MoFo

Could be worse: https://jalopnik.com/europe-funds-nuclear-rocket-research-deep-space-travel-1850405252

No, not at all. Apart from the obvious pylon/cockpit differences, there are a few panel line subtleties around the engine humps between the fighter and strike Eagles. There is zero reason to split it that way for the A/B/C/D - they're all the same. The only reason for that specific breakdown is that they're at least considering a Strike Eagle.

The only reason for that unusual rear fuselage breakdown is to allow them to do an accurate Strike Eagle rear fuselage. Interesting.

I mean, he uses the scan to completely re-draft the part in CAD, because it's not even remotely useable for production purposes, but other than that, sure, it's great. My point being, if it's so bad at recreating such fundamental geometric shapes as "circle", "flat" and "parallel", then don't expect to be able to just scan and print kit parts. The technology, while it has its uses, just isn't there yet. As for the Solidworks vs Fusion 360 debate... Solidworks now offer a hobbyist license for $90/year. https://discover.solidworks.com/3dexperience-solidworks-mak

Note, though, that the scan... sucks. None of the holes are round, smooth surfaces aren't, and the raw scan data is basically unusable - he's just using it for gross measurements to completely rebuild the part in CAD.

Short answer: yes, we are light years from that. Again, there is no magic button that turns an idea into a physical object. If you want to 3D print for scale models, you need to learn CAD, or digital sculpting. There aren't. Again, if you want to 3D print for scale models, you need to learn CAD, or digital sculpting. And that's really unlikely to change; after all, it hasn't changed for decals or masks, even though between printers, plotters and laser cutters, you can pretty much reproduce those at home. Because it takes time, experience and expertise to create quali

From the questions you're asking and your other comments throughout the thread, I'd suggest that you probably want to wait before buying a printer. There are very few files out there for the scale modeller. There will be some of the more generic items like bombs (though no vouching for quality. the designer may or may not care about accuracy - even if the file looks nice - so you'll have to vet everything yourself), but if there's something that you want to add to your model, expect that you'll have to design it yourself. If you want things that are 'pop culture' related (sci-fi

You're not going to be happy with versatile plastic. It's made by laser sintering a fine nylon powder (melting it together with a laser) and has a relatively rough, grainy surface finish. It's a little bit like the faux-velvet flocking you see on Christmas ornaments. You can't really sand it smooth, as it's nylon so it doesn't abrade well, so you'd have to do multiple primer coats and sand that to smooth it out. You'll also probably want to replace the props and landing gear, as they'll be super simplistic. If possible, I'd go with Frosted Detail plastic instead; it will be sig

First off, thanks! (very belatedly!) Secondly, if you're looking at detail parts, I wouldn't get an FDM printer like the Ender 3. You really need resin for details - the Elegoo Mars and Anycubic Photon families of printer are a great starting point, although as with any 3D printer, they'll have a definite learning curve (it's a tool, not an appliance). And thirdly, there's not really a whole lot out there for the scale modeller in terms of ready-made files; if you're into figures and fantasy, sure, but detail parts for scale aircraft kits... not so much. So if you want to print detail par

Alvis is in the same town and is friends with Steve. I've just sent him a PM to try to reach out to Steve for some help. I also sent a PM to Neo, who is an admin on the site, so should(?) have the same powers as Steve (ie.,he can appoint mods, too), but has been on here as recently as today, though apparently only posts in the B/S/T section now. Being Super Moderators, it's possible that both Alvis and Terry Sumner might be able to appoint new mods, too. It's been a while since I dug around in IPB. (at the very least, they CAN help delete the SPAM). Are any of these four on Fa

LOL. Knowing your name or email address is literally the least info that FB has on you. If you're concerned about digital privacy, The Algorithm is far more powerful than your registration info, particularly if you're using FB on your phone. Also, WhatsApp *IS* Facebook.

Hmm... those prints are really disappointing. Like, I'm tempted to cancel my order, disappointing. They show a fundamental lack of understanding of the technology - the parts would be much, much better if they just fixed the orientation. Case in point, that instrument panel is pretty terrible, but it would be smooth and crisp if it were just printed horizontally, rather than at an angle. Guess it just goes to show, 3D printing isn't some magic bullet; you need to understand and master it, like any new tool. Wonder what printer/s Jetmads are using? And what settings. They s

Tom, How's your build going? I didn't find any info on airfoils, so they're simple oblongs (as with the Disney version). I guess I could use a NACA profile - it'd be period correct(ish) at least, but it's more, "Out of the pages of Colliers", so I wasn't super concerned correct aerodynamics and more just matching the overall aesthetics.

I just want to see pics of the kit. 🙂

Well that's... different. https://www.luckymodel.com/scale.aspx?item_no=PSD-AMK-001 Complete with LEDs so it can light up. As is usual on airbrush-based spacecraft, I guess?