Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => "Build Something" Archiv => Topic started by: Zafarelli on October 13, 2009, 08:37:36 AM
-
May I present the Dragonfly, light attack vtol craft. It transports one pilot and enough death for everyone who says it isn't a transport vehicle ;)
Here is the result of the last two evenings:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_1.jpg)
Body built from sheet styrene, puttied over, final sanding still to be done. Then on to the propulsion jets and the weapon pods.
-
Ooo, like this one 8)
cheers
James
-
Looks superb so far. A very patient man to tackle those angles but it looks the better for it.
Svennn
-
Very good start ,My knowledge of geometry is too weak to try anything with that many angles!!
-
Started with the jets today:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_2.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_3.jpg)
I assure you, almost no geometry is involved, at least none you'd need a ruler for. I just invent angles as I go along :)
-
Great stuff, Zaf!
And so fast ... I'm impressed!
:)
-
Looks good.
Next step: get Tobsen to cast that one in resin?
Marko
-
I agree with both of the above.
Great stuff
Brilliant shape :-*
It almost puts me in mind of one, from years ago, in 2000AD - Rogue Trooper
It had a fighting platform under the tail though for two rear gunners
-
Thanks, guys!
I won't give it to Tobsen, though - once it is finished, I'll release it at Pardulon (http://www.pardulon-models.com) 8) Maybe I need to switch on that banner again to be more recognizable...
-
I knew who you were ;)
My only criticism is I think it's a bit short, aircraft are big beasts and while I appreciate it's a sci-fi light craft I just think some more length in the tail would add some a look of stability.
-
I won't give it to Tobsen, though - once it is finished, I'll release it at Pardulon (http://www.pardulon-models.com) 8) Maybe I need to switch on that banner again to be more recognizable...
Ah, of course. That's even better, as I can order more scenery bits from you at the same time :)
I just realized that I don't have any non-pulp-scifi minis at the moment... hmmm.....
Marko
-
Nice start! looking forward to seeing this one finished!!!
-
Looking good so far!
-
Dewbakuk, you are right. I temporarily added a tailfin, and proportion-wise, it looks much better.
Not much overall progress though. I just added the strutting around the canopy, trimmed the jets, and toyed around with the correct place for them.
Here is a shot of the landed VTOL. The propulsion units double as landing gear.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_5.jpg)
Another picture in flying mode:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_6.jpg)
And one with a very old Catachan for scale comparison. Probably not too useful, as he stands too far in front of the flyer, and is rather too bulky and out-of-proportion. Excuse the shoddy painting, this was done some 10 years ago.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_4.jpg)
I haven't decided about the armament yet - only a main gun beneath the nose is certain. Maybe I should cram some missiles in the space between the body and the propulsion units. Suggestions?
-
Maybe I should cram some missiles in the space between the body and the propulsion units. Suggestions?
I'd say no on that, too much chance of losing your propulsion if they're hit and explode, which may be considered bad in mid air
-
...
I'll second that. Maybe some kind of a (optional) weapon mount under the nose..
Marko
-
Hm. I admit that I have no knowledge of arial combat at all, but I imagine a hit on one of those missiles beneath the wing of a modern fighter plane would take off a wing as well?
-
Dewbakuk, you are right.
Not something I hear too often :D
I agree, looks much better now.
Is it ground attack or an interceptor? Makes a big difference to load out.
-
I always imagined it to be used against light ground targets. Probably air-to-air interception as well, but not really suitable for anti-armour missions.
No pictures from yesterday's progress, as I took more apart than built. That is the problem with building as you go along: suddenly, you realize that it is not coming the way you wanted it to, and then you need to get out the hacksaw :) Pictures will follow tonight, when I've replaced the tail, and relocated the engines.
-
Well, if you're taking it apart anyway, could you shift the engines back a bit? No idea if it would work but it could leave you space at the front for weapon points. Either on those stubby wings you see on some things or on extension points like the "littlebird" helicopter.
(http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/attachments/1/9/0/2/9/1/a2390973-69-750px-MH-6_Little_Bird.jpg)
Huh, it is in fact called a stub-wing :)
(http://www.b-domke.de/AviationImages/Hind/Images/1898.jpg)
-
Here are a few pictures of the new body. I also did some work on the engines, and the tailfin. The engines were moved back as suggested by Dewbakuk, and I also lowered the pivot point a bit.
