John Stedman Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 Creating an accurately shaped canopy for a static F14 replica is certainly possible, using 3mm or 5mm Plexiglas (Perspex) or other suitable transparent (or tinted) acrylic sheet, which would need to be vacuum formed to shape, probably by a firm that specialises in making large mouldings and panels for illuminated shopfront panels and advertising signs. A lot of carefully controlled heat and air pressure is required. First, though, a "buck" (male interior form) would need to be made, probably of wood. This "buck" could best be carved by inputting the shape data from the aircraft plans into a computerised carving machine. My firm uses "3D Studio Max" software to do similar work. This is how one-off double curvature canopies for full size prototype airceaft replicas are made for such events as the Trade Sections of events like the Farnborough Airshow. Hollywood studios and their subcontractors do this sort of thing on a daily basis, but it has to be remembered that they have budgets of hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) for each item they produce. There is also the issue of durabilty. The backlots at Universal Studios, for example, are a treasure trove of decaying props used for a few weeks of photography and then discarded. Close inspection of these shows that they were made of ferrous metals, softwood and plastics that were not chosen for a long life. Even if a replica is to be kept indoors, it would need to be of much more robust construction than a scale model for display in a showcase. Personally, if commissioned to build a replica F14, I would tend towards a triangulated frame made of aluminium tubing, to which were attached outer panels either handmade from composites (probably a combination of glass fibre and carbon fibre) or, where a metallic finish was necessary, using aluminium or stainless steel sheet shaped on a wheeling machine. The labour costs would be high, since the project would require very experienced craftspeople from a number of trades. It would take that team two years to finish the job, and I would exprect the final account to be in seven figures. And that is before one factors in the transportation costs, and the acquisition and fitting out of the display space, and the ongoing management bills. This might all be viable for an established museum, but they would probably prefer to acquire a "genuine" example of the aircraft (which in the case of the F14 I believe would be cheaper). As keen modelmakers, we might complain when a "must have" new product carries a price tag of $500, but in some contexts we do not know how lucky we are. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Clunkmeister Posted October 9, 2019 Administrators Share Posted October 9, 2019 Mr. Steadman, several years ago a group of folks in Alberta constructed a 1:1 scale CF-105 Arrow that was tyruily breathtaking. The landing gear ended up needing to be braced using beams between the nose and main struts, though, as I expect it was quite wobbly sitting up high like that. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Stedman Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 The Avro CF-105 Arrow is a very good comparison to the Grumman F14 Tomcat, because the two aircraft were of similar size, bulk and configuration. The replica CF-105 built in Alberta started off as a private venture, ran low on funding and was eventually sponsored by a film production company for use in a dramatised documentary. The completed build took over seven years and cost about $1,000,000, which shows just how complex and gruelling such a project can be. But there was no alternative to scratchbuilding the Arrow, because of the five examples built by Avro, four were systematically destroyed to preserve their secrets and the other one "disappeared" mysteriously. In contrast, 714 Tomcats were built, there are reported to be at least 50 demilitarised and incomplete examples still slowly decaying in desert boneyards in the USA, and 102 are in museums, collections, used as gate guardians or in storage around the world. And at least three F14s are owned by film production companies. Grumman have been specifically instructed by the Federal Government not to export any spare parts, or to supply them within the US without special approval. It is likely that less than a quarter of the 80 Iranian F14s are still airworthy. We are very fortunate in the UK that two of our TSR2s thwarted the scrapman and are now safely cossetted in museums. As far as scale models of the Tomcat are concerned, the largest practical prospect is probably to use as a basis the plans and components that are made for the radio controlled flying model fraternity, which I believe are currently available in a scale of approximately one tenth full size. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 9, 2019 Author Share Posted October 9, 2019 3 hours ago, John Stedman said: The Avro CF-105 Arrow is a very good comparison to the Grumman F14 Tomcat, because the two aircraft were of similar size, bulk and configuration. The replica CF-105 built in Alberta started off as a private venture, ran low on funding and was eventually sponsored by a film production company for use in a dramatised documentary. The completed build took over seven years and cost about $1,000,000, which shows just how complex and gruelling such a project can be. But there was no alternative to scratchbuilding the Arrow, because of the five examples built by Avro, four were systematically destroyed to preserve their secrets and the other one "disappeared" mysteriously. In contrast, 714 Tomcats were built, there are reported to be at least 50 demilitarised and incomplete examples still slowly decaying in desert boneyards in the USA, and 102 are in museums, collections, used as gate guardians or in storage around the world. And at least three F14s are owned by film production companies. Grumman have been specifically instructed by