original 1/33 F-84B-26

Designers have always been accustomed to the conventional bamboo-joint style design. Why hasn’t there been a model that places all the seams where they truly exist? So I decided to give it a try.

I chose this bird because it has a simple structure and not too many protrusions, making it very suitable for some bold experiments. After completing all the work, I might consider selling it—if there are enough people interested.

This bird is so rare that I could hardly find any complete information. I can't guarantee that the details are accurate. I would be very grateful if anyone is willing to share some photos of the inside of the landing gear bay.

Seams are divided according to the actual object's joints, and double-curved surfaces are an unavoidable challenge. In traditional design and production processes, paper is generally not considered stretchable, but in fact, this is feasible. At a paper model gathering about a week ago, DAFU, a master paper modeler from Chongqing, demonstrated parts cleverly manufactured using this method, so I immediately gave it a try.

For small double-curved surfaces, such as spinner cowlings and missile seeker heads, they can be easily produced using just a ball tool and a dapping block. However, the fuselage is such a large double-curved surface that it's difficult to find male and female molds of matching size. But using ceramic bowls and spoons, I managed it. Not a perfect fit, but it worked.

It can be noted that I directly attached the front windshield frame to the inner skin, aiming to eliminate the height difference.

To accommodate this skin, the fuselage bulkheads are arranged more densely as well. I spent about three days adjusting the bulkheads, then setting up the alignment pins. I really hate eyeballing positions—if there's room for alignment pins, I won't rely solely on positioning lines.

I did a test build of the wing's internal structure. I found the horizontal-section bulkheads rather troublesome to glue and prone to significant error, so I removed them and added two new spars instead. Since these spars are not parallel to each other, the elastic modulus of the framework in the horizontal direction hasn't decreased too much.

Quote from Robson

Hello lisiming,

That work at the fuselage is awesome! Did you moisten the paper or not?

BR

Robert

No water was involved in making the fuselage. But I think there's no way around the saddle-shaped surface at the tail section

The saddle-shaped surface at the tail—I thought it would be difficult. But quite the opposite. I simply taped the seam to hold it in place, then bridged it, and they naturally settled into position.

In short, the trial molding of the skin is now complete. This bold approach has proven feasible. Only the cockpit remains to be detailed.

Quote from Chris A.

Awesome. Just stumbled over that construction. A brilliant job so far. If you ever consider selling this, count me in please.

I’m still not sure whether to manufacture them myself for sale, or sell the designs directly to ANSWER.If I manufacture them myself, I can offer a fully laser-engraved version.