Thanks guys,
Shaggy,
I usually start off by buying a 1/48 or 1/72 plastic model kit of the subject I plan to build. I also have lot of reference material but I’m really just verifying the plastic model with 3 view drawings. I can then start to determine the center of gravity and later the placement of radio equipment, batteries and propulsion unit(s). Based on the planned flying weight and speed the wing airfoil is selected and the bulkhead/formers are placed on the plan.
Both models are a mixture of balsa wood, foam, plywood and cardboard.
I’m usually lucky enough that I can take a 3 view drawing to a local copier store and enlarge it to size I need the model to be. Some models that I have done I need to draw the entire model since no accurate 3 views or models were available. The Boeing X-32 was just such a project.
The F/A-18E took about 2 years of on and off building. The biggest problem encountered had to be the main landing gear. The full scale Hornet uses a sort of trailing link/ knuckle strut. I simply had to have this for my model since it looks strange with a straight strut, IMO. Since the model is powered by two fans the main gear also had to rotate to fit in the small space. I modified a toggle bolt and used a readily available retractable gear unit designed for a F4U Corsair model. I’ve had the gear collapse lots of times but I still think it was worth it.
Cost? Cheaper that a turbine that is for sure but not too cheap :D.
Not counting the airframe and radio, which is cheap, but the man-hours aren’t. I would guess about 850.00 USD for the fans, motors, controllers, batteries and retracts.
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