Donald Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 Now that's what I'd call a model helicopter; I wish I had more room to build large scale models, less strain on the old eyes, too. I spotted my first Wildcat the other week when the Navy were exercising off the east coast: it looked as though it was heading for Leuchars or Dundee. I saw my fist Lynx back in the 70s at an air show at Northolt: it flew a perfect (and quite low) loop. Looking forwards to seeing this model complete. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted November 16, 2022 Author Share Posted November 16, 2022 17 hours ago, k5054nz said: Gorgeous work Mark! Thank You, it's nice to be making some real progress on this one now - still got plenty of rivets to do but they are getting fewer. Mark. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 16, 2023 Author Share Posted January 16, 2023 (edited) Hi All, Been quiet on this one for a bit but plenty of work going on. I've now completed the major riveting all over the aircraft (Hence why I have been quiet) I am now in the process of making some of the other fittings ready for final assembly of the whole Heli. All the following parts are scratch built from styrene sheet, No 3D printing involved here at all. First up is the underside of the heli all marked out for riveting and relevant panels in place. The rivets have been completed since this pic so I am now adding the other details. The Housing is for the retractable landing light unit which will be functional and will be with me shortly DSCF4386 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr I've also been working on the cargo hook and mounting, just need final details on this now before it can be fitted DSCF4424 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr And lastly construction of the cockpit seats, I've managed to source some drawings to work from to get the correct dimensions and have modified those to the exact seats as fitted in the Wildcat. Seat Number 1 is quite well advanced and Seat Number 2 is not far behind. Just final detailing, Seat Cushions, Head rests etc to add yet. DSCF4406 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4408 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4416 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4420 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4421 by Mark Stevens, o DSCF4423 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4422 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr When the Seats are done, they will aid in getting the correct dimensions for making and fitting the centre instrument console (The one I made earlier is not correct and was only a rough build) Mark Edited January 16, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 16, 2023 Author Share Posted January 16, 2023 Both seats now at the same stage, I can now work on the head rests / cushions and other small details. Seat Belts / Harnesses have been ordered and will be fitted in due course (I'm using 1/10th scale RC car belts) DSCF4425 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4426 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 24, 2023 Author Share Posted January 24, 2023 Now that the seats are about 98% done I am now able to work on the new centre console and get the proper height and width right in relation to the seats. Work is progressing DSCF4431 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4433 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 27, 2023 Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 Centre Console progressing nicely, Just a couple of small panels and some details left to go on - Worked out much quicker than I thought it would do considering it's still small, even at 1/10th scale. DSCF4448 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthemodeller Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 I’ve followed the thread with interest but there is something I think I have missed - is this a static model or do you intend to add the RC gear etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 28, 2023 Author Share Posted January 28, 2023 (edited) 20 hours ago, brianthemodeller said: I’ve followed the thread with interest but there is something I think I have missed - is this a static model or do you intend to add the RC gear etc? Brian, this will indeed be an RC model and is the only one in existence at the moment so it is nice to combine traditional model making skills all in one thread. I am working on getting all the fuselage etc built (Mostly done now apart from final assembly) Purely done this way as the cockpit fittings needed to be completed before I could start closing off the floor and running lighting cables underneath and to the back of the screen displays on the instrument consoles. Now that the major part of that has been done I can concentrate on the proper assembly of the whole Heli including all the mechanics which will go in last. The mechanics are basically an all in one module which encompasses all the servos, engine and all the main running gear - quite a tidy set up . If you are familiar with the Morley A109 or Huey, it is using the same mechanics as both of those Helis. Ps....It does say RC on the title of the thread Mark Edited January 28, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthemodeller Posted January 28, 2023 Share Posted January 28, 2023 2 hours ago, MDSCUSTOMS said: Brian, this will indeed be an RC model and is the only one in existence at the moment so it is nice to combine traditional model making skills all in one thread. I am working on getting all the fuselage etc built (Mostly done now apart from final assembly) Purely done this way as the cockpit fittings needed to be completed before I could start closing off the floor and running lighting cables underneath and to the back of the screen displays on the instrument consoles. Now that the major part of that has been done I can concentrate on the proper assembly of the whole Heli including all the mechanics which will go in last. The mechanics are basically an all in one module which encompasses all the servos, engine and all the main running gear - quite a tidy set up . If you are familiar with the Morley A109 or Huey, it is using the same mechanics as both of those Helis. Ps....It does say RC on the title of the thread Mark Thanks Mark. I had seen the title but I have never seen this level of detail in an RC model which was what confused me! