posted 03-17-2014 05:06 PM               

With each model I build I add more 3D printed/mastered parts. The next A2 that I'm currently working on will have a full cockpit and landing gear, I'm also working on a stand alone XLR-99 stripped of all the tiny tubes and wires so you can actually see the major components.

Two things are helping make this possible. I signed an agreement with Xtremeprototypes to use their CAD models created for their amazing X-15 flight sim. You can fly an entire mission and all the switches/systems are simmed.

I also got a copy of the XLR-99 engine manual and that has drawings and illustrations never seen befeore and I'm using that for the engine model.

posted 03-18-2014 06:24 PM               

If everything works out I'll be able to do a book similar to Sullivan's "Virtual Apollo/LEM" on the X-15. Michelle Evans is a good friend and she's already gotten me some great connections to do this. I can get the story on how many of the X-15's systems were designed and built! I also want it to be a definitive resource for model builders.

On the 3D side, the CAD would be used to do a large scale complete cutaway model I'd like to donate to NASM and have displayed on the second level right near 66670.

posted 09-01-2014 09:02 PM               

The look I'm after for this model is something that looks like the real vehicle and the model itself looks like it's been around for a while.

Although it doesn't look much different than it did six months ago, more work went into it in that time than it did to build to that point. I developed a few new 2D layouts and getting those to fit on a compound surface like the nose cose is difficult, I think I've applied the nose decals at least three times before I was satisfied.

The metallic finish is something that doesn't come thru in the pics at all, but it looks good up close.

I'm working on an A2 with a detailed coclpit and landing gear. It's a lot of CAD work but once it's done the printed parts should make a pretty neat model. The printed parts are small and fragile so molding and casting would be harder than just printing each one. Also molds only make sense if I do more than five of something.

What I'd like to do is make a 1/18th scale model that would be finished. A 1/12th scale master could be made to be used as a pantograph master. I know that's old school but it still works well. Then I could make the 1/12th scale model that I want to donate to the National Air and Space Museum in time for the new gallery.

posted 09-03-2014 12:17 PM               

I need to contact Gen. Engle and see if he'd sign a few models. I'll have a 1/50 shuttle that's available as a full stack or on the SCA, and the 1/15th X-15. I could also do just the shuttle with the X-15 in 1/50, that might make a nice set.