Zafarelli's progress thread (first cast, only painting left)

[Zafarelli]

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

[former user]

so I will follow this closely, You SOB of a vile merchantman   

to see what aircraft series gets out of it 

[Zafarelli]

Here is a bit of progress:



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.

[Zafarelli]

Started the detailing of the engines and the body:


Engines are slightly tilted now:


Landed:


Back view:

[Zafarelli]

More outside detail:

[former user]

Your Modelling is fantastic!

I still don't like the tail...

can't say why - maybe too small?
just my taste....

[Commander Vyper]

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

 

[former user]

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...

[Commander Vyper]

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! 

Anyway...

A google search for GDI orca's come up with some nice options:

[Zafarelli]

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.

[former user]

Shut up Ted! 

"And I am the Duke of Ted."

[Zafarelli]

Added a stabilizing thruster to the tail, and toyed around with the fins:




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?

[former user]

that's the tail!

now it looks balanced.
Just fine

[Westfalia Chris]

I think it looks excellent. Considering the tail, IŽd 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

Rear 3/4 view

Although you should probably build a sturdier mounting than the one of my flimsy piece.

[Dewbakuk]

Looks good, just make sure the wash from the engines isn't going to destabalise the tail fins.