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

Report #5 August 14th, 2001
mosc@total.net

Back on track!

Hello Shawn,

I've been pulled off the project for a little bit now doing other jobs, but now I can spend some time with this project again.

The first set of updated pics are of the arm components. Though you've seen these in closed/fighter form, I've since made some modifications, as well as sculpted the bicep section components as well. The major joints have already been plotted, but I'm seriously contemplating double-jointing the elbow to give the soldier maximum poseability.

Picture set 2: nose section.

As you can see, the basic components are sculpted, even the dash and ejection seat, though no major details have been added yet. The hollowed-out portion behind the nosecone will house the main radar assembly, while access hatches along the main tub will house additional avionics and plumbing. Modelers will have the option of leaving all hatches opened or closed.

Though it's not noticeable in these pics, the nose is quite stubby when wiewed in fighter mode; particularly with the LEX fins attached, and as a result I'm seriously contemplating lengthening the nose another 2cm to harmonize the look of the plane. The down-side to this is that the nose will extend to about knee-level in soldier mode, and there is no reasonnable way of articulating the nose to collapse on itself or pivot rearward and out of the way. Ideally, I'd also like to avoid having to "swap" nosecones for the sake of realism.

The first pic here(albeit a poor one) is of the front landing gear strut. My new camera seems to be quite inadequate for photographing small pieces, so you'll have to use your immagination on this one! :p

The main strut shaft is turned aluminium, while the shock absorber is brass. I'm not quite married to this particular piece, since it looks a little iffy to my eye, so it's very possible that I'll start it over.

The next two pictures are of the front of the foot assembly, with all pieces having been milled in Ren-Shape. The toe will probably be hollowed-out at a later time to save weight.

The last set of pictures are of the combined torso/leg assembly, which have been crudely mocked-up to verify size and proportions. My next priority will be to machine the appropriate neck/shoulder/hip and ankle joints. This will allow for better pictures with components properly attached, and will allow me to verify that each part has the necessary range of motion without binding.

The overall size of the model is particularly apparent with the briefcase serving as a backdrop, and at this rate, it's probably safe to say that this Legioss kit will tower over most anything in the average model-builder's showcase.

Stay tuned for the next update coming this September!

Regards, John F. Moscato
Renaissance Art Models
http://www.total.net/~mosc