John Moscato's
1/32 Perfect Detail Legioss AFC-01H

Report #3 May 15th, 2001
mosc@total.net

April 21st,2001

Hi Shawn,

Please find enclosed a set of semi-final blueprints for the 1/32 Legioss model. The plans provided are in almost exact 1/32 scale when viewed at 100%. Essentially, I have concentrated on these plans first and foremost to ensure that all components will fit seemlessly without binding with each other, as well as ensure that the Legioss will look as I want it to in either mode. The only area of the design that I needed to compromise on was the length of the nosecone. It's a little short when viewed in fighter mode, but to make it any longer would mean that it would protrude down to the soldier's calfs, and this was not an acceptable option. It's also important to point-out that I have decided that the final kit will be "buildable" in any of the three modes without swapping parts, but not directly "transformable", as this very process is notorious for scratching paint and may potentially interfere with realism and sturdiness of the final model. As you can clearly see, the plans are still a bit crude and devoid of any intricate detail, but adding these would only slow down the process at this stage: my preference being to simply "block-out" the overall shape for the necessary size/dimensions on paper, and add the interesting little bits (chamfered corners, panel lines, etc...)when I actually sculpt the parts. Proper joints and pivots are also being designed, and will be metal components in the finished kit for maximum strength. Stay tuned for further updates!

Regards,
John

April 25th

Hi John,

<snip> Plans look great! The nosecone seems a bit short. Any way to increase it at all? Perhaps you could include an additional nosecone to substitute for fighter mode(ala the Imai/Bandai 1/72 Variable models)? What kind of joints will the kit use for poseability? Will it be capable of dynamice stances? How long do you think the project will take you to complete? <snip>

Shawn

April 28th

Hi Shawn,

The blueprints: yes, the nosecone looks a little stubby doesn't it?? LOL I showed the plotter outputs to a friend of mine who works for Protoculture magazine: he says the shorter nose isn't all that bad. Realistically-speaking, all of the current/new-generation fighters/ attack planes are moving toward shorter nosecones anyway: compact avionics/radar are the main reason, but the shorter nose also offers better foreward visibility; especially during landings. Just the same, I've been tampering with making two different noses from the front gear/strut bulkhead foreward, much as you'd suggested. My only real concern is how making a split on a load-bearing component will affect the way the kit "sits" on the ground in fighter mode.

Poseability: not a problem. All of the major joints will be held together with either self-tapping brass screws or tension-adjustable metal ball-joints, or BOTH!! LOL My intent is for the finished kit to be as sturdy as possible, while still maintaining poseability, even if not fully-transformable. I'd looked into PVC ball joints, but they don't have the strength necessary for a resin kit of this magnitude, and from experience, the "sockets" of certain garage kits have a nasty tendancy to split with age(sometimes "age" is like 2 weeks!) Metal joints are stronger and they last fore ever:)

Actually, things are moving quite quickly: the center torso and upper body are almost finished, and I'm currently starting on the arms, so the next update will show CONSIDERABLY more of the Legioss-- hehe!

Regards,
John F. Moscato