1/18 r/c A-10 question

Post by **aferguson** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:49 pm

This was brought up some time ago but i can't find the thread. Has anyone actually got one of these? What are they like? It says they are made out of foam. Does that mean they have a wierd surface texture or do they look like plastic on the surface and are they paintable?

If anyone can help i'd appreciate it..

http://www.modelflight.com.au/rc_model_ ... arthog.htm

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:58 pm

I've wondered that myself. Years ago I took a 1/7th scale P-40 and made it strictly into a display model by covering it with a very thin sheet of fiberglass making it much stronger and easier to detail. I want to try and do that as well with the A-10 but I'd need to see one to see if it would hold up to my technique. From the Pics I've seen it doesn't look like its textured. But then again I'd like to be sure. Its pretty darn close to 1/18th to make it worth the effort.

Post by **aferguson** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 7:03 pm

oh it's spot on 1/18. Needs ordnance and detailing but otherwise looks really good. I'm debating on getting one but it would be a lot of work to bring it up to standards and i don't know where id find a lot of the ordnance etc.

Still...it would make a great winter project...

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 7:10 pm

The Ordinance would be hard but I think with a lathe making some of the items would be possible. As far as the cockpit, that would be pretty easy to build up the placards and instrument panels then use the F-16 Ejection seat to mold another. The hard part would be deciding on how much you want to do. Since I hang mine up from the cieling I keep the gear retracted. Possibly I'll just keep it in "stock" mode, I have a feeling in the Spring we will be hearing "rumours" of a soon to be produced A-10 from BBI or 21st. Since 21st has thier prototype ready I'd bet it would be them first. Anyway, it is nice to daydream about it.

Post by **aferguson** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 7:51 pm

I don't know. When i spoke with Roy Sutherland it really sounded like they had no plans to make an A-10 because of its size. It seems they will only make things that will fit in their standard sized box. That's why they don't plan to proceed with an F-4.

But the possiblity of 21c coming out with an A-10 may disuade BBI from making one. They were unsure whether to make the F-18 and F-16 and while sales have been good i dont know that they've been great. We've heard nothing about new modern aircraft releases for almost a year now...i wonder if there will be any more..

Post by **aferguson** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:00 pm

i just got a response from an ebay seller. He described it as being like a styrofoam cup material, only thicker. This sounds like it could dent and score easily and possibley snap in places if not handled very gently.

It also gives a good idea of the surface texture. He said it could be painted with tamiya paints.....which i gather means any acrylic would be fine..

Coreyeagle48 · Post by **Coreyeagle48** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:25 pm

Andy,

I think I can help you with this, I have seen a few of these at the R/C fields.

First of all, contary to what any ebay seller will tell you, the foam is very breakable. The A-10 comes from a long line of park flyers by this company, and they are all built the same way. The foam is tough but not that tough, I have seen these planes hit the ground the wrong way and pieces shatter. When the kids fly them, you see some fof the planes with foam tails and wings that have been taped or guled together or a new one has been cut with a meat tray or a foam material. They are designed to use, wear out and buy new ones and to be repaired with glue.

To make your A-10 you would defintely need to seal that foam somehow. No way would I paint that just the way it is. plus you will have to be careful because sealing it will add weight, which some parts might not support, etc. You could have a long project!

Corey

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:35 pm

Thats what I figured you would have to do , my plan was to use sealer for it then apply the thinest sheets of fiberglass cloth to stengthen it. Its worked for me before but it is time consuming. It is a shame though that 21st is resistant, perhaps after they release the Avenger and thier Mystery aircraft next year things will be different.

Post by **aferguson** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 6:30 am

hm...never considered the strength issue. I've decided to pass on buying it and return to hoping for an xd or bbi one.

Thanks for the input gang!

Post by **aferguson** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:33 am

if anyone wants to buy one of these here are a couple i found that are cheaper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MEWA:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MEWA:IT

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 6:16 pm

You know if 21st is reluctant to make one in 1/18th, why not make it in 1/24 or 1/32nd? I'd buy one of those as well.