Everything is only temporarily fixed, so later changes are easier :D
Landed:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_7.jpg)
Flying:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_8.jpg)
And one shot from which you can guess the size of the thing. Measurements are in cm.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_9.jpg)
Regarding the armament, I am considering three hardpoints around the nose (one below, one on each side) for a variety of cannons, or maybe sensors. Can't really decide about the rockets, though.
Anyway, thanks for the input!
-
Reminds me of the CnC Orca
(http://media.moddb.com/images/mods/1/10/9011/Orca_Large.png)
-
Looks good. I'm assuming the supports for the engines are just stand ins? If they're not then I'd suggest thickening it, or maybe adding a triangle frame around the pivot shaft to support the weight.
-
Hauptgefreiter, haven't seen that one before. Honestly :) Lots of others like it, but not that one. Looking into computer games might be worth a try, though.
This evening's progress, just a bit of trimming, some minor details, and secondary engines:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_10.jpg)
-
Never mind, your build is coming around nicely without this additional inspiration :D
-
Have you thought about adding some sort of landing strut to the back of your propulsions units?
As to weapons, what about adding a gun above the cockpit?
-
This evenings progress, fleshed out the body a bit, and decided on a shape for the engine supports:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_11.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_12.jpg)
Tom, I had a helicopter option planned for the top :D But the engines will get some sort of landing support. Or maybe I'll build a full landing gear for the body, don't know yet.
-
...ooooh, tell me it would have movable parts!
Ach, I'll buy a few of 'em anyway! ;D
Honestly, very nice work again, Zaf! The distance between the body and the engines seems just right to me now.
-
That’s coming along really well. :-*
Some lovely detail emerging. :-*
Some great ideas
Has it got a name?
-
Lovely stuff, Zaf!
Or maybe I'll build a full landing gear for the body, don't know yet.
Maybe get some nice pistoned landing struts, as seen on the UD-4L Cheyenne dropship from the "ALIENS" movie?
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/booce/Dropship.png
http://www.fmboschetto.it/modellismo/immagini/Ritocco%20pattini.JPG
Last ones are paper models, but they convey the point.
-
Ooh, this is looking great.
-
This is superb. It just gets better & better the more you do :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Keith :?
-
Thanks, guys!
Gamer Mac, the working title is Dragonfly. Guess I'll stick to that.
Chris, I'm thinking about something like this. Although at the moment, I like the idea of sort of vats around the engine bottoms better. We'll see ;)
Spent the evening fleshing out the engine supports. The angles were a bit tricky, I had to fill quite a lot of gaps, still need to be sanded. Geometry and I are not friends.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_14.jpg)
Also, I have started with the sensor array at the nose:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_13.jpg)
Progress will be slower now, I'm afraid. Crisis is nearing with frightening speed o_o
-
Great progress, Zaf! Nice design and fine craftmanship. We'll meet at Crisis, looking forward to it ... 8)
-
Puttied and sanded the engine supports, and started with the sensors:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_15.jpg)
I also played around with the engines themselves a bit. I added some jets to the bottom, to give the model more height when landed. Copplestone Future Warrior for scale:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_16.jpg)
-
Yes! I really like the asymmetric alignment of the sensors!!!
Hope to see it for real this evening.
-
Looks stunning. I may even break ranks and purchase one....
-
Cool!!! 8)
Can I make a special request and ask for pictures taken from the rear (while "flying") ::)
-
Calimero, nothing much to see at the moment, neither the tail nor the engines are finished. It looks rather blank from behind. I'll start with the engines now, and take a picture for you later.
-
Started with the jets. Calimero, here is your back shot:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_18.jpg)
And toyed around with the surface details of the propulsion units:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_17.jpg)
-
Thanks. I was thinking that you would left the ends of the engines as they were (2 big tubes)… I should have think that you were to add something else given your attention to details… That’s a really nice VTOL. Can this model could be use as a master if you needed to build more and cast some (just asking)?
-
Indeed I plan to add some more detail. At the moment, everything is only bluetacked together, so changes are easier. Don' want to have to saw everything apart again :)
What do you mean be something else?
Regarding your last point: I have built everything with castability in mind, so yes, there will be casts 8) I'm estimating six parts at the moment: body, two main engines, tail, landing gear and gun. I'll probably cast the secondary engines separately as well, haven't decided yet.
Also, I have a few loose thoughts about some additional pieces to convert the whole thing into a helicopter.
