Michael Morris Posted January 2, 2024 Posted January 2, 2024 Amongst the 1.6 million model projects I have in my head, is a project build models of all three of NASA's airborne infra red observatories. These started off with a Learjet 25 with a small telescope mounted where one window would usually be. A few years later NASA modified a C-141A Starlifter into the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). Later again came SOFIA, a modified Boeing 747SP. My plan is to model all three in flight in 1/144 scale, starting with the Learjet. I've bought a Starnsky Learjet 35, which is having a 84mm section cut out of the fuselage to convert it into a 25. I'm looking for a donor cockpit to fit in it, I think I have some pilots and have a canopy mask on order. I'm going to have to make some custom decals. 2
bootneck Posted January 2, 2024 Posted January 2, 2024 Hello Michael, If you are going to build the SOFIA, as well as the Learjet, then you may be interested to know that NASA has produced a set of 3D STL files for free download. If you have a 3D printer, or can get access to one, then this could be useful for you. The Boeing 747 and telescope is drawn to 1:200 scale but the files could easily be rescaled to 1:144. cheers, Mike 2 1
zebra Posted January 2, 2024 Posted January 2, 2024 2 hours ago, bootneck said: Hello Michael, If you are going to build the SOFIA, as well as the Learjet, then you may be interested to know that NASA has produced a set of 3D STL files for free download. If you have a 3D printer, or can get access to one, then this could be useful for you. The Boeing 747 and telescope is drawn to 1:200 scale but the files could easily be rescaled to 1:144. cheers, Mike And if you’re going down this route, V1 Decals does decals for SOFIA. But you might want to wait as AMP has announced a SOFIA kit. 1
Michael Morris Posted January 4, 2024 Author Posted January 4, 2024 On 02/01/2024 at 19:52, bootneck said: Hello Michael, If you are going to build the SOFIA, as well as the Learjet, then you may be interested to know that NASA has produced a set of 3D STL files for free download. If you have a 3D printer, or can get access to one, then this could be useful for you. The Boeing 747 and telescope is drawn to 1:200 scale but the files could easily be rescaled to 1:144. cheers, Mike Thanks
Michael Morris Posted January 4, 2024 Author Posted January 4, 2024 On 02/01/2024 at 22:11, zebra said: And if you’re going down this route, V1 Decals does decals for SOFIA. But you might want to wait as AMP has announced a SOFIA kit. I already have the V1 decal set. I also have an Eastern Express 747SP, but I'll hold off and see if the AMP model is actually produced.
internationalrescue Posted January 10, 2024 Posted January 10, 2024 Would be awesome if a SOFIA kit is coming from AMP. If it happens hopefully a commercial version won't be far behind!
SleeperService Posted January 15, 2024 Posted January 15, 2024 On 1/2/2024 at 5:23 PM, Michael Morris said: Amongst the 1.6 million model projects I have in my head, is a project build models of all three of NASA's airborne infra red observatories. I've bought a Starnsky Learjet 35, which is having a 84mm section cut out of the fuselage to convert it into a 25. I'm looking for a donor cockpit to fit in it, I think I have some pilots and have a canopy mask on order. I'm going to have to make some custom decals. An interesting project and I look forward to it coming to life. Is that 84mm shortening right? It seems a lot for 1/144 🤔
Michael Morris Posted January 15, 2024 Author Posted January 15, 2024 2 hours ago, SleeperService said: An interesting project and I look forward to it coming to life. Is that 84mm shortening right? It seems a lot for 1/144 🤔 Should read 8.4mm, not 84mm! 2
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