Serkan Sen Posted December 6, 2021 Share Posted December 6, 2021 Hi all, Here is another candidate of my "Never ending projects" collection, a whatif conversion based on Testors F-117A model with 3D printed parts. I found this kit in my kit junkyard while I was looking for some parts. I decided to convert it to F-117N which looks to me nicer than the original F-117A. Although some parts are missing the main parts are there to launch this conversion: As usual I started with the drawings: The conversion looks not so complicated as I will not modify the lower side shape. Next step is to start the butchery... Serkan 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chemguy3000 Posted December 6, 2021 Share Posted December 6, 2021 Nice! 🤩 This looks fun! I thought about doing the same conversion years ago, but as always, life got in the way. I’ll just pull up a seat and watch your magic here, if I may. David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom216 Posted December 6, 2021 Share Posted December 6, 2021 This is going to be pretty sweet to watch! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 6, 2021 Author Share Posted December 6, 2021 54 minutes ago, Chemguy3000 said: Nice! 🤩 This looks fun! Yes absolutely David!... My one of the latest What-If project "Mig-37MFI Super Ferret" requires an equivalent counterpart like "F-117N" 21 minutes ago, Thom216 said: This is going to be pretty sweet to watch! Thanks Thom Serkan 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 7, 2021 Author Share Posted December 7, 2021 Before chopping the kit it is always good to check how it fits with the drawings: The wing was cut through this line: Similar work was performed for all on both upper and lower halves: Now the remaining parts look like a pair of "sea bream"... 🐟 Serkan 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 7, 2021 Author Share Posted December 7, 2021 The extensions were added to aft end using polystyrene cards to get the new shape: Next step is to draw wings and tails in CAD to print with 3d printer. Serkan 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom216 Posted December 7, 2021 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Lovely! For a moment I had the odd thought that someone was doing the stealth fighter/transport from Executive Decision!😄 Your is already looking so much better! 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heloman1 Posted December 7, 2021 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Interesting build, I'll follow, if you don't mind? Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 7, 2021 Author Share Posted December 7, 2021 1 hour ago, heloman1 said: Interesting build, I'll follow, if you don't mind? Colin Welcome onboard Colin. Pull up your chair and open your beer!.. The lifting surface models are now ready to print: Also I realized that the cockpit tub is also missing. With a little effort here is the model with two different side console width: Next step is to print the parts... Serkan 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 7, 2021 Author Share Posted December 7, 2021 The parts were printed and cleaned with IPA: I have printed four fins because I have not decided yet whether I will go with YF-22 or YF-23 design... Serkan 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thom216 Posted December 7, 2021 Share Posted December 7, 2021 It must be so cool making your own parts like that! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 7, 2021 Author Share Posted December 7, 2021 5 minutes ago, Thom216 said: It must be so cool making your own parts like that! Yes indeed... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k5054nz Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 This is so awesome. When I first saw an F-117N drawing I wanted to build one but I've never had the guts to try. I'm really enjoying living vicariously through your build! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neffan Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 10 hours ago, Serkan Sen said: The parts were printed and cleaned with IPA: I have printed four fins because I have not decided yet whether I will go with YF-22 or YF-23 design... Serkan Hi Serkan, this is really interesting. How long to create files? It's difficult ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 I have an old Airfix 1/72 kit of the F-117 that l have now found a use for. Regards Robert 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 You are a machine, sir! Incredible workrate and ingenious solutions 👏👏👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 8, 2021 Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 I can gladly share the STL files of this build if anyone would like to get them for own build. Serkan 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 8, 2021 Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 1 minute ago, Alan P said: You are a machine, sir! Incredible workrate and ingenious solutions 👏👏👏 Thanks Alan. But to be honest I put some of my previously done work (not older than a week of coarse) into buffer and post them little by little to let people to digest the build steps 😁 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 8, 2021 Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 The wings cockpit tub and exhaust parts were glued to upper half. Also the exhaust vertical side walls were added: The upper and lower halves glued together, the missing aft fuselage surface panels were added. Also the exhaust ducts got their final shapes. I decided to use YF-23 style for the stabilizers: Now the aircraft looks like a short fat penguin rather than "sea bream"... 🐧🐧🐧 Serkan 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Poultney Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 Love a good conversion. This one is looking fantastic! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heloman1 Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 Great progress. I envy you guys who are able to generate drawings and then 3D print your parts. At seventy five years old, it's far too late in life to learn another skill. However being an ex design modelmaker, I have the hand skills to produce the parts I may need for any conversion work I want to do. Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 8, 2021 Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 3 minutes ago, heloman1 said: Great progress. I envy you guys who are able to generate drawings and then 3D print your parts. At seventy five years old, it's far too late in life to learn another skill. However being an ex design modelmaker, I have the hand skills to produce the parts I may need for any conversion work I want to do. Colin Believe me in Colin, it is never too late to learn something new. Even it is much more easier to create parts using 3D printing than cutting/chopping/filling/sanding all the day/week. I changed my mind especially during my A-12 Oxcart build because I spent too much time just to reshape front fuselage and nose: But with 3D printing everything went very smoothly and precisely: Serkan 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heloman1 Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 Thanks, yes I understand but I'm lazy and nerdy when it comes to computers! Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serkan Sen Posted December 8, 2021 Author Share Posted December 8, 2021 Some close views both from upper and lower surfaces: Next is to coat the aircraft with primer and see the result of this patch work.... Serkan 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Poultney Posted December 8, 2021 Share Posted December 8, 2021 What software did you use to design these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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