Small Scale Military Headquarters

Looking good, Nate

I'm eagerly looking forward to getting and building one of your kits!

Hi I am Luc from Belgium and especially logged in on the forum for Nathan's me 163 build ,could not see any pictures first but after a quick pm Nate has arranged they're visible again:)
I am building myself a 163 in "test plane modus "overall grey and trying to do it as scale as possible starting from a rc bare skin fuselage en foam wings
Not 1:18 but rather 1:6,8 so a bit bigger and also for deco instead of flying ,
Nate's work here is outstanding I know myself how time consuming it is to get all the lines and rivets on the plane
Thinking to order myself one soon I finished mine ,I hope somewhere in the beginning of next year I have seen people asking for decals ,I know a decal company who has them for the 163 for some different squadrons,you only have to mention the scale sise but you probably have yourself all directions needed
Anyway this is a super project congrats Nathan!

First full set of customer fiberglass casts are out of the molds. I am shooting for 25 sets (aircraft). First two sacrificial casts prior are going to be used for test fitting parts and instructions. In between the casting process I've been working on the resin parts. My priority is getting all the fiberglass parts molded first before the primer starts to crystallize. Small steps but getting there. I'm predicting a mid to late summer release. Depends on work and family events. Thanks for looking!!

First fuselage casts turned out better than I hoped. Sometimes the parts get locked in to the mold. These popped out like butter.


Test fit the engine exhaust nozzle.


Landing flaps

,,

The model looks great! I’m probably not interested in a shirt but have no problem pre-ordering a kit if that helps.

The fiberglass casts look great and I'm glad to hear you didn't have problems removing the them.
I've damaged molds trying to remove casts.

Looking great, PizzaGuy! Let us know when you’re ready to start taking orders as I’m definitely interested!

Rough 3D printed mock up of the cockpit.

Nathan, I'm looking forward to this kit, the work you've so far is amazing.

Agreed!

Been to cold in the garage to get any molds done, so I've been working on some small stuff in 3D. Couple more items and off to Shapeways. Be kind I'm still learning how to model.

Looks fantastic!

I'm a bit late but thats a ton of detail you've got in those 3D images, this is going to be one heck of a model!
Amazing work so far!!

Looks great Nathan!

It was worth the 2 weeks to get the parts. They look rough zooming in. Shapeways rejected one of the sets for something small falling off in cleaning. I had to reorder the set, which added another week. I think instead of molding the skid swing arms (pics 2-4), I'll have shapeways print them in a super strong plastic that is used for drone parts. Trying to mold them will be more pain than it's worth. Thanks for the patience, we're moving along.




















First attempt at using clear resin for bullet proof window.



Bogey's cast, polished and drilled.

Nice!! The cockpit is going to be very detailed, impressive!
What is the long rectangular piece with the holes in it (pic # 14) ?

Thanks, I’m probably putting to much detail into it. At least that’s what the wife says.
It’s the top plate for the skid. I could not replicate the intricate holes with a drill bit. Looked like I had downed a case of beer before I did them.

Looks great! Clear resin is always tricky. A pressure pot can help with the bubbles.

There's light at the end of the tunnel. About 10 things left on my punch list to complete.
I am casting a pilot minus the legs to fit in the cockpit. The legs wanted to sprawl out when in the sitting position and would not fit.

The skid is complete and getting molded.
The Skid swing arm proved to be to difficult to cast so I am going to have them all 3D printed. The skid will swing freely to the up or down position.
Once I have all the kits produced, my plan is to build one to get the instructions done and provide everyone with a completed example.

Your work on this model is impressive, Pizzaguy! It is far superior to the old Skyworks offering... When do you anticipate taking orders?

Outstanding!!

Update- It's a monumental day. I molded the final part (knock on wood) this afternoon. I'm about 90% done casting parts. I've got half of the wings and fuselages done in fiberglass.
Next pics will of assembly for the instructions.
What's the census on paint scheme? I could offer a couple scheme's as long as they are not to complicated and have good references.

Other than the prototypes/test vehicles the bulk of them were standard Splinter pattern with mottling (usually just on the tail). Unless someone wants to replicate the OG example at the Uvdar-Hazy facility.

Great news on the molds and casting!! As far as paint schemes, there are plenty of choices. I'll build
mine then figure it out.


https://acesflyinghigh.wordpress.com/20 ... vils-sled/


Wright Field on October 14th, 1945.

Nathan, when are you taking orders? I’d like to get one!