the Federal Government not to export any spare parts, or to supply them within the US without special approval. It is likely that less than a quarter of the 80 Iranian F14s are still airworthy. We are very fortunate in the UK that two of our TSR2s thwarted the scrapman and are now safely cossetted in museums. As far as scale models of the Tomcat are concerned, the largest practical prospect is probably to use as a basis the plans and components that are made for the radio controlled flying model fraternity, which I believe are currently available in a scale of approximately one tenth full size. No one , no film company owns Tomcat. There was one in 2009 , but the Tomcat they had was seized and the producers arrested, because they owned it illegal, without gov approval. No one besides several museums in USA own this. I am rebuilding the Tomcat outside the borders of USA . I already exported from USA some original pieces to integrate them in the original airframe. I cannot tell you more because in general you don't know to keep a secret. I am also starting to export it across all Europe as the iconic Cold War american fighter. It's a symbol for Europe too because Europe also suffered from the economic problems during the Cold War. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Could we see these pieces you have exported? A helmet does not count. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave J Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 2 hours ago, marianmadalin32 said: I cannot tell you more because in general you don't know to keep a secret. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJTX Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 This is pure gold. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 hours ago, TJTX said: This is pure gold. Indeed it is my friend. So excited to see that the dream finally come true in Europe after many years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 5 hours ago, Ryan said: Could we see these pieces you have exported? A helmet does not count. Why should I ? Did you helped with something ? Did you sent me drawings, plans, materials to build it ? Did you came to start working beside me as a volunteer alongside other volunteers ? Think about that . I don't expect a quick answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Clunkmeister Posted October 10, 2019 Administrators Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Clunkmeister Posted October 10, 2019 Administrators Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1to1scale Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Here is a scenario I see, these people are in fact fishing for plans to sell or take to Iran. The US Govt makes certain platforms and items, both real and intellectual property, controlled. Mainly because of nefarious individuals that could supply these to governments that they don’t want to have. Anyone that is contacted by them should remember that even supplying or planning to supply simple items, export controlled, intended for a warfighter is highly illegal and could result in substantial jail time even if you had the slightest suspicion of it. No joke, google it. As some people had noticed, They don’t appear to be legit in their intentions. There really is only one current operator of F-14’s in the world, which is a red flag. Just saying... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Clunkmeister Posted October 10, 2019 Administrators Share Posted October 10, 2019 ^^^^. This ^^^^ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1to1scale Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 If I were the owner of this site, I would record ip addresses and take some screenshots, in case someone comes asking about them later. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Clunkmeister Posted October 10, 2019 Administrators Share Posted October 10, 2019 I expect it’s being done But we can have our own self made comedy hour in the meantime. Like I had mentioned before, the F-14 is just as potent a combat aircraft as it was 15 years ago, and the US Government cut them up for a very good reason. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HubertB Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Besides the fun we may have in this thread, the fact is that a new member comes here, with an ambitious - if not totally lunatic - project, and has an abrasive if not outright insulting tone in most of his posts .... This is not linked to the poor command of English of this member, who has demonstrated his/her english was good enough, but to an arrogant behaviour expressed by someone with the interpersonal skills of Komodo dragon ... Why do we tolerate this attitude ? I am personally fed up with this thread and the tone of the posts of the original poster. It’s high time we send this member and his project to where they belong ... Hubert 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, HubertB said: Besides the fun we may have in this thread, the fact is that a new member comes here, with an ambitious - if not totally lunatic - project, and has an abrasive if not outright insulting tone in most of his posts .... This is not linked to the poor command of English of this member, who has demonstrated his/her english was good enough, but to an arrogant behaviour expressed by someone with the interpersonal skills of Komodo dragon ... Why do we tolerate this attitude ? I am personally fed up with this thread and the tone of the posts of the original poster. It’s high time we send this member and his project to where they belong ... Hubert I think your attitude is to blame. You make jokes, laugh about it. You don't treat this very serious. You treat death with laughters as well ? You did not helped me with anything at all, beside empty words. I will tell you who my sponsor is. I give a fuck about US Navy, Air Force, Army and US government. Here in Europe their laws mean nothing. I fear no one. When I 'll have my own iconic Cold War fighter