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k5054nz Posted January 29, 2023 Share Posted January 29, 2023 (edited) On 1/28/2023 at 8:39 PM, brianthemodeller said: I have never seen this level of detail in an RC model which was what confused me! Mark's not alone - brace yourself before clicking this link to a build thread of an RC 1/7 Alouette III RC on LSP. Edited January 29, 2023 by k5054nz 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted January 30, 2023 Author Share Posted January 30, 2023 (edited) On 1/28/2023 at 7:39 AM, brianthemodeller said: Thanks Mark. I had seen the title but I have never seen this level of detail in an RC model which was what confused me! No Problem Brian. I have been into RC Helis for 40 yrs now and Scale was always the dream. I am retired now so I have the time to pursue it. There are many superbly detailed Helis out there (The one on the link the Zac has posted is another level and totally awesome) Although my stuff is still built in the old school way, 3D printing has definitely opened up the scale side on a lot of RC Helis in a big way ( & traditional static models) There are many superb detailed and very realistic looking parts you can buy (although expensive) or if you have the skills with CAD and a printer, You can design & make them yourself. The level of detailing that can be achieved is mind blowing. I have yet to learn CAD (Hence why I still do my stuff the old school way) Once I do, I will get a 3D printer and will be making my own parts on that. For now, I have a good stock of styrene plastic as well as other materials and 2 Vac Formers. I can make most parts fairly quickly and in less time than it takes to design them in CAD and actually print them. Thankfully the internet is a wonderful resource for photos, drawings etc and that is how I usually start a project by doing all the research first and building up a nice little folder with all the relevant docs, photos etc. Having contacts who work with the real Helicopter is also very useful. Although my model is RC, I hope the build pics come in useful for anyone doing scratch builds / conversions of static models seeing as I am using the same techniques, just at a larger scale. Mark Edited January 30, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthemodeller Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 10 hours ago, k5054nz said: Mark's not alone - brace yourself before clicking this link to a build thread of an RC 1/7 Alouette III RC on LSP. Good grief! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 1, 2023 Author Share Posted February 1, 2023 (edited) Centre console ready for some marking up and decals before the final switches & screens are fitted. I am now starting on remaking the front panel (the current one is slightly too narrow) DSCF4454 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4455 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark Edited February 1, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 1, 2023 Author Share Posted February 1, 2023 On 12/1/2021 at 2:52 PM, junglierating said: Good stuff what's your connection to the Wildcat? Dont forget that stupid cb board on the forward bulkhead...front face.. stooopid Leonardo (helicopters not the premier division....electronics) 😁 Junglierating - I didn't forget the clipboard, The Wildcat actually has a special cubby hole for it and Maps etc at the back end of the centre instrument console (Handy studying photos of the real thing) So here it is, complete with scratch built tiny bulldog clip. DSCF4458 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 3, 2023 Author Share Posted February 3, 2023 Just found some better pics, the cubby hole I have shown is not quite right so is in the process of being corrected and refitted along with the 2nd one that I had missed. A little more digging for cockpit photos turned up some nice results. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massimo Posted February 3, 2023 Share Posted February 3, 2023 I love scratch building and this scale is allowing you to go really deep with details. You're doing an incredible job!!! Those seats and instrument panels are wonderful and the clip is a gem!!! I'll be following closely!!! Ciao Massimo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 14, 2023 Author Share Posted February 14, 2023 Cockpit coming together nicely now, I still have a couple of small dials and switches to fit and of course the main screens. I need to print up some decals to go on before I can do those. I will also be making up the screens and fitting the fibre optic cable which will light them up. I redid the cubby holes and there are now 2 as there should be. Last bits to go in will be the Cyclic / Collective pitch sticks. Seat belts / Harnesses are yet to be fitted (I have them here ready) DSCF4476 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4479 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 17, 2023 Author Share Posted February 17, 2023 More work on the cockpit DSCF4477 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4488 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr DSCF4495 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr To buy a similar cockpit would set you back just over £110 - but no-one does a Wildcat yet. Mark 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 22, 2023 Author Share Posted February 22, 2023 First of the screens now in, the displays will be done using transfers / decals stuck directly onto the screens and they will be backlit using fibre optic cable. You will notice I've left the boxes at the back of the screens white. This should hopefully improve the reflection off the fibre optic cable. 3 smaller screens left to do on the centre console. DSCF4509 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted February 23, 2023 Author Share Posted February 23, 2023 Forgot to put this one up last night - Rudder pedals made and fitted. DSCF4527 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted May 11, 2023 Author Share Posted May 11, 2023 (edited) Just a little update for you. I've had a few weeks break from this one but am very much back on the build now adding the remaining missing details. I am also actually starting the assembly now that some parts are done that I actually needed to do to progress to that bit. More pics will follow shortly DSCF4564 by Mark Stevens Mark Edited May 12, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieW Posted May 11, 2023 Share Posted May 11, 2023 I've only just come across this thread. I've been missing out on seeing some miraculous scratch building. Your work is incredible! Richie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted May 12, 2023 Author Share Posted May 12, 2023 3 hours ago, RichieW said: I've only just come across this thread. I've been missing out on seeing some miraculous scratch building. Your work is incredible! Richie Thanks Richie, Much appreciated. I am really enjoying this stage of the build now that much of the hard work has been done. Plenty of pics to follow yet. Mark 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted June 1, 2023 Author Share Posted June 1, 2023 (edited) Doing a few remaining details on the sides before making up the sliding doors & Test fit of Footplates, I've since done some adjustments on the footplates & the mounting brackets as they should sit slightly lower than shown here DSCF4573 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark Edited June 1, 2023 by MDSCUSTOMS 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSCUSTOMS Posted June 1, 2023 Author Share Posted June 1, 2023 As mentioned above, mounting brackets re done and adjustments to footplates done, These are now sitting at the correct height as per the real thing. Just need to paint them up now. DSCF4577 by Mark Stevens, on Flickr Mark 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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