I'm really pleased with it!

 

I'm going to add some panel lines to the wings and fuselage, they do look a bit sparse, I'll do something like this 

 

I can't really do the raised fabric detail unfortunately (not with huge amounts of work).

 

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I’m fascinated by this; I know nothing about 3D printing but what I do know is that I’d love a 1/48 Chipmunk; as mentioned above I used to fly them back in my ATC days and would love to build a model of one that I flew in. 
 

Assuming you decide to sell some, what do you think the cost might be?

 

A stunning job on a real character of an aircraft. 

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On 8/30/2020 at 12:09 PM, The Wooksta! said:

This may be of some use:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAC-Vacuum-Forming-machine-220volts-Vacuum-Former-for-all-thermoplastic-102510/173440202187?hash=item2861d775cb:g:txsAAOSwIh1edLe2

 

Possibly a tad on the pricey side and that's before postage, HMRC's extortion and the Royal Mail's protection monies too.

These are sold as Dental Vacuum forming machines perfect for small parts such as canopys, had one for a few years

 

UK seller

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dental-Molding-Former-Thermoforming-Vacuum-Forming-Material-Machine-220V-UK/223769090638

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Excellent-Quality-Forming-Machine-Equipmem/dp/B00ZTZNCRO

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Ok, so I've added a little more detail, panel lines to the fuselage and the wings. I'm happy that the detail on the wings is complete, not sure about the fuselage.

 

In reality the Chipmunk has no distinctive panel lines on the fuselage (having checked one out for myself at the Hatfeild museum :) ), however, the fuselage does look much too baren without any detail. No panel lines is too little detail, I don't want to have too much detail now.... I'm quite happy with this, what does Britmodeller think?

 

 

18

 

17

 

Ben

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I'd be interested in one or two.

 

A suggestion with regard to the canopy.  Why not just provide a 3d printed canopy that the purchaser could vacuform at home.  Would fit will with he I made this in my garage ethos of the project.

 

Jim

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That’s very good work. I have two Chipmunk kits already - Heritage and Aeroclub - so I don’t need anymore but, if you can vacform a canopy that would be better although it’s probably fiddly because of the bulged panels for the rear cockpit. I agree - no more panel lines. Sometimes ‘less’ is more! 

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On 8/20/2020 at 2:03 PM, Kushan_Farsight said:


I was surprised how this gentle trainer was used in some quite risky ways! Low level convoy escort and secret reconnaissance over Berlin. pretty cool! 
 

 

On 8/20/2020 at 9:51 PM, wellsprop said:

 

I've always wanted to do this scheme, don't know what to do for this kit.... Fantastic history though!

 

 

I suggest you both may be interested in this fascinating little volume:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Looking-Down-Corridors-Espionage-1945-1990/dp/0750955775

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With regards to the canopy, have you considered clear resin printing?

I have been experimenting with this. Of course the clarity is not vacform standard, but I am making progress getting an acceptable standard. Printed on .02mm layers, with anti aliasing maxed, the layers are very fine, and after that the part can be painted with more clear resin and put under a uv nail lamp to all but obliterate the lines. Laminating with CA and if course dipping in clear also improves shine and clarity. 

 

Sounds a faff, but unless you have a proper machine vac forming can be too!

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51 minutes ago, Bangseat said:

With regards to the canopy, have you considered clear resin printing?

I have been experimenting with this. Of course the clarity is not vacform standard, but I am making progress getting an acceptable standard. Printed on .02mm layers, with anti aliasing maxed, the layers are very fine, and after that the part can be painted with more clear resin and put under a uv nail lamp to all but obliterate the lines. Laminating with CA and if course dipping in clear also improves shine and clarity. 

 

Sounds a faff, but unless you have a proper machine vac forming can be too!

 

I have thought about that, vacforming isn't an ideal option either. I haven't tried it with a canopy of this size and I'm unsure what the results will be.

 

The conventionally cast clear resin parts often need an amount of work done (pledge gloss) to get a satisfactory finish anyway.

 

My main hesitation with the clear resin is the upfront cost... Plunge molding a canopy using an oven is cheap (so is bodging my own vacforming machine).

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  • 1 month later...

Hi all,

 

A bit of an update, I've slightly modified the instrument panel to make the instruments recessed by 0.2mm, rather than protruding by 0.5mm, I think this give a more realistic look. I have also updated the seat to make it a bit more like the "bucket" style seat in the Chipmunk, let me know what you all think!

 

19

 

20

 

I'm just finishing the final few prints of my Fairey IIIF and then I'll be on to the Chipmunk! I have to first print the canopy to make a mold for a plunge formed canopy.

 

Ben

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Another quick update,

 

I've designed, and I am currently printing, this...

Vacuum Machine

 

It's vacuum forming box thing, measures about 50 x 100 mm. I've got a load of clear sheet on the way, which I will mount between two pieces of mdf - this sandwich will be put in the oven to heat the plastic before being placed over the holey box. The hole int he box is the right size for the vacuum cleaner I have, it might work...

 

I may have some canopies this weekend!

 

EDIT: This was a complete failure and refused to print -_-

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  • wellsprop changed the title to De Havilland Chipmunk - 1/48 1/32

What would definitely interest me would be a printed vacuform master for the Canadian blown canopy!  The other mods could be done by the modeler, but the canopy would be a huge plus!

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Canada_DHC-1_Chipmunk#/media/File:RCAF_Chipmunk_18041.jpg

 

https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9815673

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

I've had a go at vacuum forming a canopy, the third attempt (picture) has nearly got there! 

 

Im going to drill some more holes in the top and raise up the forming plug, hopefully the fourth attempt will be a success. 

 

IMG_20201116_192222

 

 

IMG_20201116_192144

 

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