Got it largely modeled. It’s kinda huge, but it’s faithful to the available illustrations. Obviously the rails and the base need a bit of trimming. I had to change the booster rockets; the existing ones simply wouldn’t work with this.
Nov 242010
Nov 232010
Still need to do some tweaks (don’t care much for the inlet yet, some suface details to add, pins & sockets for assembly to be added), but the parts of the missile itself are done.
Note that this will come complete with a TORY-II reactor with controls. It will be visible from both the front through the inlet and the rear through the nozzle. The reactor will be a separate part from the fuselage halves, so it could in principle be displayed separately.
Now, the stand…
Nov 222010
Nov 152010
A few years back I got copies of some of the “blueprints” used to build wind tunnel models of the Convair NX-2 nuclear-powered bomber. Someday I’ll do something with them. But for now, here’s a photo of one of those models, in a NASA-Langley wind tunnel circa 1960:
Nov 112010
For some display models I’m in the preliminary stages of working on, I’ll need to replicate the look of actual, factual gold over a fairly large area. So far, I’ve found no such thing as a gold paint that actually looks like gold. A lot of “gold colored” paints, and “paints with gold-like flecks,” but nothing that really looks gold. Gold leaf produces the right color, but the surface finish is aweful. Bare Metal Foil is somewhat similar. What I’m looking for is something akin to chrome plating, but gold.
I’ve just ordered the Alclad II “Mirrored Gold for Lexan” laquer. I’ve had good luck with their chrome, and have high hopes that this stuff will work. But in case it doesn’t, I’ll need a fallback option. Two that occur:
1) Vacuum metal deposition. This is obviously something I can’t do myself, but would seem to produce the best of all possible coatings. Anyone know of a good source for such a service?
2) “Spectra Chrome” paint. Looks great, but also something I can’t do myself without spending about ten grand. Only found one source willing to spray small items such as these, adn the quoted prices was really high. Anyone know of someone set up for Spectra Chrome who’d be interested in doing a project like this for non-wallet-busting prices?
And finally… anybody got any other suggestions?
Nov 042010
Most of the important bits are in place.
Nov 022010
Some early views of the 1/72 SLAM missile model. The TORY reactor will be a separate part, visible from the front through the inlet and from the rear through the nozzle.
Oct 292010
Two updates:
1) 1/72 scale confirmed, trio of booster rockets confirmed.
2) Fantastic Plastic likes the idea of using the Pluto vehicles planned launch stand as a display stand… if it can be made for a reasonable price. So I’m looking into simplifying this as much as practical.
Oct 282010
Official: the next model that I will master for Fantastic Plastic is the Project Pluto nuclear ramjet cruise missile. The next model was *supposed* to be the “2001” Space Station V, but I’m separated from my references for that. But the Pluto stuff I have on hand.
Currently undetermined is the scale. 1/72 is the obvious choice, but 1/48 might be possible as well. Some measure of “cutaway model” will be inevitable, due to the wide open nature of the inlet and nozzle; a full cutaway with all the innards is unlikely, but possible at larger scales. If you have a preference, leave a comment.
Oct 262010
The parts for the 1/72 Hammerhead were shipped out just before I left Utah. Here’s a photo of them.
