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After final detail hand paint, Decals and Pledge with Future the model is complete.
I decided to make a Clear Acrylic display stand using some Old 3/4" clear acrylic I had laying around and a piece of 1/2" Clear acrylic rod. After MC assembly all scratches and saw marks were sanded out and Polished to visually clear condition with sandpapers and Finessit-II (wet sand papers down to 8000 grit). Printed vinyl label with clear overcoat.

One of the hard things with PMC's it keeping them from getting damaged in transit to meeting or Contest launches. Here is what I came up with as an alternative to foam peanuts in a tote box or wrapping in bubble pack. both of which has not helped much in the past. This fitted styrofoam box was made with scrap 1/4", 1/2" and 1" Sheet Styrofoam with Aleene's "CLEAR" Tacky Glue & toothpicks as fasteners and centering pins. YES it took a little time to build but with the 1/8" oval Elastic band closer in place I can and HAVE thrown this box with model inside accross our meeting room landing on a hard deck without damage to the box or more importantly the model inside. These styrofoam boxes also allow me to STACK & Store a bunch of Finished models in a smaller space.

Hope this little trick helps outers with storage and transport of our PMC's.

693uc13a_72nd F-104G after Decals&Future(Top)_05-30-15.jpg

693uc13b_72nd F-104G Decal&Future(Bottom)_05-31-15.jpg

693uc14a_72nd F-104G Starfighter with Polished Base(Top)_06-05-15.jpg

693uc14b_72nd F-104G Starfighter on Polished Base(Bottom)_06-05-15.jpg

693uc14c_72nd F-104G Starfighter on Polished Base(Side)_06-05-15.jpg

693uc15a_72nd F-104 in Foam Storage container_06-05-15.JPG

693uc15b_72nd F-104 Foam Storage Container Lable_06-05-15.JPG
 
Next Up on the 13mm conversion list is a Tamiya #60011 1/100th Saab AJ-37 Viggen Delta wing Fighter. Originally planned as a Micro Maxx 1/100th scale PMC. Once open I dicovered a BT-5 could be used with a good bit on internal plastic removal. Making the nose separation point between the intake nozzles was a little tricky but also serves as a rotation stop for the cockpit Nose section. Doesn't leave a lot of room for chute and wadding but makes for a pretty neat little PMC.
To get the CG far enough forward I had to completely fill the cockpit/nose section and ended up using a single lead shot as the pilot's head and still had to add a bit more in the intake openings:)
Kit comes with some nice external store missiles but I had to add a couple custom pylons to use them all:) A very nice little (but Heavy) 13mm PMC.

