Alex48

Hi Wim

Yes the idea is you remove the probes... put them back into the box then chuck it in the model so you never forget them. Not much progress at the moment but I hope to get the aerials done this month. These will be CNC cut low cost additions that will also be held in place magnetically.

Cheers, Alex

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Alex,

are those the two blade antenna's on the turtledeck?

Wim

Alex48

The base of the large probes needs to be painted to match and also the rim of the AoA probe the rest are left metallic. I haven't received an email yet do you mind sending me a PM just to make sure as I can get them out to you today.

Cheers, Alex

Alex48

Yes, I think these are the only two worth doing as I couldn't see any others that were particularly obvious.

FenderBean

im sending again my internet here is on the frits so i will send it in a pm

I may just trim and glue mine, I hate to do that but since I want have any matching paint it may be the better solution. I dont mind not being removable.

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

ok, perfect, then I won't bother making them myself, I'll just wait for a set from you....

The only other antenna's I know of are the ECM antenna's under the wing gloves, only present on the "B" version.....but since this plane is not really modelled after a specific version, (it has features from at least the B and D version), I wouldn't bother with those....

Wim

Alex48

Just go to a hobby store and buy a selection of those little pots of acrylics that the plastic modellers use then add a touch of light or dark as required you can get a very accurate match that way. The full size pitot housing was put in place like the kitted probe then the base painted. Of course you can do as you suggested also

Alex48

Ive also done a little installation video that will be sent out shortly.

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Alex,

given the state most of these planes were in after a deployment, I don't think a shade lighter or darker on the paint would be a problem.....

Wim

LA jetguy

Looks great Alex.. I look forward to getting mine...

Thanks

Chris Nicastro

My Feedback: (3)

I took a series of photos of an F-14 from 10 paces, 20 and 30 away to study what you actually see verses what we know is there. Its the same challenge in plastic model kits where you often see over done dramatic out of scale finishes for the subject. No doubt it looks great but in reality if you scaled down the weathering to the scale of the model it wouldn't be much to look at.

I figure, in the end, if you like it then its cool, treat it like its art work.

invertmast

My Feedback: (23)

Same goes with rivets on the tomcat..90% of them are not visible even at a distance of 6" as they were all covered to prevent salt water intrusion in the airframe. What fastener detail is visible are the numerous screws on access panels. The interesting thing, is anytime a panel was removed, all of the fasteners were painted over with a rattle can to help seal the panel. Again to help combat salt water intrusion, so alot of times on a long deployment, you will see splotchy paint along panel edges.

Alex48

Installation going well after having reinstalled the tanks, swing wing and gear.



This is an early prototype of a stator and first stage compressor of the TF30. The compressor free wheels behind the stator on two bearings. This is designed to fit into the intakes of Skymasters F14 Tomcat. We are also producing a F110 GE 400 Stator and first stage compressor for those that want true scale accuracy. Using this prototype we are now refining the CAD work to create something thats very accurate.

DrScoles

My Feedback: (18)

Alex, are those the old actuators? I thought the new ones were all metal? I forgot to check mine before I boxed the plane up and put it in storage!

I like where you put the air valves. Where did you put the turbine ECU's and pumps? Pics would be great!

FenderBean

alex how many air valves did u end up using and how did u connect them.

DrScoles

My Feedback: (18)

Alex, did you run all those air lines with the wing mech out? I wanted to avoid doing that, but mine came with the tanks out anyway, so I guess it has to be done. This doesn't look like a fun install, seems pretty tight in there to me.

Alex48

Hi Guys,

To get the tanks out requires you to remove the swing wing and to get the swing wing out you need to remove the gear. I recommend taking it all out anyway. The tanks need to be re done as I'm not a fan of how Skymaster plumb them. There was also loads of debris in mine so they need a good clean then need to be re plumbed and finally pressure tested. Its not as tight as it looks but I did do all the airline with everything out.

I have 7 electric valves inside the model, Airbrake, Gear, Gear doors, Gear door (The large long one on the mains), Brake, Canopy, Canopy lock. The gear is sequenced through the PowerBox and the canopy through the transmitter.

Cheers, Alex

FenderBean

man thats a lot valves LOL did you tie the gear lock piston into the gear down/up valve as well? I will do like i did on my f-16 and use a small button valve for the the canopy lock. It worked great, canopy unlock is tie into the open line on the canopy cylinder and the button valve gets air sent to it on the close. when the canopy drops it hits the valve air is then sent to the locks. Saves the weight of an extra valve, this can even be done for gear doors as well.

Alex48

Hi Fender, Yes the lock valve is tied into the main lines, The valves are just my preference as I have complete control and can sequence them without any hassle. They are very light but like all things there are loads of ways to do the same thing and all have the desired effect, what your going to do sounds great.

Cheers

Alex48

Finally got the pre prediction runs of the GE F110 Stator and first stage compressor back from the manufacturer, I'm really happy with the results and looks stunning sitting inside the intake. These can be glued in the intake for flight or simply pushed inside for static display. Its been great to see peoples reaction so far when looking around the F14, after all these models spend most of their life on the ground...

Alex48

This is what the full sizer looks like, few minor changes and it will be ready...

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

Alex,

do you have a picture of how this looks on the inside?? I wonder if they would fit with the larger can turbines, like mine... I had to shorten the intakes to have enough bypass flow.

Wim

Alex48

Hi Wim, I anticipated that some may need larger stators & fans so several sizes will be available. Let me know the diameter of the area you'd like the fan to sit in I'm sure it won't be a problem.

Cheers, Alex

WimB

My Feedback: (1)

any idea on pricing yet?

any progress on the antenna's on the turtleback?

W.

Alex48

To stay within the rules of the forum I'll have to annotate the 'build stream' with pricing, all the vents and louvers should come in the next few weeks then the antenna's after that. It might be worth making a set yourself rather than waiting if your desperate. This stuff has been taking around three time longer than hoped to develop but the products will be worth it