-
...What do you mean be something else? ...
I mean that I should have know that you were to finish the rear part of the engines and add some details and not let them be two round pipes.
-
My shipment of 8000 little plastic bags finally arrived, so I'll have to spend the next evenings putting little resin things in little plastic bags. Besides, I had some serious disagreement with the propulsion units, one being slightly too long, the other being slightly too wide. Don't know if I can sand them to shape, or if I will start new ones. More progress after Crisis.
-
if it comes to casting:
how about following break-up?
main body with tail, cockpit section, secondary engines, main engines
this way You could generate many models by simply making a different body section and save on design and moulds ?
just an idea...
-
if it comes to casting:
how about following break-up?
main body with tail, cockpit section, secondary engines, main engines
this way You could generate many models by simply making a different body section and save on design and moulds ?
just an idea...
Already planned it that way 8)
-
so I will follow this closely, You SOB of a vile merchantman ;)
to see what aircraft series gets out of it :D 8)
-
Here is a bit of progress:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_19.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_20.jpg)
After the debacle with the engines, I started on new ones, which I like a bit better. Also, I added a temporary mockup of the gun, just for a sense of proportion. Engine detailing will follow tonight.
-
Started the detailing of the engines and the body:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_21.jpg)
Engines are slightly tilted now:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_22.jpg)
Landed:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_23.jpg)
Back view:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_24.jpg)
-
More outside detail:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_25.jpg)
-
Your Modelling is fantastic!
I still don't like the tail...
can't say why - maybe too small?
just my taste....
-
Your Modelling is fantastic!
I still don't like the tail...
can't say why - maybe too small?
just my taste....
Well give the man some alternatives to consider then?
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aircraft_tails (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aircraft_tails)
::)
-
as I said, I can't tell
maybe I'm wrong, or it is the picture, or just my taste
don't know....
besides, I think the man can decide for himself...
-
as I said, I can't tell
maybe I'm wrong, or it is the picture, or just my taste
don't know....
besides, I think the man can decide for himself...
Then in the words of the right honourable Bill S Preston Esq.
Shut up Ted! :D
Anyway...
A google search for GDI orca's come up with some nice options:
(http://tiberian-genesis.net/gallery/crysis/gdi_orca_fighter_front.jpeg)
(http://www.freewebs.com/rtsworld2002/GDI_Orca.jpg)
(http://www.solar-fissure.com/te-mod/media/ghammerhead.jpg)
-
Thanks, guys :)
Commander Vyper, that must be the most exhaustive list of aircraft tail pictures I have ever seen...
Regarding my own tail (well, not my own, you know what I mean): this is still very much in draft status. As it is, it is the only part which has not been completely rebuild at least twice since I started ::) I think I'll add a tail rotor equivalent, to give it a bit more stability when hovering.
-
Shut up Ted! :D
"And I am the Duke of Ted."
-
Added a stabilizing thruster to the tail, and toyed around with the fins:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_27.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_26.jpg)
The tail looks a bit wide, and the fins might not be long enough. I think I'll leave it at that for today, and start working on the gun.
Opinions on the tail?
-
that's the tail!
now it looks balanced.
Just fine
-
I think it looks excellent. Considering the tail, I´d guess the maximum width should be one that leaves safe clearance for the engine blast when the pods are in horizontal position, so as not to damage the rudders. Alternatively, have the rear thruster mobile (maybe on a ball mount, to aid manoeuvers in hover flight) and separated tailfins to the sides of it. I did a similar thing with my Hunter Killer:
Frontal 3/4 view (http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1155373767897.jpg)
Rear 3/4 view (http://www.displacedminiatures.com/images/img.1155374386806.jpg)
Although you should probably build a sturdier mounting than the one of my flimsy piece.
-
Looks good, just make sure the wash from the engines isn't going to destabalise the tail fins.
-
As it is, the tail could indeed be hit by the engines, so I tend to agree that they have to be smaller. Although I imagine the engines need to be tilted downward even if flying forwards, as it has no wings to keep it in the air.
Chris, nice Hunter-Killer!
Anyway, last picture for today, start of the gun subassembly:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_28.jpg)
-
Tail finished:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_30.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_29.jpg)
There is a bit of detail on the tail, but it is completely lost in the lighting :?
