Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => "Build Something" Archiv => Topic started by: mikedemana on January 07, 2017, 05:59:18 PM
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Colonials/DaVinciSketch_zpshio9bmyg.jpeg)
Leonardo da Vinci's sketch of his idea for a helicopter using an aerial screw
So, I may be asked to modify my somewhat scurrilous thread title, but here it is! My first planned entry into the Build Something Contest. I've participated in the Lead Painters League a number of times, but this is my first time in this one. I love scratch-building terrain, having created a number of Southeast Asian temples for my Pulp games. See my Lead Legionaries blog for some of these: http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Colonials/DaVinciMockup_zps37ahafr7.jpeg)
What looks to be like an MDF model of Da Vinci's helicopter
What will my subject be? Well, Leonardo da Vinci is a personal hero of mine. I tell my students every year that I think he is the most talented and smartest man to walk the Earth, so far. What's more, I own an Italian army for my friend's Victorian Science Fiction/Steampunk games. My friend Tom has written and published his own rules set, For Queen & Planet: The Imperial Wars of Earth and Mars 1845-1930. Check them out here: http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/published-rules/for-queen-and-planet-the.html
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Colonials/QP00_zpsp9ucttwp.jpg)
One of our games of For Queen and Planet, with fanciful war machines on the tabletop
His rules allow for flying and other war machines, and I had been wanting to scratch-build something for my army to use in our games. The contest is a perfect opportunity. And what better choice for an Italian army than a Da Vinci inspired design?
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Colonials/Taku03_zpsfj71g3j1.jpg)
My Italian army for our Victorian Sci-Fi/Steampunk games
So, my thought is to modify Da Vinci's Helicopter, or aerial screw. With the invention of steam power in our game's time period, his screw no longer needs to rely on man-power to turn the screw's fan blades. I plan on cooking up some sort of lightweight steam power and gear assembly to replace the man powered crank in his design. Obviously, this is steampunk, so it doesn't have to be scientifically accurate or a blueprint for an actual vehicle that could take flight. However, I want to make a nod at the science part of Victorian Sci-Fi, and make it not outrageously unfeasible.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Colonials/DaVinciModel_zpsdwbh3boa.jpeg)
An image I found of a model someone had built, demonstrating Da Vinci's idea of employing human power
I am still working out what kind of armament it would employ. My first thought was it would be a bomber, able to attack units it overflies by simply dropping bombs down onto them. Anther thought was to make it a helicopter gunship, of sorts, with a gatling gun mounted in some sort of swivel mechanism either beneath the helicopter or out front. So far, no sketches have been made. However, I have ideas bubbling like the steam engine building up power. Hopefully, something productive comes out of this -- and I actually complete the model, unlike many of Leonardo's designs, which never left paper.
In bocca al lupo!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
Title is fine with me :)
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.
cheers
James
-
Great idea (along with modifying it for its setting). I like the idea of it not being a bomber (my first thought too) but a gunship or maybe a sniper's platform?
-
I am still in the schematic phase, though I made my first two component purchases today. I think I solved my first main question, which was what material to use as the framework for the spiral "screw." The owner at the hobby store recommend taking brass wire and wrapping it around a cylinder to get the circular shape I want. Then pulling on it and separating it a bit to give it a spring-like appearance, of sorts.
(http://img.michaels.com/L6/3/IOGLO/849865506/199043499/10409110.jpg?fit=inside|220:220)
This would be the top-down view of the bottle cap base for the flying machine
I also picked up my platform base for the flying machine. Michaels craft store had a giant, galvenized metal bottle cap -- about the circumference of your thumbs and index fingers. It has a very retro look to it, with the flanges pointing down, and I think can be easily modified with beads and various other steampunkish elements to trick it out as the body of the aircraft.
(http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/sq4AAOSw~OVWyidQ/s-l225.jpg)
Hmmm...can I use this to make my aerial screw spin?
Finally, while walking around the hobby store I got one of those crazy thoughts we all get from time to time, which multiplies the hours of the project we are cooking up. The thought was, "Why not mount a motor on the aircraft's platform, with the drive shaft pointing up, and attach the aerial screw to that? So, the whole things actually spins? :o :o :o
I am not a mechanic of any sort, so any advice on using hobby motors, power sources, On/Off switches and such would be greatly appreciated...! Oh, and advice on adding lighted LEDs would be appreciated too... lol
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
I'd love to see it actually spinning. That would be great!