694uc01a_Saab-AJ37 Viggen- Tamiya Kit BoxArt_11-08-08.jpg

694uc01b_Saab SJ37 Viggen - Cardboard Cut-Out_05-12-15.JPG

694uc03b_Saab-AJ37 Viggen_Major Parts fit for BT-5_05-14-15.jpg

694uc04_Saab-AJ37 Viggen_Major Body with BT-5 in_05-14-15.jpg

694uc05a_Saab-AJ37 Viggen_Cockpit NWtFilled_05-15-15.JPG

694uc05b_Remaining Nwt in intakes& shoulder_05-15-15.JPG

694uc08_Saab-AJ37 Stainless Steel painted_05-19-15.jpg

694uc10b_Saab-AJ37 Viggen Paint,Decals Finished(Top)_05-28-15.jpg

694uc10c_Saab-AJ37 Viggen Paint,Decals Finished(Bottom)_05-28-15.jpg

694uc11a_Saab AJ37 in Open Foam Storage Container_06-05-15.JPG
 
Way back on post #48 (01-18-2008) I showed and briefly discussed working on a micro maxx Patriot Missile fleet #MM-413 from the 1/48th scale Heller #81138 Patriot Missile Battery kit purchased in April of 2003. Yes I realize how long it took to get around to A: Completing the MMX Missile conversion and B: Figuring out HOW to convert the 1/48th Missile battery and transport into a WORKING MMX model Launcher/diorama but yes it's done now.
The Missile is painted in Proto type Red/white*& Black colors with decals & Markings custom printed.
Converting the 4 missile storage/transport stack to launch the single MMX size model was a challenge but fun. I lined the open end pod with Stainless steel tape, custom made a base block/ Launch rod holder with exhaust port and external micro Clips the hide under the rear trailer wheels. The entire model is Epoxy fixed to a real beach sand covered base board fitted with a 1/4-20 threaded insert that will attach to any camera tripod allowing the diorama to be tilted to elevate the launcher stack to nearly vertical or any angle the fits our RSO's request 30degs or up:)
Standard controller hook up screws are hidden recessed in the bottom of the base board.
Our Custom 1/8" thick acrylic dust cover attaches via 4 brass thumb screws allowing the model to be displayed without worry of grabby little fingers damaging the model before taking it out to the pad:)
Yes it took a very long while to work out the plan and get this Launcher/Diorama model done but I am quite please with the finished product.

Now to build something for it to shoot at:)

MM 413uc01_Patriot Missile Battery_48th (Heller#81138@29.98) _04-20-03.JPG

MM 413uc02_Patroit MIM-104 Missile, Primer Sanded_04-22-15.jpg

MM 413uc03b_MIM-104 Patriot Missile Stats Complete_04-22-15.jpg

MM 413uc04a_MIM-104 Patriot Missile_Launcher St.Stl. Lining_05-05-15.JPG

MM 413uc04f_MIM-104 Patriot_Rod in St.Stl Base_05-05-15.JPG

MM 413uc05_MIM-104 Patriot_Transport BaseCamo_05-07-15.jpg

MM 413uc06b_MIM-104 Patriot & Working Launcher Raised(R)_05-08-15.JPG

MM 413uc10a_MIM-104 Patroit System on Diorama Base_06-02-15.jpg

MM 413uc10b_MIM-104 Patroit System on Diorama_06-02-15.jpg

MM 413uc11a_MIM-104 Patroit System Diorama & Cover_06-05-15.jpg
 
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OH yeah! If we're going to launch a Patriot anti-missile missile I need something for it to aim at LOL!

This model was also purchased around the same time as the Patriot Missile battery back in 2003. and like the Patriot I just couldn't see building one without having the other to go along with it.
This is an ARII kit #A688-2400. @ $29.98. about the same as the patriot battery kit. Converting this missile was super simple. with a little internal grinding I could have installed a BT-20 body tube for Standard 18mm motor but the model is so light It would have been a one flight model. so I decided to make it a 13mm A10-3T powered model.
Converting it's Transport/Erector/Launcher into a working 13mm motor launcher was another thing entirely. As a 13mm model the missile is fitted with wire "antenna Lugs" to fit a standard 1/8" stainless launch rod. As such I couldn't really mount the rod anywhere on the Transporter without destroying the overall look of the vehicle. So I decided to mount the Big Wheeled transporter on a beach sand base and fix the mobile launcher in the Up position then carefully thread a shortened 1/8" stainless launch rod beside the built-in blast deflector....After covering said plastic deflector with 2 layers of Stainless steel tape. Yes I know this will only work for perhaps 3 or 4 launches but that's about all I intend to fly this model from the launcher.
I was surprised at how fast this particular model went together...particularly after sitting around for all this time. Painting and detailing were super easy as the Russians simply use a lot of Flat GREEN LOL! Masking all the window in the Transporter took more time then anything.
The Diorama base is fitted with the same 1/4-20 brass threaded insert as was used on the Patriot battery diorama base with has the same hidden micro-clip connections and recessed controller contacts on the bottom.

I have two Camera tripods so I can set up the Scud-B and the left side of the Launch Range with the Patriot Battery set up over on the far Right side. Have the Scud- B launched first then quickly switch over to the Patriot to "intercept" mode. Should be an interesting dual Launch.

