Aeronca "K" Modeling Project

It's all part of the process Don. I (and every other modeller I know) have re-worked parts many times over the lifetime of a model, especially in the case of a first model. As you have found skills and abilities improve with time and what was acceptable to you in the beginning starts to look messy and poorly done later. The bottom line is that re-making the parts is good for you and for the model as you both improve.
 
Hi Larry.

I knew my revisiting the engine was coming after what I've done throughout the model already. Back at the beginning stages I was smoking through stuff that looked the part. Not so much so really. This weekend I'm frazzled after a long week at work. So much so that I'd rather be horizontal with my head on a pillow snoozing. :icon_lol: Too early for that so I decided to get something done at any rate.
 
After keeping my pillow company, back at it again.

Here's a few shots after re-working the crankcase and fins, Headfins (also notched for spark plugs), and other areas where needed.

bp95.png


0rj5.png


7p4m.png
 
Sunday morning at my PC with a fresh cup of hot coffee, working on how the strut-leg covers flow to the sides of the fuselage in front of the doors. After reviewing several photos of the real aircraft, I realized more cosmetic surgery was needed in that area. Here's the results.

Much better. :)
r6ej.png


Real world example.
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeronca-K/1694279/L/&sid=725373fdfe5617a92787e63c91b91c8e

The fairing to the body looks real good... latest engine work looks fantastic!
 
Thanks Ted.

The model is done. From a modelers perspective. In my eyes anyway.
It's time to map the model and get busy with the paint templates. Who knows how long this phase will be. Six months, a year? Who knows? I'm in no hurry really. It is a hobby.

The next time I post images will be with textures applied. :salute:
 
This weekend (so far, :icon_lol:)consisted of more refinements to the engine. I wasn't happy with the cylinder heads, bases, cylinder cooling fins, or head-bolt/washer arrays. They're all new, and better look the part. I also reworked the valve-covers.

I said I was done modeling last weekend. OCD? :kilroy:
 
Nah, MCD: modeling compulsive disorder... :icon_lol: We all get it badly at times.

HeHe. I'm guilty.


To any and all following this project:

Thoughts that come to mind. I'll clear the air with my thoughts now.

Numerous times throughout this project, I wish I had the opportunity to see an Aeronca K so I could take photos. While the photos around the internet are nice, they are really nothing more than distant visual reference. Not much use for what I'm doing. The drawings have been more useful in that respect. But there are situations (many) where I've had to guess based on the images that are available that others have taken through the years due to some factory drawings not available.

With that said I know that my 3D model is not exact in every way because of situations mentioned. But it's very, very close to what was built in the factory back in the day.

Throughout my efforts of modeling the K, I've posted many images here showing my progress. And out of all the virtual flight enthusiasts who frequent the forum I am member too, I don't think any of them have been as close to the real thing to base judgment in my efforts to make the K in 3D. Least if there is someone who really knows their way around the K model, they've remained silent.

I guess time will tell when it comes to my releasing it when it's completed. All heck will break loose basing judgment that I did something incorrectly. By then I will not be revisiting the model to correct things unless hard proof images or drawings are supplied. I think I'm safe in that respect. One never knows though. So please, if anyone has anything to add that will help my efforts in creating the project authenticity, I encourage and welcome your replies. :)
 
Back
Top