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_MeasureDowel_zpsacxqa5tu.jpg)
Marking out the dowel to pinpoint where each brass wire strut would go
Two weeks without an update...yikes! Well, most of that time has been spent talking to hobby and model railroad stores, Radio Shack, and surfing the internet to solve the problem of whether to make this spin or not. After much research, I came to the realization that I am not Leonardo da Vinci. I simply am not mechanically inclined, and I don't know diddly about electronics. So, sadly, there will be no spinning.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_DrillAngle_zpsnmu6i1nn.jpg)
The wooden cube which preserved the angle of the struts to a hopefully reasonable consistent degree
That decided, I worked on trying to build the framework for the "screw" portion of the flying machine. I tried two materials -- the brass wire definitely did NOT work. Instead, I decided to change the shape of the sail part of the flyer. It will not be round. Instead, it will be more "squared off." Brass wire will project from a central shaft (wooden dowel). I will cut out and glue metallic paper to the wire rods in wedge shapes. I agonized for awhile over how to make all my drilling into the dowel at the same angle so the wire struts aren't all at coming out at different angles. I finally came up with a method, using a small wooden cube. I shaved one face of it so it would sit flush against the dowel I would be drilling into. Then I drilled through the cube at the angle I wanted. I would simply line up the cube with where I wanted to drill on the dowel, plop some blue tack over it and hold it in place, then insert the drill through the cube and begin drilling into the dowel at the same angle. Prior to that, I marked out all the spots on the dowel where wire struts would be affixed. I was happy to see this portion went fairly smoothly, and quickly.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaftWires_zpsvks8743e.jpg)
The dowel central shaft with the wires (and a small bead) epoxied into it
Finally, it was time for a trip to the hobby store for supplies. I picked up copper and silver paper, various metallic beads, a set of wooden gears and wheels, and tiny black "gem stones" that will serve as rivets. I probably spent a good 45 minutes there, envisioning what various beads would look like together, and designing the steam engine on the fly in my head. I still wasn't sure what I'd use as the main body of the engine, but I had all kinds of ideas for various steampunky bits to glue onto and around it to make it look cool. There was definitely a metallic theme going on with this flyer.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Bits01_zpsoo4z8hql.jpg)
My haul from the hobby store -- beads, beads, and more beads (plus some metallic paper, gem "rivets" and more)!
I finally settled on a simple cylindrical container for the base of my steam engine. I glued various wooden bits onto it, using a lot of the wooden gears at the joints. I'd picked out two cone beads to look like a kind of spinning shaft in a dark metallic color. I began gluing various bits together, and was fairly happy with how it was looking. So, I just kept going. When I was all done, the engine assembly was 4 1/4" tall (11 cm). The dowel with the struts is another almost 5" tall (13 cm). So, this is going to be a tall model. I will likely need to drill into the shaft and run a dowel or piano wire piece all the way through to stabilize this. Otherwise, I'm afraid it may break in the middle.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_EngineShaft_zpskg7qdc7c.jpg)
The steampunk engine assembly that turns the central shaft with the dowel and wire struts
Still, I'm encouraged. After 2 weeks of no visible progress, I've got two pieces of it fairly far along!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
A massive burst of progress - nice one Leo Jnr.!
-
So it's going to be a long slow screw, is it?
I'm sorry, I had to.
:D
-
If it crashes, will it be Sex on the Beach?
You started it!! ;)
-
Very interesting process. I like the idea of the jig.
LB
-
That looks like a fiendishly fiddly construction. 8) 8)
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelWithPlatform_zpskdevzdit.jpg)
A look at the beginning of the gun platform, extending off the front of the flying machine
lol lol lol I deserve all the drink references with the Mile High Club title!
So, more progress today, chiefly on the Gun Platform. This is meant to extend off the forward portion of the ship. Fortunately, the massive galvanized bottle cap which is my base has a hole in the edge for hanging on a hook in the store. I picked a dowel that fit the hole and trimmed it so that it would brace the underside of the platform and extend through the hole underneath the cap. I chose some appropriate beads to look like machinery parts on the underneath, and a wider flatter one for the platform (a square metal base) to rest upon.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatformUnderneath_zpstpb72jv4.jpg)
The underside of the bottle cap base, showing the "machinery" beads and support
Once the epoxy had set, I flipped it over and added some gear-looking beads at the connection point between the gun platform and the bottle cap. This is to represent the gun platform being able to transverse up and down to better target enemies below. Later, I plan to add larger wheels to the gun platform to further that impression.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatform01_zpsf1ruadm0.jpg)
Shiny! I like how these beads make it look very Steampunkish
I used some cool-looking beads for the railing posts and epoxied them onto the metal base. Once set, I added a bright copper bead to the top of each post. Later, I will add some wire going between the bead holes for a railing. What's more, I finally got a chance to go through my collection and found appropriate crew figures. I will use two 15mm Gatling guns on the platform, each with two crewmen. I also found an observer, a nice captain figure, and two crews who will look good steering or fiddling with machinery.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GangwayBits_zps4wmkstjo.jpg)
Who knows where these pieces originally came from? I remember saving them and now, years later, they will be the beginning of my gangway leading between the platforms
Of course, I need a way for the crew to be able to walk from the main platform to the gun platform. I found these bits I'd been saving for years in one of my boxes.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Gangway01_zpsmia8rq3v.jpg)
The two center sections of the gangway bridge epoxied together. The brass wire will be trimmed once it sets.
