TOPIC: Aermacchi AM 346 for TSP L-2

Just a quick update: I spent what seemed to be an unconscionable amount of time refining the decals and then printed them on on ‘Experts Choice’, white or clear decal film. I use an inkjet printer so the clear decal film had to be 'floated' on to prevent smearing.
After drying overnight, the insignia were careully cut out and applied. I was quite pleased with the resuls:



But the whole finishing procedure - dope-tissue- dope-paint-decals- reminded me why I had been so keen on printed paper/tissue methodologies!

Next step: gluing wings and tailplane to basic fuselage structure.

Looking very sharp and smart, well worth the effort.

The wings and tailplane are butt jointed to the upper fuselage with epoxy glue. Joints are strengthened with thin aluminium tube 'keys'.



Above: the wings have been glued (note the small amount of dihedral). The fin and tailplane are only a push fit at this stage; they will be properly glued on after the lower fuselage has been completed. Note the air intakes shaped from the thin ply.

Nevertheless, the model is starting to look something like the 'real thing'.

I'm enjoying the progress, it is looking good.

I've now found a 'free' STL file for the AM346. If I get chance I'll have a stab at printing it. I'll concentrate on the fuselage and let you do the wings and tail surafaces the old fashioned way. If it works out I'll send you the bits Roger.

Just so I know what I'm aiming at how big is your foam and balsa version? I'd like to print the same size and then we can compare weights. You can also reuse your decal artwork.

Hi Terry,
my M-346 is 30 cm long,
A 3D printed fuselsge would be wonderful. I have been playing with the air intakes, which are proving quite tricky. I've had several goes at them so far. Below is my best (or least worst) effort so far:





As you can see, the intakes are a 'traditional' confection of balsa and very thin ply, the latter shaped (in hot water and then dried) before assembly. It's taking like forever and I'm sure there is a quicker way using lots of digits. But it wont look too bad once cleaned up and painted.

I'll weigh the complete fuselage when complete so a valid comparison of 'traditional' vs '3D' printing can be made.