Has anyone seen or know where a card model of the Sierra Nevada Dreamchaser can be found? I have been looking around to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.
Dream Chaser
- Thread starter SonOfAGun2501
- Start date
the closest i have been able to find is HL 10 lifting body by Steve A. over at http://jleslie48.com/gallery_models_apollo.html
5th model up from the bottom.
5th model up from the bottom.
- Apr 5, 2013
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Nice find "ennder:!
Problem with the Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser is the compound curves, (it's "Dream Chaser"). There are many and making it out of paper will require many compromises. It could be done if a very good set of formers were made, and you were willing to do it as a "wet" lay up. Something I have not see done on any forum. It's actually easy, but will require sanding and painting. This isn't a model you will print out and built. On the other hand, if you did a wet layup of the model, it could be used as a plug for a mold. You could sell them!
Problem with the Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser is the compound curves, (it's "Dream Chaser"). There are many and making it out of paper will require many compromises. It could be done if a very good set of formers were made, and you were willing to do it as a "wet" lay up. Something I have not see done on any forum. It's actually easy, but will require sanding and painting. This isn't a model you will print out and built. On the other hand, if you did a wet layup of the model, it could be used as a plug for a mold. You could sell them!
Ennder, thanks for that. I have seen this model before and like you this is the closest I have seen.
Zathros, I presumed it would be difficult, I just wasn't sure to what degree. Thanks for the info and the great pics.
- Apr 5, 2013
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It is not impossible, by any means, but it would be a one off model, and that is fine by me. If you could find a mesh of the model, I might be able to give you something to work with. If the lifting body Ennder posted was made, and smoothed over with plaster or something, (after sealing the paper), it could be made into a very beautiful representation of that ship. Fill in the lows, sand down the high spots.
These guys are my Heroes by the way, them, Space X, Bigelow/Boeing. Some of the best of what this country has to offer.
These guys are my Heroes by the way, them, Space X, Bigelow/Boeing. Some of the best of what this country has to offer.
It was really cool seeing that thing while I was stationed at Edwards. It is a shame the first drop test ran into a small issue with the left main gear, but they should have that thing ready soon enough for more trial runs. I watched them towing it back from the runway while I was driving on the flightline from my squadron. It was quite amusing how fast they were towing it themselves compared to the normal towing speeds I saw. I really hope to see a model of this spacecraft!
- Apr 5, 2013
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Unless someone does a vacuu-form model, it won't be done. I could make a series of frames that would entail someone filling with a sandable filler, the formers allowing for the shape. Once done, this could be used for a plug, and, after applying a releasing agent, Gelcoat could be painted on, they fiberglass laid on, and some wood to stabilize the shape. When separated, you would have a mold to make the ship out off, using a release agent first, then painting Gelcoat, letting that dry, and a single sheet of fiberglass with resin. Tons of work, to do the ship justice.
yeah, there would be a lot of strips and you would really need to fill them. this is my favorite return vehicle. I guess its what I expect a space plane to look like. if you want a 3-d model made of it let me know and I will connect you to someone.