I used bluetack to fix them in place while I epoxied in brass wire to connect the holes between them. They will be the support of a gangway bridge crossing between the two platforms. I will add two more pieces on either side of this flat center section once they dry...and once I figure out a way to hold them in place at the right angle while I epoxy them...!
Good progress tonight, I felt. I hope to add a bit more tomorrow. Oh, by the way, that massively tall central shaft assemblage has been taken apart to be reassembled with more internal structural support. Sigh. :'( They can't ALL be wins!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelWithPlatform_zpskdevzdit.jpg)
A look at the beginning of the gun platform, extending off the front of the flying machine
lol lol lol I deserve all the drink references with the Mile High Club title!
So, more progress today, chiefly on the Gun Platform. This is meant to extend off the forward portion of the ship. Fortunately, the massive galvanized bottle cap which is my base has a hole in the edge for hanging on a hook in the store. I picked a dowel that fit the hole and trimmed it so that it would brace the underside of the platform and extend through the hole underneath the cap. I chose some appropriate beads to look like machinery parts on the underneath, and a wider flatter one for the platform (a square metal base) to rest upon.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatformUnderneath_zpstpb72jv4.jpg)
The underside of the bottle cap base, showing the "machinery" beads and support
Once the epoxy had set, I flipped it over and added some gear-looking beads at the connection point between the gun platform and the bottle cap. This is to represent the gun platform being able to transverse up and down to better target enemies below. Later, I plan to add larger wheels to the gun platform to further that impression.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatform01_zpsf1ruadm0.jpg)
Shiny! I like how these beads make it look very Steampunkish
I used some cool-looking beads for the railing posts and epoxied them onto the metal base. Once set, I added a bright copper bead to the top of each post. Later, I will add some wire going between the bead holes for a railing. What's more, I finally got a chance to go through my collection and found appropriate crew figures. I will use two 15mm Gatling guns on the platform, each with two crewmen. I also found an observer, a nice captain figure, and two crews who will look good steering or fiddling with machinery.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GangwayBits_zps4wmkstjo.jpg)
Who knows where these pieces originally came from? I remember saving them and now, years later, they will be the beginning of my gangway leading between the platforms
Of course, I need a way for the crew to be able to walk from the main platform to the gun platform. I found these bits I'd been saving for years in one of my boxes.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Gangway01_zpsmia8rq3v.jpg)
The two center sections of the gangway bridge epoxied together. The brass wire will be trimmed once it sets.
I used bluetack to fix them in place while I epoxied in brass wire to connect the holes between them. They will be the support of a gangway bridge crossing between the two platforms. I will add two more pieces on either side of this flat center section once they dry...and once I figure out a way to hold them in place at the right angle while I epoxy them...!
Good progress tonight, I felt. I hope to add a bit more tomorrow. Oh, by the way, that massively tall central shaft assemblage has been taken apart to be reassembled with more internal structural support. Sigh. :'( They can't ALL be wins!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
I am impressed by your use of unusual materials.
Tony
-
Jesus! I thought that was a giant beer bottle cap! How big is the bottle?
Agreed with the above as well. Excellent use of materials.
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_StageTwoWIP_zpsz3q31cwu.jpg)
Stage 2 of the build? More work done on the Leonardo da Vinci aerial screw
The base IS a giant bottle cap... lol about 5 1/2" or 14cm across. Don't worry, I have a plan to disguise the cap edges.
