This is the first time I've uploaded the majority of these photos of this project anywhere online. I was commissioned to build this model back in 2010 for an IPMS show in Northern California. Using over 700 Coke Zero cans, aluminum sheeting for strengthening, and mounting bracket hardware to attach the wings to the main fuselage, I set about building the model in 1/18th scale which brought it in at just about 6 foot long.
The plans were provided by a fellow hobbyist and enlarged at a local printer. The Wing and nacelle assemblies were completed first:
The two completed assemblies are now done:
As you can see, they are so large they take up the entire table:
Now the main fuselage is added to the assemblies. This is where the mounting brackets were installed. It required three for each side to handle the weight of the nacelle assemblies so they did not sag:
The nose cone, cockpit and edges are now added the assembly:
The full length of the project is now on display as it now extends 6 feet across the table surface:
The familiar lines of the SR-71 begin to take shape out of over 700 Coke Zero cans:
Adding the Final Touches:
Completed and on display:
This massive model now resides at Beale Air force Base, 8 miles east of Marysville, California in the Reconnaissance Wing ready room. She had previously been on permanent display in Yuba City, California at a local Hobby Shoppe until it was forced to close its doors. The Reconnaissance wing was eager to give her a new home and sent a USAF van and personnel to escort her to the location where she still resides to this day.
The plans were provided by a fellow hobbyist and enlarged at a local printer. The Wing and nacelle assemblies were completed first:
The two completed assemblies are now done:
As you can see, they are so large they take up the entire table:
Now the main fuselage is added to the assemblies. This is where the mounting brackets were installed. It required three for each side to handle the weight of the nacelle assemblies so they did not sag:
The nose cone, cockpit and edges are now added the assembly:
The full length of the project is now on display as it now extends 6 feet across the table surface:
The familiar lines of the SR-71 begin to take shape out of over 700 Coke Zero cans:
Adding the Final Touches:
Completed and on display:
This massive model now resides at Beale Air force Base, 8 miles east of Marysville, California in the Reconnaissance Wing ready room. She had previously been on permanent display in Yuba City, California at a local Hobby Shoppe until it was forced to close its doors. The Reconnaissance wing was eager to give her a new home and sent a USAF van and personnel to escort her to the location where she still resides to this day.
