New guy 14/15 hybrid.

John Howling Mouse · May 13, 2005, 06:45:20 PM

Hey, Eddie,
Just got the e-mailed FSM Newsletter and their bit on summarizing what's hot on their forums has your F-4/F-18 kitbash thread first on the list!

Was happily surprised at just how well your What If concept was received on the FSM forum, too. Noticed several fellow What Iffers from this site contributed to the positive reception.

Often wish all you talented guys lived just down the street from me. Can you imagine the styrene we'd come up with if we were building together?!

Eddie M. · May 13, 2005, 08:28:01 PM

Yes, I was suprised to see that too. That thread jumped 325 hits in two days, which shows how a little advertizing works. I haven't been over there too long, but I get the impression that not too much kitbashing goes on. Since they didn't poo-poo me, I guess they were curiously entertained. I will say a few did come out and flat tell me they didn't like it. That's cool. I did it to be different anyway.

Most were very positive . I did involve the masses by asking people to help name my stuff and give imput. It helped shape the direction of the builds a couple of times. I'm glad Deino came over and invited me here. I really enjoy see like minded folks make some truly original pieces.
Eddie

Eddie M. · May 15, 2005, 04:50:15 PM

QuoteSo this will be the US equivalent to the EE Lightning, then? You know: stupendous performance, but runs out of fuel before you finish the preflight check...

Hobbs,
I had been thinking of the same thing, but was going to try and let it slide if no one noticed.

Since you did, I figured I'd try to come up with something. I don't have a whole lot of ground clearence, so I did my version of some conformal tanks by splitting two old Hornet drops and installing. I also hung the nuke( which will be re-painted) just to make sure nothing is dragging. I used Strike Eagle mains and F-4 nose gear. I also installed the F-15E front cockpit into the F-15A nose. That's all for today.
Eddie

nev · May 16, 2005, 01:21:20 AM

Is all this in 1/48 btw? That'd make for a big model...

Eddie M. · May 16, 2005, 05:10:39 PM

Yes sir, all 1:48. 15" long and 18"wide with the wings fully extended. I'm going to have to put up another shelf

On another note, I had said that the A-10 was my first What If build but I forgot about my F-105. I used this one to test my first scratch building ability by adding a bomb bay and later tried new paint and decal techniques. This was about 4 years ago. That model is actually close to 20 years old.
Eddie

lancer · May 17, 2005, 05:08:12 AM

I'd say your test came out pretty damm well Eddie. That Thud is bloody beautiful...

Eddie M. · May 17, 2005, 06:53:50 PM

Thank you Lancer. That was fun when everything I planned worked out. It rarely happens that way.

Decision time. I've got two ways that I can attach the "vertical" stabs. If you care to, let me know if you like the top photo or the bottom two. I want to see if anyone likes my choice.

Thanks,
Eddie

John Howling Mouse · May 17, 2005, 07:25:54 PM

I like top pic best. Just aesthetically more pleasing (to me).

NARSES2 · May 17, 2005, 10:46:58 PM

I prefer the top one as well - great work by the way

Chris

Hobbes · May 18, 2005, 12:05:33 AM

I like the bottom option. Makes the airplane look a bit more outlandish.

Patrick H · May 18, 2005, 12:43:34 AM

I"d go for the top option. Looks best to me.

And a beautifull Thud you've got there, not bad for a test

Patrick

lancer · May 18, 2005, 01:34:40 AM

I prefer the bottom option. It makes it look all futuristic and sexy. It also reminds me of a Macros/Robotech ship from the rear.

Eddie M. · May 19, 2005, 04:37:35 PM

Thank you everyone for your input. Since all the people that I asked about the tail where pretty much split on which one looked better, I made a command decision to go with my orginal design. Sometime those are the best. I also made a change to the mains after nagging doubts and a few comments about the "weight" and ground clearance. Now I may have to beef up the nose gear. ^_^ New wheel wells are now on the "to do" list.
Eddie

nev · May 19, 2005, 11:43:05 PM

If anyone complains about the landing gear not supporting the weight, just tell them they're made out of new, advanced materials which have great strength

Eddie M. · May 20, 2005, 07:00:52 PM

Well, I think I've found a use for the "skinny 'gear. I found what I needed for the intakes of the second bird in this build. I've used parts from 5 A/C. The scrap box is startin' to get a little depleted. I left the cockpit as is to be a little reminder of it's former self. B)
Eddie