More work has been done! As I mentioned earlier, I took apart the central shaft so that I could reinforce it with an aluminum rod affixed to the base and drilled all the way through all the stacked up parts. I'd cut off an inch or so of the height, too. That step went much smoother than I expected, the various pieces needing only a slight widening of their openings for the rod to fit through. Once all set, I epoxied the whole thing together, minus the top piece which will have the screw assembly. I set it aside to be epoxied down later.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_NewCentralShaft_zps42z9dupd.jpg)
Taken apart and put back together, the central shaft assembly minus the portion with the screw sails
At a trip to the hobby store in search of more beads another package of gears, I spotted this copper fabric that looks like metallic industrial flooring. I thought it would look perfect, so traced the base's outline with a piece of paper, transferred that to cardboard, then used it to draw where to cut the fabric. Once the circle was cut, I used Tacky Glue to affix it to the base, thinking it would soak into the fibers a bit more than epoxy. Next, I used that cardboard circle and cut out the inner ring of it and glued it over the top of the fabric to disguise where the fabric and metal base join. This ring will have rivets and metal reinforcement, also gate post stanchions going around its outer edge. I cut out a circle for the central shaft assembly so it would glue to the metal base and not the fabric. Both the plastic cap which is the bottom of the shaft and the aluminum rod were glued to the base.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatform02_zpsd3fyreba.jpg)
The gun platform with the additional gears and wooden wheels to give the illusion of the platform tracking
Next, it was time to work on the gears joining the gun platform to the main base more. My thought is that the gun base has gears and wheels to allow it to depress or elevate, depending on the target. I found more beads in my collection that have the look of gears and mechanical parts. I used one of the wooden gear wheels and two beads attached to an aluminum rod for each side of the gun platform. This was kind of fiddly to attach to the model, and I essentially had to sit there holding it in my hands until the 5 Minute Epoxy set. I also finished out the wire rail running between the bead gate posts on the gun platform. I discovered it is not that easy to ensure the opening of a tiny bead is truly horizontal. Some of the wire did not end up being as perfectly straight and uniform as I'd like.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GearsGunPlatform_zpscmu9ex2m.jpg)
Close up of the gears using beads and wooden gear wheels
What's next? Well, I think it is finally time to paint the central shaft assembly and the gears. Once that is done, I can add more construction -- the metal grate gangway between the gun platform and the base, for one. I also have various beads to stack up next to the bottom of the central shaft to make it look like machinery. I want to get the gears and such all painted before I start putting stuff in front of it, though!
When's that deadline, again...? lol lol
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
Great project, I love Da Vinci's designs. He's a hero of mine! I really like your approach.
Several years ago when I was getting into egg tempera paintings I painted a small one (about 8 inches high) that had the aerial screw. So preposterous :)
(http://www.shawncochran.com/ml/images/paintinggallery1/DaVincisHelicopter.jpg)
-
She's looking rather elegant i must say.
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelSideView01_zps9sgfvugd.jpg)
The Aerial Screw (sans screws, so far... lol)
Thanks, guys! I appreciate the encouragement.
More progress. I worked for a few hours last night, and a couple more tonight. The most noticeable change is that I painted the central shaft and the gun platform gears Steel, highlighting it with Gun Metal. I picked out some of shaft gears with copper paint to make it stand out more. I also jazzed up the wheel gears on the outside with some silver and copper paint, and a nice bead for the axle cover.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Whirlygig_zpsscz5rrjo.jpg)
I go crazy when it comes to metallic beads, and love using them to look like machinery
When I lopped off an inch or so from the central shaft, it messed up my plans for some of the metallic beads I'd bought. I had originally planned to have various beads around the cylinder on the bottom. It was much shorter, now. I had to find new ways to jazz up the assembly and make it look suitably steampunkish (or Victorian Sci-Fi, if you prefer that term). I really like these gold beads and since they wouldn't work in the new bottom configuration of the shaft (sounds dirty :D), I decided to mount a row of them on this flywheel. I epoxied them into place, then put a copper bead on top. That wasn't enough, in my mind, so I topped them off with the head of a straight pin. I decorated the base of the central shaft with a ring of alternating copper and hematite beads. I simply squirted tacky glue around the shaft and pushed the beads into place. By the way, I had no idea hematite beads were magnetic when I bought them...! lol
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GunPlatform04_zpsyoqlxebi.jpg)
The gun platform with the gears painted, the wheel decorated, and the skeleton of the gangway connecting it to the main base
Instead of going to bed when I should have, I stayed up and decorated the central shaft so more. I glued more shiny copper beads around part of it. I may yet fill their holes with pin heads or something similar. I wanted to some more 3D decoration on them. Epoxying the beads onto a cylindrical surface, and was a pain. I solved it by generous uses of bluetack to hold the model in place so the beads sat flat.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaftRivets_zpsujo4ej5j.jpg)
The central shaft assembly with its silver rivets painted on... :?