And the gun is complete:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_31.jpg)
-
This is great, I'm looking forward to buy one! :-*
I'd be interested in a "classical" multi-barreled gun version ;)
-
This is great, I'm looking forward to buy one! :-*
I'd be interested in a "classical" multi-barreled gun version ;)
Noted down 8)
-
Love it :-*
I'd vote for a tri-barrel cannon, it's got the multi-barrel thing which is always cool, while still retaining a sci-fi aspect.
-
It should have a minimum of three barrels :D
-
just perfect!
wow!
I agree, it should be a minigun (hello LEGO ;))
I think that's it!?
now paint and submit
-
Looks great :-*
I like the tail a lot.
-
I have no use for one of these at all but I am somehow feeling compelled to buy one on release :?
-
Looking forward to see the helicopter version. That must really be kick-arse!
-
This is a superb peice of modeling :D :D :D :D
Keith :?
-
Thanks, guys!
just perfect!
wow!
I agree, it should be a minigun (hello LEGO ;))
I think that's it!?
now paint and submit
Lego? Ah, now that I look at the barrel, it could be this antenna thing. But in this case, it is polystyrene pipe of various diameter. I do have my pride ;D
Painting and submitting will take a while still. Moldmaking first, and before that, a lot more detailwork. Like the inside of the thrusters:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_33.jpg)
Better shot of the tail:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_34.jpg)
Landing gear:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_32.jpg)
I'm still not sure I like it, it somehow looks too flimsy. Maybe it'll be better when the rear legs are done.
Edit: I mean only the landing gear, of course lol
-
it somehow looks too flimsy
Perhaps if you made the thighs look more massive(Just a tad longer and increasing it's width towards the underside of the main body...) and gave the lower leg some hydraulic add-on to make it look more skeletal.
BTW, I'll have another two of 'em as helicopter variants! ;D
-
Perhaps if you made the thighs look more massive(Just a tad longer and increasing it's width towards the underside of the main body...) and gave the lower leg some hydraulic add-on to make it look more skeletal.
BTW, I'll have another two of 'em as helicopter variants! ;D
Equipped with a minigun, right? ;D
-
Equipped with a minigun, right? ;D
JAAAAA!
-
Bigger foot, leg more angled. Hydraulics tomorrow.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_35.jpg)
-
Oh my God, it just popped into my mind when I saw the last one - BLUE THUNDER! That thing will be perfect to support my Street Violence SWAT figures!!!
-
The one leg at the front looks a bit fragile. How about trying two legs at the front with one small one, at the back.
The craft looks front heavy so two bits of landing gear at the front would look right.
Have a look at Apache landing gear.
You already have the similar shape to an Apache where the landing gear is stowed.
There is a good picture half way down this page.
http://defencedebates.wordpress.com/category/people-and-techique/ (http://defencedebates.wordpress.com/category/people-and-techique/)
Keep the skids though. I also preferred the first one you made with the curved front.
Keep up the good work. The detail is stunning. :-* :o
Can't wait to see this finished.
The model does not fit in with any games I play (at the moment) but you now have me thinking what I could use it for ;D
-
The one leg at the front looks a bit fragile.
let him do the hydraulics first - there's plenty of opportunity to reinforce the leg with that
-
gamer Mac, I had considered that, but I don't like the backward angle of the front legs, and the tail is higher than the Apache's. Anyway, the center of gravity is more or less exactly between the engines, so I think one front leg should be enough (and it is not really wide enough for two at the front ;)).
Here is the current front leg, curved foot and hydraulics added (the actual piston is a bit hard to see, it goes straight up from the knee)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_36.jpg)
The parts for the hind legs are already cut, but maybe I should start on the last body details, so I can mold body, tail and engines this weekend.
-
Looks quite right to me now!
Make it three. ;D
-
Awesome. I think I´ll need two, myself. o_o
-
In following this thread I have been fascinated by the amount of thinking that goes into the 'real life workability' of the machine and its various components. Wonderful.
-
Gorgeous model, Jens! I think I will need one ...
:-*
-
Gorgeous model, Jens! I think I will need one ...
:-*
I'll trade your ship for two of them. Equipped with miniguns :D
-
Start of rear landing gear:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_37.jpg)
Side view with engines removed, just to get a sense of proportion. I like the backwards angle, looks slightly insectoid.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_38.jpg)
And a mock-up for the helicopter guys (minigun to follow):
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_39.jpg)
-
*Sob*
An absolute masterpiece. Good Sir, thou hast surpassed thyself.
