Daniel Liutan
Well-known member
Following this project for a long time. Really like it.
Vimana89
Legendary member
For a plane that had notoriously sketchy handling at full scale, yours handles beautifully! I've always liked the f104. I'm considering taking a crack at a small prop version some time, and a profile plane with a prop in slot is sounding like the lightest and most practical approach, though I could build a basic box fuselage just as easily. Any advice?
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Zephyr1
Elite member
You're right, the F-104 is a very sketchy handling plane. The only way I could get around it was by making the wings a little bit larger than scale and keeping the build light. I think I increased the size of my design 3 times in total. The real trick is to keep the wing loading as low as possible.
PoorManRC
Master member
As a second generation USAF Pilot, I chuckled at the thought of "low Wing Loading" and F-104!! 😆😂
But the video doesn't lie...
Much respect and admiration for this Gem!! 👍👍
The real ones ONLY flew with a tremendous overkill of power to weight ratio.
I wouldn't have even attempted one, without a 6S, and a small nozzle 80 or 90mm EDF!!
And would have to fly VERY fast....
I swear, FliteTest never ceases to amaze me!
Zephyr1
Elite member
So I have some bad news... I don't use 3D software to design my planes. I use Inkscape to design my builds and as such I don't have a 3D model. I can try to give you some measured lengths if you'd like though.
A 2 seater version sounds fantastic though! I can't wait to see it!
Zephyr1
Elite member
Thank you! And much respect to a USAF Pilot! I needed to get it viable with a 4S, but I'm 100% gonna be trying it on 6S soon. My only concern with 6S is that if I do that, there's not gonna be any going back lol.
Sheriff
Active member
No problem,
I would simply need the size (diameter or circonference) of the fuselage + the 2 circles of the nose and the distance between them.
Wait, how do you design round shapes in InkScape? trial and error ? Than your results are even more impressive.
You could also take a picture of your built model (using a bit of zoom to reduce optical distortion) with a ruler next to it and that could work too.
I would simply need the size (diameter or circonference) of the fuselage + the 2 circles of the nose and the distance between them.
Wait, how do you design round shapes in InkScape? trial and error ? Than your results are even more impressive.
You could also take a picture of your built model (using a bit of zoom to reduce optical distortion) with a ruler next to it and that could work too.
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Zephyr1
Elite member
The circumference of the fuselage is 16in, the first nose is 13.5in and the second is 8in. The distance between the fuse and the first cone is 4.5in and first and second cone is 5.5in.
It's not trial and error, I have a method by which I can stitch the side and top view together to make sure the whole body is covered and yet still curved. I've tried explaining it before but I generally butcher it lol.
Zephyr1
Elite member
From the tip of the nose to the intake is 24in, and the overal length is 58.5in. However, I'm planning on adding an exhaust cone so that will add 4in to the tail.
Sheriff
Active member
Did you find the time to print and try the two seater canopy?
Zephyr1
Elite member
Not just yet, I've got a newer version of the Starfighter all cut out and I'm waiting to assemble that one before I try out the new two seater canopy.
Sheriff
Active member
Will it still fit ? Was the nose section modified in this newer version?
Zephyr1
Elite member
It will still fit, the only real improvements were to the wings.
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