When I came home today, the first thing I did was paint silver rivets on the curved surfaces of the central shaft assembly. I am not 100% satisfied with my hand steadiness and artistry with the brush. I hope that as more details get added in my less-than-straight rows of dots will fade into the background. This is a 15m scale model, and the central shaft was simply too small to use 3D rivets, IMO. Afterwards, I thought maybe I could have figured something out with straight pins with tiny disc-like heads, but honestly, I am kind of making this up as I go along! lol
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelFrontView01_zps6mlgqt0k.jpg)
A frontal view of the model
The next job today was to construct the framework of the bridge leading from the main base to the gun platform. I'd constructed the pieces previously. Now, it was a time to make the arc of the bridge. I used some wood to hold the first end piece at the proper angle while the epoxy dried. Next, I epoxied the other end piece in place pointing upward at its angle. I prayed that I didn't space them too far apart. Once they were dry, I glued the double-length central part of the bridge frame onto the ends. Whew! It fit well. Once it was all dry and solid, I trimmed a piece of paper until it matched exactly the size of the bridge frame. The paper became my template to cut out a piece of window screen to resemble a metal mesh surface for the bridge. I lined the upper part of the bridge frame with epoxy and simply pressed the screen down onto it.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_PowerstacksPainted_zpsazdi42qr.jpg)
I'm calling these, Dalek-like 3-bead constructions the "power stacks"
The final step of the evening was to prep the power stacks -- 4 large conical beads that look for all the world like Dr. Who Daleks. They feature 8 columns of button-like projections, which I envision as power read-outs on for the engine. I painted the four larger columns varying levels of red/yellow/green. Before that, I dug through my bead collection and found flower-like beads to epoxy atop the dalek beads. Next, I used copper eyepins and a shiny copper bead to top them off. The idea is that the four will sit in a half arc behind the central shaft. The loops atop the four will be connected by wire, which will be strung with tiny golden beads. That's the plan -- we'll see tomorrow if it works out!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
Hey mike,
I m happy to see you there, in an another aera than woodland lol
Like you work nd your painting too.
Excellent use of bits and pieces from different origin.
Cheers Eric
-
Fascinating. :o
And so intricate 8)
Instead of going to bed when I should have
lol
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_BridgeMockup_zpspyxrvea6.jpg)
The flying machine at this stage. You can see the powerstacks are completed and strung, while work on the bridge has begun.
A couple more days, a good bit of progress. If you've noticed, I have not started on the "screw" part of the flying machine. I am still not 100% satisfied with my idea for it, so am waiting for new inspiration to strike. However, the rest of the machine draws closer and closer to completion. I am liking how the ideas are coming to fruition, too. With each stage, I'm more pleased with its look.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_PowerstacksStringing_zpsucxplzjr.jpg)
The "tool" and the length of wire being threaded with the tiny 11/0 gold beads
When I left off, I had just painted the "powerstacks" -- those four Dalek-like beads -- with columns of green, yellow, and red buttons. To give them a firm seating, I first glued washers to the copper fabric of the base. I am using Tacky glue for things to attach things to the fabric because I think it will soak into its fibers more (and hopefully hold better) than epoxy. Then I used epoxy to glue the beads to the metal washers. Next up was what I felt would be one of the more difficult parts. I wanted to string together the powerstacks with wire lined with bright gold beads. These are beads are tiny, 11/0 it says on the label. I knew I would struggle to pick them up and thread them onto a wire. So, I created a "tool" -- hey, it IS what separates us from the animals, right? lol
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaftPowerstacks_zpscjcgpxuh.jpg)
A close up of the powerstacks with their length of wire strung with beads connecting their tops
The tool was simply a length of thick, piano wire with a tiny blob of bluetack on it. I lightly tough the bead with the bluetack, which picks it up, then move it to the wire and carefully thread it onto it. I slid each bead down the wire as it went on. I also put a fancy, golden globe bead at the beginning and end of each string of tiny gold beads. Once I had the right length or distance between the powerstacks on the wire, I would paint the wire with epoxy and slide the beads down onto it. The tricky part was then re-threading the wire through the next copper eyelet atop the next powerstack in line. I was worried it would involve too much force and tear something loose, but I was careful, and the process worked like a charm!
