1/18 Me163B-1

[pizzaguy]

Now that I am done with the FW183, it's time to start another project. I am working on this between work and other projects. I plan to offer them if there is an interest. Skyworks produced a kit a few years ago. I hope to produce a better item. I don't have any prices yet. Too soon figure that out. I've only got a couple full days on the build. Still a little rough. The bogey and wheels were 3D printed. I would like to 3D print most of the detail parts that I can. I hope 90% of the cockpit will be 3D printed. Still learning how to design the parts.

[normandy]

Fantastic News! I'm in!!!

[[CAT]CplSlade]

Keep the dream alive, pizzaguy.

[YT]

Indeed! Count me in.

[tmanthegreat]

I'm in!

Will you offer this as a kit or full build or both?

I had a skyworks ME163 kit once upon a time and it was a strange kit with serious issues that I never got finished. Can't wait to see how yours progresses. Your work on the TA183 was simply astounding and since the ME163 is a far simpler design, I expect you will do a fantastic job on this as well

[Shomare]

Oh man, I have been dying to get one of these for about 3 years now...definitely count me in!

[pizzaguy]

Small Update. Getting to the Fill, Sand, Fill, Sand, Rinse and Repeat stage. May not be very noticeable, but there are hundreds of pits and imperfections that need filled. I purchased a 3D printer to hopefully print some of the proof parts.

[YT]

Great start.

[normandy]

This looks Great, a 1:18 piece many of us have been waiting for. Thanks for the update!....I'm ready to order

[Ye Olde Finn]

Count me in too!

BR, Juha

[tmanthegreat]

Looks awesome!

I am definitely wanting to place an order. Will you be offering full builds? Your TA-183 was amazing & is the centerpiece of my Luftwaffe collection and I'm looking forward to adding a long-overdue ME-163

[normandy]

I see a cool looking diorama....

[pizzaguy]

Got a new assistant in the work shop this week. It will help prototype parts before sending them off to Shapeways for the final print. I printed a sample of the control panel for the 163. The part is very rough, so don't comment on the quality. It's mainly for test fitting.
Hope to share more items as soon as I learn how to work the thing.

[normandy]

Nice printer, this technology is amazing.

Here's another amazing photo.....



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

Komet walk around.... http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/howar ... 1a_t2-500/

[pizzaguy]

Little progress this evening. Got the canopy 3D printed and a few tweaks. Looking for input. I'm using plans from A.L. Bentley. He was nice enough to scale them for me.

[Razor17019]

Very nice!

[normandy]

Looks good!, have you set a price yet?




http://www.indianamilitary.org/FreemanA ... a/0500.htm

[YT]

Looks great Nathan!

[tmanthegreat]

Awesome work, Pizzaguy

When all is ready, I'm definitely interested in getting one of these!

[normandy]

Just looking to see if there are any updates Pizzaguy.

[pizzaguy]

Little update. I've been sanding, filling and priming for the past few weeks. It never ends. I think I'm about out of that phase. Next thing to do is cover the entire model with 1/2oz glass to harden the surface before detailing and molds.
My thought was to do the same as I did on the 183. Offer an inflight version and full kit.
Inflight consisting of the fuselage, wings and fixed canopy. $185 +Sh
Full kit Inflight version + bogey, cockpit, opening canopy, retractable skid. $275 + Sh
I haven't decided on full builds. If I do they will be $525 and limited.

[Ye Olde Finn]

Looking real good, once again!

If you decide to go for the full builds, I'd definitively like to get one.

I understand it's one loads of time consuming effort to do full builds besides the kits,
but as an incentive I can offer your full cost as a downpayment, should it help the whole project.

And, in case you decide to do just the kits, one full kit will do also fine.

Great you are keeping the 1-18 -scene live and kicking...

Best Regards,
Juha,
Finland

[normandy]

Wow Nathan this looks great! I'm looking forward to this kit, nice job.

[pizzaguy]

Do those prices seem reasonable?

[tmanthegreat]

Pizzaguy,

I think the prices seem reasonable for a quality custom kit like yours. I'm debating whether or not I want to do a full build or attempt a kit... 6-7 years ago, I attempted a Skyworks ME-163 kit, however, like its maker, it had some severe flaws and I eventually gave up on it. I know my building skills and available tools have advanced since then and would assume your kit would have far fewer quirks than the Skyworks example

The only other issue I would then have would be markings... Would you be able to supply decals or stencils for at least basic markings/numbers?