Crimson Skies Hughes-Lockheed Firebrand scale model

thingiverse

Another scale model from the Crimson Skies universe. This model was based on blueprints from the in universe book Air Action Weekly: Aircraft of North America. Scaling was done to 1:44. As with the previous model, I have divided the model into easier to print sections: Fuselage - This comprises a front and rear portion. I have sliced it vertically so that the curves can be printed at a lower layer height for a more smooth appearance. There are 2 peg holes to help with alignment when glueing the halves together. Smooth seam with putty filler. Wings - Print standing on the flat portion. Supports are needed for the recessed union on bottom. The flaps/ailerons and the recess portion for the engines will need supports as well. When setting up the print make sure to mirror the wing properly since the cutout for the engine has different lengths for the top and bottom. Slot into the side of the fuselage for easy assembly. Glue and putty for smooth appearance. The bottoms fins are simply printed on end. Engines - The engines are designed to slide into place on the wing. Print with rear end on plate. The fitment will be tight. I have built tolerances in but given that there are 8 contact surfaces, there are multiple points of friction from printing variance. The inner engine portion simply needs print on the interior end. All parts will need mirrored for other wing. Guns - Print with the connection on the plate. Support and twist off of supports after finished. The rear gunner is very small and needs printed with back against the plate and the gun barrels point upwards. Supports are necessary for the connection peg. I had to do some clean up to the peg so that it could fit into the hole in the cockpit. Cockpit Canopy - I have included 2 layers for easier printing/painting. The cockpit seats have a base that has a necessary spacer for the canopy. I have included 2 canopy options. A solid canopy that has the windows fused with the frame. This would be optimal for printing in a clear resin. Then a open frame canopy. This one is very delicate and requires good cooling. Spinners - There is a peg that mounts the spinners. I have left space for the propeller spinner effect. There is a files for a simple one using clear filament. A semi rigid plastic sheet such as those found on product packing could be used as well. I have not designed propellers for this model as they did not print well in the last model. Display Stand - Fairly straight forward. Base printed as is. Plaque propped up with supports so that the text is flat while printing. The arm can be printed with a clear filament such as petg. Print slowly for a translucent appearance. It also reverses nicely if it is desired for the aircraft to point backwards. I printed everything at 0.12mm layer height for the best curves.