I'll impose my own rules on anyone I wish. US has no influence nowhere, not even in their neighbour country, Canada. My sponsor on this quest is a very wealthy and educated canadian from Vancouver, who was the manager of a famous canadian insurance group for almost thirty years. I won't tell you how he got the F-14 parts but happened in 1989, when the Soviets fell. This are the only details you'll get. If you hear me Maurice, thank you again for your support . You are a great guy and I wish you all the best in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 2 hours ago, Clunkmeister said: I expect it’s being done But we can have our own self made comedy hour in the meantime. Like I had mentioned before, the F-14 is just as potent a combat aircraft as it was 15 years ago, and the US Government cut them up for a very good reason. Yeah and do you think the iranians cannot attack the fleet of the Navy if they want ? Anytime. Because they have active Tomcats. That is why the americans fear to strike them. If I , as an European, know that the Pacific Fleet group, along with the carrier and the destroyers was on the Gulf of Japan two weeks ago, so the iranian intelligence do. And the F-14 is not classified , that is why it was selled to Iran in the '80s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 2 hours ago, 1to1scale said: If I were the owner of this site, I would record ip addresses and take some screenshots, in case someone comes asking about them later. Good luck with that. A guy from Republic of Moldavia had an active Su-25 on his backyard. Nothing happened, no one touched him. Not even the communists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marianmadalin32 Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 3 hours ago, 1to1scale said: Here is a scenario I see, these people are in fact fishing for plans to sell or take to Iran. The US Govt makes certain platforms and items, both real and intellectual property, controlled. Mainly because of nefarious individuals that could supply these to governments that they don’t want to have. Anyone that is contacted by them should remember that even supplying or planning to supply simple items, export controlled, intended for a warfighter is highly illegal and could result in substantial jail time even if you had the slightest suspicion of it. No joke, google it. As some people had noticed, They don’t appear to be legit in their intentions. There really is only one current operator of F-14’s in the world, which is a red flag. Just saying... You are worthy of my pitty. I am not an arab or african/asian. I am an European from the South East Europe. I don't plan to export parts to Iran, but in the future who knows ? If they're interested and they contact me , I can arrange a strategic partnership, why not ? It would be good for me as a civilian. I will gain authority and publicity in my country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, marianmadalin32 said: I think your attitude is to blame. You make jokes, laugh about it. You don't treat this very serious. You treat death with laughters as well ? You did not helped me with anything at all, beside empty words. I will tell you who my sponsor is. I give a fuck about US Navy, Air Force, Army and US government. Here in Europe their laws mean nothing. I fear no one. When I 'll have my own iconic Cold War fighter I'll impose my own rules on anyone I wish. US has no influence nowhere, not even in their neighbour country, Canada. My sponsor on this quest is a very wealthy and educated canadian from Vancouver, who was the manager of a famous canadian insurance group for almost thirty years. I won't tell you how he got the F-14 parts but happened in 1989, when the Soviets fell. This are the only details you'll get. If you hear me Maurice, thank you again for your support . You are a great guy and I wish you all the best in life. Hey now give me some credit, I’m the one making most of the jokes here. Huberts posts are very respectful. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 4 hours ago, marianmadalin32 said: Why should I ? Did you helped with something ? Did you sent me drawings, plans, materials to build it ? Did you came to start working beside me as a volunteer alongside other volunteers ? Think about that . I don't expect a quick answer. Just as I suspected, no proof. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Wait a second guys, Marian just PM’d me an in progress shot, the scale is a little off but he is farther along then he has led us to believe. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 1 hour ago, marianmadalin32 said: I think your attitude is to blame. You make jokes, laugh about it. You don't treat this very serious. You treat death with laughters as well ? You did not helped me with anything at all, beside empty words. I will tell you who my sponsor is. I give a fuck about US Navy, Air Force, Army and US government. Here in Europe their laws mean nothing. I fear no one. When I 'll have my own iconic Cold War fighter I'll impose my own rules on anyone I wish. US has no influence nowhere, not even in their neighbour country, Canada. My sponsor on this quest is a very wealthy and educated canadian from Vancouver, who was the manager of a famous canadian insurance group for almost thirty years. I won't tell you how he got the F-14 parts but happened in 1989, when the Soviets fell. This are the only details you'll get. If you hear me Maurice, thank you again for your support . You are a great guy and I wish you all the best in life. I don’t think your insurance group manager is Canadian, this guy is clearly Australian. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HubertB Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Do we need further proof that we are dealing with a raving lunatic ? Hubert, just holding the trigger on a list of flowery and gross expletives 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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