EADS Marlin, Europe's 5th Generation fighter

[Spey_Phantom]

started this scratchbuild project yesterday, seeing as the US, China, India, Turkey, Russia....have 5th Generation fighter programs, i thought why not Europe.

i started designing yesterday (see Blog) and today, i pretty much have a completed model (or at least a model of a mockup).
the model (scale 1/144) is mostly made from plasticard, the forward fuselage is made from 1/72 dromtank parts of an F-16 and Mirage III. canopy from a scrapped Revell 1/144 F-15A and engines from a Dragon F-15E.

to simplify and speed up building, i first made a cutout of the wings and planform, once cut, an fuselage will be build arround it.
using the most advanced skills in scratchbiulding technology (at least in my case, a ruler and a No2 pencil  ), and with standard measurements and angles, i drew a cuttingform on a 1.5mm thick sheet of styrene (length 11cm, wingspan 8.5cm). to make sure i dont wipe out the pencil marks, i covered the sheet with a transparent adhesive film. then and the started cutting it out.



the result after 2 hours of marking and cutting (before flaps & slats were engraved)



this morning, it was time to build the aircraft arround the planform. to make corrections in size and flash, i used a set of fine files.

fuselage assembled:



tails added:



at the moment, the model is curretnly ina first coat of paint.
im still looking for appropriate markings, thinking the 4-quarter roundels from revell's old Eurofighter EFA 

[pyro-manic]

Oh, wow, nice work there.

SKILLS!

It needs to have a "Eurpoean" trademark that will set it apart from the rest - I would have gone for a canard-delta layout, but maybe Dassault-styled tailfin(s) will work? Or at least some nice camouflage instead of horrible BOG.

[kerick]

Nice work! Once again, why didn't I think of that!

[NARSES2]

That is really nice work Nils 

[Tophe]

Interesting, thanks.

[McColm]

Great idea!!

[Father Ennis]

Wicked Kool !!!!!!   Great looking and very interesting.

[tc2324]

Nils, great looking work so far. Very cool. 

[Cobra]

Why do i get the Urge to hum the Top Gun anthem after Seeing that Plane? Looking Good so Far, have you Thought about Using a Shark's Mouth when You paint it? Keep up the Superb Work Dan

[Army of One]

Great work...!!! Markings sound spot on if it's a collaboration....

[Dizzyfugu]

I love such scratch-builds! Respect for the effort and skill. 

[Caveman]

inspired by TDEFS?