Our completed Scud-B R-17 Diorama has it's own 1/8" Acrylic fabricated cover which also attaches to the wooden base block with brass thumb screws. I've also made a black leather/velcro binder strap and over the top leather carrying handle to allow the combination of both models be carried out or stored as a single unit.
This one was a great deal easier to convert and complete then the Patriot Missile Battery but I'm pretty happy with the way it came out also.

695uc01a_Scud-B R17 Missile System BoxArt(buy-05-05-93@29.98)_05-19-15.jpg

695uc02a_Scud-B & Cardboard Cutout_05-19-15.jpg

695uc02c_Scud-B Inside Parts_05-19-15.jpg

695uc02d_Scud-B MMT & Shockcord_05-19-15.jpg

695uc02f_Scud-B NC&Shoulder Close_05-20-15.JPG

695uc03a_Scud-B R17 Transport base Vehicle_05-22-15.JPG

695uc04b_Scub-B R17 Missle in Erector Frame_05-22-15.JPG

695uc05b_Scud-B-R17 Altered Launch Pad St.Stl Covered_05-23-15.JPG

695uc06_Scud-B Missile Antenna Lugs installed_05-24-15.JPG

695uc07b_Scud-B R-17 Missile System decals & Mask_05-28-15.JPG
 
After detailing, decals and Matte clear UV resistant coating we're ready for the launch field.

Flying on an A10-3T is little Scud-b can fly from a short 1/8" x 19" launch rod. That will help a bit with limiting rod whip:)

695uc08a_Scud-B R-17 Decaled & MatteClearCoated_05-29-15.jpg

695uc08b_Scud-B R-17 Erect Decaled&MatteCleared_05-29-15.jpg

695uc10a_Scud-B DioramaBase BeachSand applied_06-02-15.JPG

695uc10b_Scud-B Diorama Base BeachSand Tracks Polyurethane Set_06-02-15.JPG

695uc11_Scud-B R17 System Diorama & Cover Complete_06-05-15.jpg

MM 413uc11b_Patriot & Scud-B Diorama Stack & Strap_06-05-15.jpg

MM 413uc11c_Patriot & Scud-B Diorama Stack,Strap&Handle_06-05-15.jpg

MM 413uc11d_Patriot & Scud-B Diorama Stack,Strap&Handle Side_06-05-15.jpg
 
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Next Up is one of two Special Hobby X-15A-2 Models. Fleet #696 is their 1/32nd Kit #SH32033. kind of expensive at 58.08 but I wanted to see if it would fly on as small a motor as a D12-3?
She's a bit of a beasty and required a good bit of nose weight to get the CP-CG right . So I may have to fly it with either an E9 or possibly go with a 24mm APCP motor which is against my religion! Was a fun build anyway once I made the decision on what size stuffer tube I wanted to use and how much of the Cast Resin parts would be included.
I was very impressed with the detail given to the cockpit and instrument panel even though once the canopy is on and painted it is almost impossible to see without a flashlight and magnifier. I was also surprised at the amount of Cast Resin that had to be removed from the Cockpit tub to get the darn thing into the nose section.

