3D Printed PAC CT-4B from Shapeways Marketplace

[harrysone]

And now for something completely different...

I had a browse of Shapeways Marketplace for 3D printed miniatures recently & found that there are a number of unique aircraft designs there which you can order. Among others were Victa Airtourers, PAC Fletchers, Crescoes and XL-750s

www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/aircraft

I purchased a little CT-4B and a Bolkow 208 (for an owner ) just to see what the medium is like.

The upshot is you get a solid printed object that needs to be faired and painted,I replaced the prop as it looked like a thick shapeless slab. It will be a tail sitter as you can't get enough weight into the nose to make it sit on its gear. It need many coats of Mr Surfacer & lots of wet & dry sanding. The finished results however are cute, the CT-4 would make good earrings or a Xmas ornament according to my wife.

Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

[davidd]

Not the sort of model I would be interested in, just does not spin my propeller! Incidentally one thing I cannot tolerate on a model are poorly engineered and shaped propeller(s), although sometimes a file can work wonders. And even more so do I despise flying surfaces with unrealistic aerofoil sections (or even worse, NO aerofoil section as is apparent on this model), trailing edges, etc., which are generally impossible to rectify without massive and time-consuming retro-engineering. I am certain that 3D printing is capable of turning out good models, but junk-models are of no earthly use, with the exceptions as helpfully suggested by harrysone's wife!

[harrysone]

Yeah, it’s more of a ‘representation’ of the aircraft, like I said…makes a nice ornament. I suspect the printed medium doesn’t allow the finness required to get truly tapered aerofoils in this scale…it’s not too bad at the root, however wingtips aren’t great

[ZacYates]

Apr 14, 2022 10:26:43 GMT 12 harrysone said:

I suspect the printed medium doesn’t allow the finness required to get truly tapered aerofoils in this scale…it’s not too bad at the root, however wingtips aren’t great

It depends on the designer - there are some 3D-printed kits that stand up to scrutiny in the regards David mentioned against injection-moulded and resin kits.

[harrysone]

The other 3D model Bolkow 208 'CJH



Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

Untitled by Harry Follas, on Flickr

[johnnyfalcon]

Oh that's very well done! Brings many childhood memories flooding back; me and Dad out of Milson in the 1970s