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Gates Learjet 35A - RVHP 1/72


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20110519-Learjet-3.jpg

Wiring and tests: all systems up and running :) The arrows point to the fibre optics and their LED which still need to be connected.

20110519-Learjet-4.jpg

Lights in the night. When the wing lights will be on, the plane will look like a bright Christmas tree ;)

Edited by Scalephantomphixer
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The battery wil go under the display, not inside the model.

20110520-Learjet.jpg

1. The LED in an aluminum tube emits light focused on...

2. The fibre optics, who carry the light to...

3. The computer lights.

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Closer view of the fibre optics.

20110520-Learjet-4.jpg

Almost ready to close, the cramped fuselage is packed. It could not host an IC, I am happy with my decision to put it under the display.

Edited by Scalephantomphixer
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20110521-Learjet.jpg

Turning assembly pins with brass wire 0.80mm

20110521-Learjet-4.jpg

Assembly of the pins. They will allow a very precise positioning of the body halves

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The body halves ready for the mating. But...

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... I nearly forgot the brass locator for the front wheel strut !

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The assembly is quite easy: snap on the rods, add CA and press

20110521-Learjet-8.jpg

Et voilà, instant cure, the glue holds in seconds without pression!

Edited by Scalephantomphixer
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WING ASSEMBLY

20110522-Learjet-8.jpg

The huge match is back :) The Learjet sits on its temporary landing gear struts, made with tooth sticks. ;)

I cut out the mobile surfaces on the wing - ailerons and landing flaps - to reposition them slightly deflected (or not, I haven't decided yet).

20110522-Learjet-2.jpg

The systems are running, light is everywhere but the taxi lights. They suffered from the extensive manipulations of the wing and died. I will neet to solder two new SMD LEDs.

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Tedious sanding along the mating surfaces..

20110524-Learjet-2.jpg

I needed a specially profiled sander to reach the area of the wing/body assembly.

20110524-Learjet-3.jpg

Once the shape was ok I glued 400 grit wet sanding paper to the other side.

20110524-Learjet.jpg

Et voilà : no hidden spot can escape my tool !

20110524-Learjet-5.jpg

The vertical stab assembly also needs sanding.

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:jaw-dropping: Awlright, Pierre... just to sound neither too obvious nor repetitive; I assume the 1/48th scale Swissair DC-3 is yers as well, right? So many enquiries to make.

In all honesty, I hadn't picked this thread before 'cause of the build bein' in 1/72nd scale. Mate, thank the Heavens above I did! Works, beyond impressive! I real luv yer tools; say, are ya a watchmaker, by any chance?

20110521-Learjet-6.jpg

How in the world did ya manage to align several brass pins to match their holes in the opposite fuselage half? Have ya used any specialised tool in order to make the holes perfectly perpendicular to the matin' surfaces? It suffices that one brass pin were off-centre to throw away the whole fuselage alignment, that's whut I mean. :blink:

Whut can ya tell us 'bout yer lathe? Is it a watchmakers' lathe? Bloke, me is so impressed by yer work... It's luvly whut ya've done to that Learjet kit; if only ya'd done it on the Hasegawa 1/48 kit. :crying2:

Congratulations, Pierre!

Cheers now,

Unc²

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20110526-Learjet-2.jpg

I created a round sanding stick with a toothpick, wet sandpaper (grit 400) and a drop of CA. Et voilà :D

20110526-Learjet-4.jpg

The vertical stabilizer seam needs additional care. I apply tiny droplets of Mr. Surfacer 1000.

20110526-Learjet-6.jpg

Re-engraving of the ultra-fine panel lines on an engine.

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20110528-Learjet.jpg

Adjusting the canopy. I highlight the parts to be removed with a blue marker.

20110528-Learjet-4.jpg

Then comes the careful trim with nail scissors.

20110528-Learjet-6.jpg

After a few adjustment with the file and surgery blade the canopy fits better.

Oops, how come the pilot lost his head and left arm? A few heigh issues that my scalpel blade took care of in a few throat cuts.

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The instrument panel light up like a Xmas tree. The real Learjet had a more conventional analog panel than this high-tech glass beauty, but I like this one better.

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A few SID, enroute charts and a Jeppesen binder complete the panel hood.

20110528-Learjet-14.jpg

Next step is to glue the canopy.... Stay tuned!

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20110529-Learjet-5.jpg

To mask the windows I need ultra-narrow strips of tape, which I cut from regular tape with a surgeon blade.

20110529-Learjet-2.jpg

Then comes the positioning on the window. This is a tedious task as one can hardly see the line between the glass and the frame. On the opposite side I try another technique: a fully covering 1-piece mask.

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After I marked the edge with a toothpick and a sharpie I cut the form out.

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Did I say the task was difficult ? Here one can see how big the positioning error can be: I marked it at the wrong place and bingo: the cut is too short...

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So I keep the strips technique which allows a perfect placement. Once everything is delimited I fill the inside with drawing gum. The product dries quickly and becomes transparent, but can be easily peeled off. I already filled the seams with Mr.Surfacer 1200 which is drying while I post the pictures.

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20110529-Learjet-9.jpg

After a first layer of primer (Mr.Surfacer 1200 thinned 50%) appear the little crevices at the window seam...

20110529-Learjet-8.jpg

... which I take care of immediately by applying some more putty. A watchmaker oil dispenser helps a lot to apply a tiny drop of putty exactly where it is needed, without building a glob of mess. After oiling anchor pallets this is Kindergarten work :)

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20110602-Learjet-3.jpg

My cave where the small "quick one week project" became a full scale project over months. The electronics is one of the culprit, actually my desire du know more about electronics, where I am a real greenhorn.

20110603-Learjet.jpg

Building the production circuit, based upon the prototype I created earlier. I start by disconnecting a few copper lines on the back of a paper PCB.

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Then starts the aseembly of the IC beds. They will allow me to replace the timers if Murphy knocks at my door. Everything is mirrored on the back, so better pay attention, s**t happens!

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Here is the top side with the first soldered components.

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The entire circuit connected to the power. Everything is ok and the LED flashes as expected. I will later remove it and connect the wires from the Learjet.

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Here is the prototype on the test bench. I want to measure the output of the two timers. This can also be calculated, but I am not fond of picos, nanos, micros, etc.

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The values: the first timer flips in an "instable mode" every 1.5 seconds and the second every 128ms. )=7.81Hz).

I measure 8.6V output (of 9V input) on the first timer and 7.8V on the second timer. Internal dissipations ?

Operating the oscilloscope is not easy for a beginner like me, but I get at it. I am quite happy with my learning curve ;)

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I am impressed with your ability to trim the tape down to half millimetre widths. I believe there is a Micron Masking tape available which I have been looking for which dispenses those widths - if my blade has been used, I never have much success in trimming to such widths, so Micron Masking tape might be useful for me.

Excellent work, I can't wait to see this one finished!

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20110605-Learjet-2.jpg

A long sanding session to smooth out all the blemishes. For the narrow places I use an ad-hoc built sander.

20110605-Learjet-3.jpg

Cutting the masks for the windows.

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I sliced each mask into two parts, which allow an exact positioning onto the windows.

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A small characteristics of the Learjet : the front window reinforcement beam. I built it by soldering together two small strips of brass.

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After a new layer of primer paint (thinned Mr.Surfacer 1200)

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Another size comparison : my fingers, which also got their load of primer.

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A bird view on the Learjet bird.

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The front side with the door.

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My thick thumb.

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The backside. Enough work for today 

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