696uc01a_X-15A-2 32nd Kit BoxArt (SpecialHobby#SH32022 @58.08)_10-14-07.jpg

696uc01f_X-15A-2 internal Flight Parts_06-11-15.JPG

696uc02_X-15A-2 32nd Cardboard Cutouts (Top&Side)_06-18-15.jpg

696uc03a_32nd X-15A-2 Major Bodyparts_06-12-15.JPG

696uc03c_32nd X-15A-2 Taped Up for Cardboard cutout_06-18-15.JPG

696uc04c_X-15A-2_Cast Exh. Bell on BT-50 & Styrene rear_06-19-15.JPG

696uc05c_X-15A-2 32nd MMT & Anchor,Kevlar,Elastic Shockcord_06-19-15.jpg

696uc07b_X-15A-2 32nd MMT Epoxy Installed in BT-60_06-19-15.JPG
 

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  • 696uc06b_X-15A-2 32nd Lower Body-Nose Sep_06-19-15.JPG
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  • 696uc06a_X-15A-2 32nd Upper Body-Nose Sep_06-19-15.JPG
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Another Model I've had under conversion for a number of years Fleet #697_ Douglas X3 Stilleto a Lindberg Kit #543 which I purchased 08-1997. Opened & started almost as soon as I bought it. I ran into a little problem.. How to seal in two 13mm motor mounts in an altered BT-60 stuffer with BT-50 Chute compartment.

For YEARS the model sat waiting for a solution. recently I just thought I've got to finish this model....John just do it. if it works GREAT, if you screw it up it was only 6 bucks.
As it turned out it is a real Pain to get the twin tubes together with the slide on Horizontal Stab in the way. After a lot of pushing and shoving I got the body halves to match up used Epoxy and CA to seal the Styrene. Used glue soaked tissue to seal the seal around the Twin BT-5's into an reduced BT-60 stuffer and fitted a centering BT-50. some of the photos will help explain what I'm saying. The kits one piece wing had to have the entire center section removed. To fix the wing halves to the fuselage cardboard supports had to be made. Once all this was done the rest just sort of fell into place.

697uc01_48th X3 Stilleto BoxArt(Lindberg 543@ 5.99) _08-97.jpg

697uc02c_X3 Stilleto custom wing attachment jigs_08-97.JPG

697uc03_48th X3 Stilleto Cardboard Cutout_06-26-15.JPG

697uc04a_48th X3 Stilleto Internal Tubes for Conversion_06-26-15.JPG

697uc05a_48th X3 Stilleto cutdownBT-60 in half & 13mm MMT_06-26-15.JPG

697uc05b_X3 Stilleto BT-60 & twim MMT tubes installed_06-26-15.JPG

697uc07_48th X3 Stilleto BT-50 Stuffer installed with spacers & tissue_06-29-15.JPG

697uc11_48th X3-Stilleto Nose with 17.1g Nose & epoxy_06-29-15.JPG

697uc16_48th X3 Stilleto intake AirSpikes Added to BT-50_07-21-15.JPG

697_Douglas X-3 48th Scale PMC Complete_07-21-15.jpg
 
The other X-15A-2 my fleet #698 is Special Hobby 1/48th kit #48008, a little more reasonable at $28.28. This Scale X-15 I've been looking for since the Old Revell model from back in the 70's.

Back then I had no idea about CP-CG relationships, Cardboard cut-outs or swing tests. This one is going to be a great flying PMC on D12-3's. The conversion was pretty straight forward using a BT-50 stuffer/motor mount.
Finished with it's requred nose weight, 16" Red Flat Nylon Chute, Wadding and D12-3 is well within the max lift off mass for the motor.

698uc01_48th X15-A2 Scale BoxArt_(Special Hobbies#SH-48008@28.28)_03-15-03.jpg

698uc06b_48th X-15A-2 Bottom-Top-AftCloser main body fitting_07-06-15.JPG

698uc06c_48th X-15A-2 Aft Closer after BT-50 fitting_07-06-15.JPG

698uc08c_48th X-15A-2 .024in St.Stl Anchor, 100lb Kevlar & 36in .125in OvalElastic_07-08-15.jpg

698uc09d_48th X-15A-2 Nose Shoulder complete ready for installation_07-08-15.jpg

698uc10_48th X-15A-2 All Major Body Parts MC & Epoxy on_07-09-15.JPG

698uc11a_48th X-15A-2 Urethane Cockpit & canopy half Painted_07-09-15.jpg

698uc11d_48th X-15A-2 Cockpit installed after much material Grinding_07-11-15.JPG
 