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_BridgeParts_zpszghfpifc.jpg)
The "book" beads that will form the bridge and stairs leading to it upside down, with their spools and half-spools attached tot their bottom
The next thing to begin work on was the bridge. I had purchased a 15mm ship's wheel at the local hobby store. I dug through my collecting and found a figure with both arms in the air that would work as a helmsmen. I wanted the bridge to be a raised platform, but honestly had not sketched anything out, yet. I first plunked some small wooden cubes onto the base, but immediately felt it did not fit with the Victorian Sci-Fi/Steampunk theme. I pulled out my boxes of bits and beads and worked my way through it until I saw the bag of square beads I'd bought long ago to use as 25mm books or tomes. Hmmm. I placed a few on the deck and was impressed with how they seemed perfect for the them. I also liked the idea of a staircase leading up to the bridge, so came up with the idea of slowly elevating a row of these. I found some small, wooden thread spools in my collection and they were the perfect size. I cut one in half to provide an intermediate step, and used two full size ones for the bridge platform. Beads with no spools would be the bottom steps.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelWithStacksBridge_zpszfgetlkq.jpg)
The bridge, which will have a helmsman steering the vessel with a ship's wheel
I painted the spools Iron Wind Metals "Steel" -- one of my all-time, favorite paints. I then used Iron Wind's Antique Bronze for stripes and decorations so that the spools would match the beads I was using for the steps and bridge platform. I know the contest isn't supposed to feature pictures of the finished, painted model, but I had to paint these before gluing them down. In fact, the picture above doesn't even have them glued down yet. They are simply placed on the base so I could see what they're going to look like completed.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_WheelParts_zps2ydcy90l.jpg)
The wheel shaft -- 3 globe beads and a gear bad -- and the wheel itself drilled out and a straight pin ready to be glued
The next stage would be to construct the wheel shaft. I had to wait until the bridge was complete, so that I would make it the correct height. I took a length of aluminum rod and secured it between books horizontally. I slid 3 larger, fancy golden globe beads and one of the "gear" beads I used on the gun platform onto the rod. I epoxied them together, and once dry, trimmed the aluminum wire to the correct length. I re-measured the height against the bridge to mark where the ship's wheel would attach. I had to cut off the very thick piece of lead that was the attaching post and drill through it with a pin vice. I would use a straight pin with a rounded end to attach to the shaft. It was a tricky process, but I think I got it right, keeping the wheel straight and relatively parallel to the shaft.
I have a busy weekend planned, so likely won't get a lot more progress done. However, I do intend to paint the gear bead steel, and begin painting the wheel itself. Once they're painted, I'll epoxy them into place, as well. Thanks for all the kind comments, everyone!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
This is perhaps the most opulent flying device to grace the skies.
-
Only the finest for Italy's budding colonial empire! 🇮🇹
lol lol
Mike Demana
-
Any way, it' ll be a shiny vessel.
Looks like a funcky disco transport. May be you can name it: EWF
For the crew uniforms, see here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk)
;)
-
A busy weekend kept me from making any more progress. But with the return of the workweek, I have been able to squeeze in an hour or two working on the Da Vinci flying machine each evening.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ShipsWheel_zpsonuaff88.jpg)
The ship's wheel (a purchase from a hobby shop), attach to a length of aluminum rod with beads
The first step was to assemble and attach the ship's wheel to the deck. Like with the powerstacks, I ended up using Tacky Glue to glue a metal washer onto the copper fabric. I considered cutting through the fabric to expose the steel deck of the bottle cap, but decided it was just as likely I'd end up tearing it and making a mess. The wheel should get very little stress near the middle of the main deck, so I decided to risk this attachment.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_PewterPaper_zpsrllwgweo.jpg)
Measuring out the pewter paper that will decorate the cardboard outer ring
With the wheel's attachment, the middle part of the deck is finished. I could now begin work on the railing. I purchased Pewter colored paper from the hobby store to glue onto the black cardboard ring along the outer edge. I made a paper template to the correct size between the railing stanchions, and traced it out onto the pewter paper. I had to trim it a bit for each space, as my stanchions were eyeballed rather than measured for correct spacing. I painted the back of the paper with Tacky glue and then used the end of a paint brush to press it down. I was even able to slide the piece underneath the gangway bridge connecting the main deck to the gun deck.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GlueRivets1_zpsf0eq5bpm.jpg)
Placing beads of glue where the rivets will go
Next up were the rivets for the pewter paper. You can't have Steampunk or Victorian Sci-Fi without rivets! Way back in the beginning, I'd purchased a package of 3mm Round Black Gemstones. It has hundreds more than I'll need, but I figured they would give a nice 3-dimensional look. I placed a bead of Tacky glue at each spot where a rivet would go. I used my old "tool" of a piece of thick piano wire with a tiny blob of bluetack on it to place each bead. A needle was used to nudge it into the right position and press it down onto the glue. The rivets underneath the gangway were only a tad trickier -- I was actually surprised how easy it was to move them into position.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_GlueRivets2_zpsus5qwjmb.jpg)
My makeshift tool was the perfect thing to place each tiny gemstone onto its blob of glue
That's all -- a short update this time. Next up, I will string wire through the bead stanchions on the outer railing. I'm STILL holding off on starting the vanes of the aerial screw. I think I'm waiting for the ghost of Leonardo da Vinci to visit me and whisper an even better idea how to do them into my ear...! lol
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_RivetedRailing_zps5vcxqxic.jpg)
A section of the outer railing with beads all in place
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
That last shot looks great!
