I finally decided to build my Buck Rogers Starfighter.

I did have a little bit of go fever and forgot to get a picture of parts. Lots of "die cruched" cardboard pieces - no balsa to fill!

The first step is to punch out the 3 parts to make the canopy. I used white glue and the double glue method plus some small clamps to hold the tabs while the glue dried. Did it one tab at a time.

I used Elmer's F&F for the body tubes (no pix). Once that dried and sanded, I punched out the wings, marked the tubes, and attached the wings to the body tubes.

The engine mount consists of a bulkhead and motor ring glued into the end of the motor tube. This is then glued to the main body.

Attached Thumbnails

     

Next glue all 3 pieces together. The scissors on top acted as a counterweight for the clamps that I had hanging over the table edge.

Attached Thumbnails

 

I ran into a problem. The one tube did not bond well plus there was a gap between the cardboard pieces. I was able to cut apart the pieces. I then trimmed the main body stock to properly fit the tube (a little less than 1/8"). Forgot to grab a picture of the problem.

While the tubes were drying (again) I built the motor mount. It consists of the motor tube, motor block, motor hook, and center ring. I did substitute some kevlar thread for the shock cord where it connects to the motor mount tube

Attached Thumbnails

 

I started working the under plate. It consists of 3 pieces that need to be glued together at right angles so I used some blocks for alignment

Attached Thumbnails

 

OK - I'm happy with how the main body came out. And the bottom plate is done. There is a rib you glue on with holes for attaching the shock cord. Forgot to grab a picture of that, but I've glued the bottom plate to the main body. I used some weights and clamps to hold things together while the glue dries.

Attached Thumbnails

     

Great work, Les. Love the thought you clearly put into your approach. Very creative.

__________________
Just completed: Estes Cherokee-E, Estes Multi-Roc.

Current project: Painting the roll pattern on my new Ventris build, gifted me by the estimable Dr. Houchin.

can you try to make a scan of the decal sheet any better quality than this one?

http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/cen5335.htm

very nice build so far!

here is a scan I did. Not sure if it is much better

Attached Files

Scan0017.pdf (235.2 KB, 56 views)

Yes, I think you captured the Gray color better than in the JimZ tif where those parts are essentially black. Thanks very much!

Going off on a tangent here... anybody have considered building this model (or clone of it) as a Colonial Viper from Battlestar Galactica?
http://www.galactica.tv/battlestar-...-paintings.html
http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/sc...ers-looked.html