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  • 698uc05b_48th X-15A-2 Main body internal BT-50 & Nose Coupling_07-05-15.JPG
    698uc05b_48th X-15A-2 Main body internal BT-50 & Nose Coupling_07-05-15.JPG
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  • 698uc05a_48th X-15A-2 Main Body Parts, Lower sep. behind Canopy_07-05-15.jpg
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Here's the last of the 1/48th X-15A-2 conversion photos.
just like the 1/32nd scale X-15A-2 the Cast Cockpit tub had to be greatly ground down to get the nose section halves to close without bulging, Even then the fit was anything but good. all body joint seams were filled, filed and sanded using Med. CA and glit-stick 1/4" sanding band sticks. Once all the unwanted seams were gone the Body Panel lines were re-scribed. Mask and painted Gloss Black, Decals applied then given a Matte UV clear coat of Krylon UV resistant clear #1309.

With the completion of this X-15 I now can fly an X-15 in 1/144th, 1/130th, 1/65th, 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32 scales. powered by just about all motor sizes from 6mm MMX-II's to 24mm.

On to the next PMC Project.

698uc12a_48th X-15A-2 Canopy Halves MC Joined & installed_07-11-15.JPG

698uc12c_48th X-15A-2 Canopy defects CA filled before sanding_07-11-15.JPG

698uc13_48th X-15A-2 After sanding & filling Model Base Black_07-21-15.JPG

698uc14a_48th X-15A-2 RightSide Decals Applied_07-21-15.jpg

698uc14b_48th X-15A-2 LeftSideTop Decals Applied_07-21-15.JPG

698uc15a_48th X-15A-2 Top MatteClear Applied_07-23-15.jpg
 
I know there's not to many do PMC rockets, but I know a lot of work goes into it.
My hat is off to you, for doing the hard work ahead of us who will
come in and build there own using your instructions. PMC is an art, and not everyone can
do it right. once again thanks.

Have any plans for a airfix 1/144 Saturn 1B or a X-wing?
I have been wondering if a X-Wing PMC could use the same method of putting the extra fins
for stability could be in between the wings like they did with the North Coast X-Wing.
Thanks again. Your post are always informing.
 
I know there's not to many do PMC rockets, but I know a lot of work goes into it.
My hat is off to you, for doing the hard work ahead of us who will
come in and build there own using your instructions. PMC is an art, and not everyone can
do it right. once again thanks.

Have any plans for a airfix 1/144 Saturn 1B or a X-wing?
I have been wondering if a X-Wing PMC could use the same method of putting the extra fins
for stability could be in between the wings like they did with the North Coast X-Wing.
Thanks again. Your post are always informing.

Yes! I have the AIRFIX 1/144th Saturn 1B currently in the que. Actually I've already done the tape Up but have SOOOOOOOOOOOO many other KEWL potential PMC models I'm having a hard time working on the Saturn 1B which I already have as the old Estes 4-C6 Scale model and the 1/200ths Saturn-1B from the MPC Men in Space collection....OBTW EVERYTHING in that 1/200th kit is very convertable..including the tiny LEM's:)

I've had an X-wing fighter in the pile for over 20years. I just haven't gotten around to converting it:) To be sure the X-wing has a few concern areas. Lots of Nose weight required but they do fly well once done. Just need a push to get around to converting it:)

Currently I'm working on two very interesting Jet conversions: a 1/72nd F4D SkyRay and a 1/72nd F-107A Ultra Sabre. Prehaps I'll try the Saturn-1B after that.

F4D-1 SkyRay_72nd Sacle Tamiya#60741-900 (@ 11.55)_08-26-15.JPG

F107A Ultra Sabre_72nd Scale Trumpeter#01605 (@ 16.99)_08-01-15.JPG

Saturn-1B (Apollo-7)_144th Airfix #A06172 (26.34)_02-12.JPG

X-wing Fighter-b1_StarWars MPC (128dpi)_00.jpg
 
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