:-* :-*
Now I am trying to imagine the whole thing looking as baroque as that.
:D
-
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ModelWithStacksBridge_zpszfgetlkq.jpg)
The bridge, which will have a helmsman steering the vessel with a ship's wheel
This is the best steampunk Tardis console ever. :o
-
Beautiful
-
Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the kind words. A bit of snow coming down, now. Secretly hoping for a snow day (like I'm sure my students are... lol). If so, expect me to begin on the vanes for the screw tomorrow. If not, oh well...expect deadline pressure to increase!
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
A few more updates. In light of the rules about painted bits, I'm zooming in quite a bit to show construction WIP photos, and not taking as many full model shots. I hope this complies with the rules -- please let me know if it doesn't! :o
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Railing_zpstpqkabae.jpg)
Brass wire runs through the stanchions to create an outer railing for the main base of the flyer
First off, I added the railing for the base. I took a piece of brass wire, bent it around a can to give it a rounded shape, and threaded it through the copper eyelets sticking out of the stanchions. I used a needle to add droplets of epoxy in each eyelet to help keep the brass wire in place. I had thought about adding a bead on either side of they eyelet for decoration, but decided to go with a relatively plain railing -- as plain as anything can be on this opulent vehicle!
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ShaftFilial_zps01t1n0xf.jpg)
A blurry shot of the bead decoration at the top of the shaft that will hold the vanes for the aerial screw
Next up, it was time to begin working on the central shaft piece that will hold the aerial screw vanes. I added a couple of wooden gears and a fancy bead to the top. Then, I painted the whole shaft Iron Wind Metals Steel. I picked out the gear cogs in copper. Next, I added some silver bands around the shaft. I liked the way the gemstone rivets looked on the main base, so decided to put some rivets on teh shaft as well. This turned out to take much less time than I thought it would. After gluing these on with Tacky glue, the shaft is essentially ready for the screw vanes.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_ShaftRivets_zpsv04rkhj6.jpg)
I wanted more rivets on this vehicle, so I added some to the shaft that will hold the aerial screw vanes
The last bit of construction that needs to be done on the main base is the decoration along the bottom of the bottle cap. I'd mentioned earlier that I had an idea to trick it out and make it less "bottle cap looking." I trimmed the copper jewelry eyelets to size, and epoxied one in each of the indentations along the edge of the bottle cap. I did my best to keep them lined up and facing perpendicular. My intention is to run some wire -- probably brass here, as well -- through the eyelets.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_BottleCapExtensions_zpse7p9uugn.jpg)
The row of copper jewelry eyelets extending from the bottom edges of the bottle cap base. A wire will be threaded through the eyelets later
Finally, I cleaned up and primed the 15mm crew and gunner figures that will man the craft. At this point, I essentially have one week left to finish the build. If the aerial screw vanes go smoothly, I don't foresee problems in getting it finished. I do have a busy week next week, so I'll attempt to get as much done this weekend as possible.
I honestly am very excited to see how this thing will look when it is all completely finished... :-*
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
This is a fascinating construct - I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it before. I do hope you've kept a tally of the bits! ;) :D
-
Wow! Just catching up with this, it's bloody impressive. It looks like it's stepped out from Italian 'Medico Chi '. Cool :)
-
I'm sorry Mike - I can't read your posts or look at your photos. My eyes start to hurt!
(Will I go blind if I touch it?) :D
-
Great work on all the fine detail in this. I think I would lack the patience.
-
I am running out of time! :o I can see light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm not 100% sure I will finish on time. It doesn't help that I'm running a new scenario at a local convention this weekend. So, I have double deadline!!
