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Classic Designs => Classic Planes => Topic started by: Tom Niebuhr on December 15, 2007, 09:41:06 AM
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Here is the start of the cockpit for the Sea Vixen.
With the top block being relatively short, it is easier to work on the cockpit off the airplane. The floor of the cockpit was added as a box that gives depth to the area.
I located a picture of the early vintage Martin Baker MK4DSA seat that was in the Sea Vixen, and used that as a guide for the seat.
The actual Sea Vixen cockpit is cluttered and cramped. It also is almost entirely flat black.
My cockpit is simplified and some color is added to liven it up a bit.
The cockpit is also offset to the left side of the fuselage, making it quite unique.
The seat is made from manila folder stock, stiffened with a coat of thin CA glue, and then painted flat black. Some silver paint or silver leaf is used to highlight the edges on the seat, and elsewhere in the cockpit. The seat cushions are made from strips of fabric cut to the proper width, then rolled to get the proper length and thickness. The resultant layers are glued together, and then painted red. There are still some small details to add, like seat belts and the yellow and black pull ring.
For the instrument panel, I use 1/64 ply, and made holes for instruments. Paint it flat black, and then glue on instrument cut outs from the back side. This gives the impression of recessed gages.
The lower right side of the cockpit floor has a “wire harness” simulated with cooking twine that is used for tying meat. This goes up to the box behind the seat. That box is flat black on the real Sea Vixen. While I have it white, I will probably change it to red, just to have it visible, yet subtle.
The inside of the canopy will have the frames painted flat black. The inside bottom will also be painted flat black at the edge to cover up any fillet material that will be on the out side.
While this is not up to the standards of Ron Burns, and I wish I had his detailing ability, I think that this will capture the feel of the cockpit.
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That looks awesome, Tom! And it will even look better when you get it all buttoned up and the plane finished. y1
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I just want to add, that when making a cockpit, it is a good idea to make a vent hole, in a hidden area like behind the seat or pilot. I usually vent to the inside of the fuselage with about 1/16 dia hole. This will prevent a little fogging with water inside the canopy.
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My cockpits tend to be spartan since I'm lousy at it. I suppose practice would help. But this inspires me to make greater efforts. Looks really good.
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A Classic era airplane needs a CLASSIC style cockpit - this ranks tight up there. H^^
And here I had just rationalized my self to a painted on canopy..... Ya' done Jack's bird proud - and me envious!
H^^ #^ CLP** BW@
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Thanks guys,
This is the most detail that I have ever done, and I have a lot to learn.
Ron Burn suggested graying down the colors and flat black in the future, I agree. I wish I could do it half as well as Ron.
Randy,
Go for it!
Dennis,
PLEASE don't paint the cockpit on!!!! That is like joining the non-builders. Even a little detail is better than that.
My future PAMPA stunter will have more details too. It is about time we bring details back. I know that I have over used the word "detail" but I recall the thrill of seeing the beautiful work of Charles Lickliter and Bob Gialdini. I hope that we can bring some of it back and show what stunters should look like.
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Hmmm, what does the cockpit on a X-Wing fighter look like? Maybe fusion power plant controls?
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I just want to add, that when making a cockpit, it is a good idea to make a vent hole, in a hidden area like behind the seat or pilot. I usually vent to the inside of the fuselage with about 1/16 dia hole. This will prevent a little fogging with water inside the canopy.
Add a piece of coffee filter over the hole so no dust can find its way into the finished cockpit.