A Sci-Fi Scratch Build: The USS Edsel Ford XF4-NC

[neil_w]

Impressively greebly.

 

[Daddyisabar]

Keep the powder dry and the primer warm!

 

[Cape Byron]

Proper priming makes your panels pop professionally.

 

[BABAR]

So here is kind of a general question:

How many builders (kits and scratch) shield or otherwise cover the inside of their launch lugs during the finishing?

FWIW, I do not, but I also use paper drinking straws which are oversized for both 1/8 and 3/16, so I have room to spare.

 

[neil_w]

How many builders (kits and scratch) shield or otherwise cover the inside of their launch lugs during the finishing?

I do. I have little pieces of dowel with blue tape wrapped around to provide a snug (but not too snug) fit).

After painting is complete and the dowels are removed, I might hand-paint the inside of the ends so the interior won't be visible (depends on rocket color) but I don't want paint pooling up inside the lugs.

 

[jqavins]

I don't. And as I scrape paint from the inside, I curse myself and swear I'll remember next time.

 

[lakeroadster]

How many builders (kits and scratch) shield or otherwise cover the inside of their launch lugs during the finishing?

I don't.​

My launch rod is 5/16" (0.3125"). Launch lugs are BT-3, which are 0.349" I.D.​

It seems to take a lot of effort to intentionally spray paint up into a BT-3 ​

 

[lakeroadster]

2nd Coat Of Primer

2nd coat is red oxide rusted metal primer.​

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[lakeroadster]

White Paint

Next Up: Distressing​

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[lakeroadster]

Distressed Paint

I sanded the white paint to give the rocket a worn and torn look. I then used a Sharpie to add the blue, sanded the blue, and then used Acetone to smooth out the blue. Also used a black Sharpie on the windows and air inlets.​

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[Getmore]

Well done.

 

[lr64]

When you are at a launch, how will you tell which USS Edsel Ford is yours? ;-)

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Nice work! You are a very patient, motivated and capable guy, judging by this project.

 

[lakeroadster]

When you are at a launch, how will you tell which USS Edsel Ford is yours? ;-)

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Nice work! You are a very patient, motivated and capable guy, judging by this project.

DNA Testing​

 

[lr64]

Is that one of them organically grown spaceships? If so, how do you know it hasn't been contaminated by Monsanto's genetically engineered pollen? They might seize it. Suggest a fully synthetic clear coat to make it harder for them to test.

 

[lakeroadster]

Clear Coat

Coated the rocket with Rustoleum Clear... and for the record, the Sharpie colors didn't run.​

These Colors Don't Run!​

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[les]

WOW. Fantastic job!

 

[lr64]

Nice. Is it going to have any bumper stickers? "My other spaceship is a ______"*

*Thunderbird, Pinto, Falcon, etc.

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BTW, my wife likes your project and its Edsel-ness.

 

[jqavins]

Nice. Is it going to have any bumper stickers? "My other spaceship is a ______"*

*Thunderbird, Pinto, Falcon, etc...

Firefly, Imperial Cruiser...

 

[lakeroadster]

Nice. Is it going to have any bumper stickers? "My other spaceship is a ______"*

*Thunderbird, Pinto, Falcon, etc.

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BTW, my wife likes your project and its Edsel-ness.

Maybe... not

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[lr64]

Firefly, Imperial Cruiser...

Regarding the "Firefly", you should be more specific. Somehow, I think you mean the Serenity and not the Alpha. Big difference.

Firefly Serenity photo: https://screenrant.com/serenity-firefly-anniversary-video/
The Serenity is draggy, so you can put a Z motor in it and only get to 1,000 feet. This makes it exciting, loud, and easy to see.

Firefly Alpha, photo: By JacobRendon - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111023689
In contrast, you could fly this one with an A motor. And it would go higher. So you can't see it. If a cow mooed at ignition, you wouldn't even hear it.

I thought the Imperial Cruiser was Chrysler?

Chrysler Imperial
photo from: https://www.streetmusclemag.com/fea...1961-imperial-crown-coupe-pro-street-cruiser/
It has tail fins. Someone has to make it a rocket.

But wait. Are the tail fins on this Thunderbird too small?

Ford Thunderbird
photo from: https://www.hotcars.com/most-popular-american-cars-60s/

 

[lakeroadster]

Firefly Serenity photo: https://screenrant.com/serenity-firefly-anniversary-video/
The Serenity is draggy, so you can put a Z motor in it and only get to 1,000 feet. This makes it exciting, loud, and easy to see.

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Yep.. that's pretty badass... Firefly Serenity - A Scratch Build​

 

[BABAR]

Chrysler Imperial
photo from: https://www.streetmusclemag.com/fea...1961-imperial-crown-coupe-pro-street-cruiser/
It has tail fins. Someone has to make it a rocket.

But wait. Are the tail fins on this Thunderbird too small?

Ford Thunderbird
photo from: https://www.hotcars.com/most-popular-american-cars-60s/

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/57-goony.149227/

 

[BABAR]

Love the kick stand!

 

[modeltrains]

Coated the rocket with Rustoleum Clear...

That landed view would look grand with a few scale figures posed alongside.