Test Fit

[goodduck]

When designing the 3D model, it looked like I overkilled the frame structures again. And now that I put it together, I like how it turned out. My model's structural integrity weighs heavy on my mind, especially something this big. Based on data of Yamato 2199 I find, I scale it to 1/350. The complete model will be extended out several more inches with the thruster installed. And looking at it now, I think it is larger than the 1/350 scale.

The temples are printed on 13"x19" paper, and the frame alone took 24 pages because each piece is made of four-layer cement together. I had to cut every piece four times. It is time-consuming, but I prefer to do that than cut thick cardboard, making this my most costly model to build so far. Wonder what is the pages count after everything unfolded.

The completed frame is not as heavy as I thought. But I am still concerned about how the four supporting arms will hold up the ship. I guess the next thing I will have to redesign the support arms again to make them stronger.

Thank you for looking.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I wholeheartedly understand overkilling the internal formers and frame structure. I have done that with every scratch build that I have ever done (and YES, they were indeed heavier than what they looked like).
With that being said, this is your design. Do not worry about it! You are doing a FANTASTIC JOB on this project! The Yamato has always been one of my favorite SCI-FI ships! I am greatly looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

 

[Revell-Fan]

Allen, that is gorgeous!!! I'll be following your progress closely.

 

[mijob]

This is a great start keep on posting these pictures.

 

[zathros]

If you wanted to make that really strong, mix up some resin epoxy and brush it on the stressed parts, that you see in your minds eye. I have done this with some 10" sailing boats I have made, using cardstock. I poured bottles of Crazy Glue (I did that outside on a windy day) and the boat essentially became a composite structure. It is completely water proof. It's over 40 years old. My sister has the model. When I built R/C planes, some with 6' foot wingspans and 10 inch props, I used two part epoxy on every joint. I had a couple of hard landings, and having those hard points allowed a rapid repair of the model. Just a suggestion. With all of the non-toxic epoxies available now, it's much less hazardous. I stopped flying when the local police came over, and said a lady said she saw a plane crash. She thought it was a real plane. It was kind of huge, but they banned me from flying it in that park anymore. I actually didn't crash, I had a great landing, but she saw a plane go down below the trees and it freaked her out. Nice to hear from you!

 

[goodduck]

Thank you very much for the support.

I started redesigning the support arms. Adding a lot of internal structure. Most likely, I will end up taking most off that out. XD

 

[zathros]

Sometimes, less is more.