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_LandingRing_zpsxlgnubx5.jpg)
The landing ring -- brass wire threaded through the copper jewelry eyelets -- is actually very sturdy
The landing ring is finished...at least that is what I've taken to calling it. I threaded brass wire through the copper eyelets projecting down the bottle cap base and epoxied it into place. It is much sturdier than I'd imagined. This part of the build worked out even better than planned.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_Calculations_zpstpk1hmui.jpg)
Mikedemana does math...NOT his best subject, in an attempt to make a smooth, progression of smaller vanes
Not so with my plans for the aerial screw's circular vanes. In fact, the execution of my idea turned out to look so crappy, I scrapped it. Luckily, I had two backup plans. I immediately began working on backup plan #1. Instead of a smooth, circular corkscrew made of metallic craft paper, it would feature separate, kite-shaped vanes made of very thin styrene. This allowed me to keep the upper part of the central shaft, which I'd already drilled and painted. I wanted to keep the corkscrew look with progressively smaller vanes as it spiraled up the shaft, so I jotted down some numbers and then drew out the kite shapes on the styrene.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaft_Vanes1_zpsimdyk6ky.jpg)
These kite-shaped styrene vanes are taking the place of the circular aerial screw vanes, which proved beyond my ability
I picked up a tiny "L-shaped" package of styrene to epoxy over the brass wire and help hold it securely against the underside of the styrene vanes. I wasn't sure if the vanes would hold with only epoxy on the brass wire against styrene. With the L-shaped styrene enclosing the brass wire, clamping it against the styrene vane, it gave multiple points of contact. I was relieved to see that it appeared to be working. The styrene vanes were thin enough I think they flexed when pressure was applied, and were so light that the epoxy could hold them.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaft_Vanes2_zpstqjot6yy.jpg)
More vanes are added...much to my surprise, the epoxy actually holds them in place relatively securely
I had to towers of blocks and other items to brace the vanes into positions so that I did not have to sit there and hold them forever while the epoxy dried. Over two days, all 8 vanes were glued into place. While it was drying, I began work on the "feet" or flight stand. I cut lengths of clear acrylic dowel and epoxied them into wooden spools to hold them securely. I cut pieces of shim to give a sloped wooden connecting piece (so the legs would flare out), to which I epoxied VERY strong magnets. The plan is to use three of the clear legs as a tripod flight stand that can be removed for storage. I chose a tripod because I didn't want to count on myself cutting four legs equally. A tripod will balance itself if one leg is shorter.
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_CentralShaft_Vanes3_zpsslynoak2.jpg)
The kite-shaped vanes make it less Leonardo, I realize, and more Steampunk...but considering how the rest of the model looks, maybe taht is a good thing!
I also finished the crew except for a wash, which I will apply tomorrow. I painted the styrene vanes, but I am still debating whether to glue the copper craft paper to them anyway. It will all depend on how the paint looks, whether I try this or not. Wish me luck as the deadline looms nearer and nearer...!
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LeoFlyer_FlightStand01_zpsjgq52omn.jpg)
The feet, or flight stand, will consist of three acrylic dowels attached to the underside of the base with magnets
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
This is an impressive undertaking. Good luck.
-
Looking really good!
-
Well, the LeoFlyer came perilously close to a maiden flight against a stout wall, propelled by my angry hand. I reined myself in, though, and controlled my temper. >:( >:( >:(
I was making a last modification this afternoon, attempting to make the upper central shaft (with vanes) detachable for storage. I wanted to use a strong magnet to hold it in place where it sockets into the lower central shaft instead of permanently gluing it there. As I began to make my modifications, pieces began to pop off left and right. The lower central shaft all but fell apart. Had ONE more piece broken off, I honestly think that would have been it. I would have given up, and the LeoFlyer would have been smashed into a bajillion pieces... lol
Still, it was the closest to a temper tantrum I've thrown in years. I used to have a fairly bad temper in my younger days, but since I hit my 40s and 50s, I've reined it in so that it is nonexistent. I went back to rebuilding it, and honestly, I think the new lower central shaft looks nicer than it did before. I added in more pieces, a few more gear thingies, and essentially tightened and shortened it up ever so slightly.
I mounted the crew once I was sure all things were going to work out, and in my opinion, they really make it "pop," so to speak. I like the way the crew makes it look like a real vehicle -- not just a bunch of odd, shiny textures thrown together in strange shapes. The crew figures feeding the belt into the machine guns didn't fit on the gun platform, though -- something I'd been worried about. So, there are only two machine guns, gunners, and a spotting officer. I guess the LeoFlyer features magazine fed machine guns, right? ;)
Last, but not least, I popped on the magnetically attached flying stand. It works like a charm! Being detachable also, the flyer will actually fit in a smaller storage container than you'd think.
So, a hectic and exasperating finish to this build, but it is DONE!!! My first-ever Build Something Contest...! :-*
Mike Demana
www.firstcommandwargames.com
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
(http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww213/mikedemana/Miscellaneous/LPL_bades_zpsl7op2jaz.jpg)
-
Great, looking forward to seeing the photos.