-
Not sure about the rear legs. They look like they're for stability rather than support at that angle (I thought frog before insect :) ) which means that front leg is pretty much carrying all the weight!
I'd shorten them a bit and bring the angle in slightly (which would happen by shortening them). It should still retain the look you're after while making it look more stable. Currently it looks like it's being pushed onto it's nose :P
Damn you with your helicopter goodness, now I don't know which I want. I'm thinking I need a couple of these to face off against the Terminator Hunter Killers I picked up the other day.
-
I see what Dean is saying about the rear legs but I think they look ok. Put me in mind of a pond skater type insect.
Certainly works in both guises and is a creation of beauty. :-* :-*
-
That’s what was missing from the picture of the front leg :o
A picture of the whole thing :o
Brilliant :-* :-* :-*
It all make sense to me now :D
I like the long back legs. It makes it look like the vehicle is about to leap into the air. :-*
-
Thanks again :)
I'll make a mold of the engines, body, and tail tonight, so this will be the last picture for the next few days. Most of the work is not visible, as it was mainly minor filling and sanding, and other preparation for molding. But I did some more work on the hind legs:
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_40.jpg)
Shortened the lower part a bit, made the angle a little steeper, and added hydraulics. Also, some more detail work is visible on the nose.
-
See, I was right all you naysayers :P :P :P
-
I like the long back legs. It makes it look like the vehicle is about to leap into the air.
Me too - it's a very aggressive (on the front foot) posture
-
That looks absolutely fantastic! I think the shortened legs work very well, though I wonder how it would look with wheels a bit like a harrier jump jet.
-
holy... everything! That's incredible! it is made Incredibly proportionated! you kept the simmetry and all the angles and corners are perfectly simmetric! thats a masterpiece, no words.
-
Well, well, well. The building, moldmaking and casting part is finished, "only" the painting is left.
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_41.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_42.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_43.jpg)
(http://pictures.pardulon-models.com/dragonfly/dragonfly_44.jpg)
The first try on molding the engines turned out horribly wrong, but the second one was ok. The moldmaking disaster put me one evening behind schedule, but I think I should make ok with the deadline (I have until Sunday night, don't I?).
Anyway, thanks for all the comments, tips and opinions! I don't think I'd have completed this one without your encouragement.
-
That's very nice. :)
-
That's very clean castings, Jens. Are you using a vac chamber? Need to visit your workshop some day ...
8)
-
And, will you be selling these?
-
That's very clean castings, Jens. Are you using a vac chamber? Need to visit your workshop some day ...
8)
I do. Otherwise, a lot of my stuff would be hardly castable. Even with the vacuum chamber, the odd bubble is unavoidable. Now, if anyone could spare a pressure pot...
And, will you be selling these?
I will, although not before January. I might be persuaded to make a few available to my fellow Lead Adventurers before that, though 8)
-
I will, although not before January. I might be persuaded to make a few available to my fellow Lead Adventurers before that, though 8)
including the helicopter version? ;)
-
including the helicopter version? ;)
Probably even including the minigun, if I manage to build one ;)
In the meantime, I am a bit lost with the painting. I came up with a colour scheme that looks like it can't decide whether it is badly scratched, rusted, or weirdly camouflaged. And as this is my first aircraft ever, I am completely clueless how to weather this thing :? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...
-
most look like they have just a light general layer of grime with maybe a bit darker round the engine exhausts
This site http://www.guncopter.com/ (http://www.guncopter.com/) has plenty of pictures of choppers to give an idea and this one for harrier vstols http://www.raf.mod.uk/gallery/harriergallery.cfm (http://www.raf.mod.uk/gallery/harriergallery.cfm) hope they help
-
How much will these be?!
( I buy three lol)
-
IMHO, only thing You can do is heat stains around the turbine exhaust and scratches that reveal the aluminum mostly around the panel edges
not too much
-
I really like this one =)
When it is available I would like to buy one as well.
Anders
-
Thanks again, guys :)
voltan, thanks for those links, they put me on the right track. I came up with a really nice chipped-paint effect using the method described by Admiral Benbow. Some detailing still needs to be done, but I've still got a few hours, right?
As for the price, I'll announce it after the contest is over, or via PM, if you are really in a hurry to get one ;)
-
Zounds, put me down for 2 of these! One to do up for my SG1 team, the other to play with for some new painting techniques....