MechTech

The quadruple parralell antennae across the nose (and possibly on the lower intakes) are probably IFF antenna. The two buldges either side of that are probably the missile detection sensors. The larger teardrop on the left side of the nose is probably a passive infra red ID system (similar to the Russian and European systems). Similar bulges can also be built in night vision systems. The side bulges on either side of the forward part of the canopy are probably ECM antenna. The eastern birds have many variants and packages from many companies. There's quite a few of them and various counties rivalries seem to breed more opporunity for another firm to develope something for their less "skilled" allies. There's a reason the 16's are popular though! I hope that helps somewhat. - MT

It looks as though they just used .010" styrene cutout with generic photoetched grill details. you can do it man! - MT

That's awesome! I'd like the room to go with the Seig X2, but it's size and weight are actually too much for my bench. Plus I have to shuffle my machines around (and leave room for the children to build with me occasionally ). I would love to work with Renshape, it's just so expensive! I'm going to try the Captain's particle board idea and see how that fares for the next build. Micro Mark came up with the Micro Mill (versus the Mini Mill that you have). It's huge compared to my drill press (which Seig actually markets as the X0). But it's a custom build for them. It's like Sherline's stuff (same size spindle too), but it's rugged cast iron, the neck can go all the way down to 90 degrees (parallel to the table). I can actually lathe with it in that position. Another bonus was that it didn't need any cleanup (no red grease all over). It's about 50 lbs, belt drive, 0-2800 RPM and 150W motor. There are some great billows covering the slides and it's got zero adjustable wheels on it. I think your X2 will be perfect for what you're doing. LMS also has bigger tables for your machine too if you need it. Are you getting a rotary table for your X2. They REALLY broaden your capabilities! Please post machining photos of your progress and builds! - MT

If anybody knows, it's these guys: http://www.f-16.net/articles_article10.html In the buisiness, most people call it the Falcon or Lawn Dart less affectionately. - MT

That's POOR engineering! It should not be ABS (especially if ti's a bad batch). They should have used metal and/or POM to make those parts (which of course cost more). - MT

The lighting colors look great Derex. It does look bright; is it just camera burn in? Are they actually LED strips, or luminescent light strips? Chronocidal's wax paper is a good idea and easier than calculating a resistor! Nice job on the joints erikos! The lean reminds me of the commerical with the ladies leaning due to poor diet. What you feedin' that valk? - MT

Beautiful and clean build! I think you got it just right for this type of craft. Just enough wear without looking like an old pair of jeans! I've always liked this variant. - MT

That's great you got a mill. I just got one last week. I've been using my drill press with an X-Y table. It's worked, but was VERY limited in the bits I could use and adjustments I could make. Plus it wasn't rigid enough to machine metal. The next step will be to get a lathe come tax time. I'm probably going with Sherline sice they have a awesome reputation and they chucks and parts will go with my mill! Show us some pics sometime. A couple of us are talking about starting up a machining thread to help out theose wanting to get started. - MT

Do you have a photo of the area and materials used? Is this a repair or custom? I only ask because of the type of glues and function of them. - MT

That sucks! And as much as they charge for it too! As long as the internal hinge is metal and the outer loop plastic, you can use some of Plastruct's weld or Bondene to glue the plastic. It WILL break again. I reccomened then taking ABS or styrene sheet strips and wrapping them around outer plastic loop of the hinge. Either way, the value of the toy is affected (broke or fixed), but at least it will be functional again. If you use styrene, you may need to use Bondene. Styrene does not stick to ABS well with solvent glues. Superglue works great, but will probably freeze up the joint. Hope that helps! - MT

I was wondering about that. It's coming along great and your custom work is clean! - MT

In order: - Electric Indigo, The Viper is looking good so far. That is the Israeli version; right? It's got more bumps than a dirt road - still looks cool though! - Wasabi-san, The Bird of Prey looks awesome! GREAT paint!. Too bad they didn't have the lighting kit when you started it. The SSM kit is awesome! - Noyhauser, You can never get enough F-16 love - even when they fly over your house shaking the dust off the walls! - Erikos, it's good to see some valk love. Which kit is that? - Shaorin, it's not looking bad at all. Just remember they get better as you get more experience! Are you using masking tape to help with the lines? I can't see to well in the photo. Nice use of Legos - my son agrees - MT

That's cool! It must be from season three. My son and I just finished watching season two - the ending sucked! I was like - "what, that's it after all they went through!" - MT

Thanks Coronadlux and Cobywon! I appreciate it! It's hard to believe these were done about seven years ago! Time flies! - MT

Ditto! - MT

Michael Knite in the background, "KITT come help, I'm being sanded and crushed by this big gray thing!" Looking great! Building it bigger and better! Can't wait to see the next installment! - MT

Remember kids, always ensure the lighter is empty BEFORE you cut it open That was cool and interesting to see his process. I like those ceramic bladed tools. I'm going to have to look for some! Thanks Big F, yeah I guess it's been a while since I've been in the UK. Europe is getting to "Eurozied." The individual countries are just seeming to become all blurred together! - MT

EXO wins the award for torturing his sisters toys Actually it is a good start. Have you used any of the epoxy putties before Hikaru? - MT

Picard was cool, I just never got the whole English accent and French family background thingy!? "Doctor Crusher, check my SHEDUALE." Congrats Derex on stepping out into the realm of electronics. Some advice from an old technician (me), as long as you don't let the magic smoke out of the components, it will work! I helped a buddy build that kit once. It does fit bad, but I think the design is graceful. It's even been made into flying R/C designs so it can't be that bad! If you have issues with light showing through in some areas, you may need to use metal foil to hide the light. I've had to do that a few times. Bare Metal Foils are good or aluminum foil and silicone RTV to glue it on. Can't wait to see some glowing goodness! - MT

Thanks Jefuemon! I'm not getting it, but it's cool to see that someone produced this. I kinda liked that design. - MT

Thanks Big F, I guess size does matter - MT

4 hrs away - can do! Going back to Cali - too expensive! Plus there's the Battleship New Jersey! PM Mike if you need a hand! Hopefully nothing will come up that I'll have to be out of town then... - MT

Congratualtions! I only finished a few builds, painted a couple and PARTIALLY painted the Daedalus. Maybe a better track record in 2013! Have a Happy New Year fellow styrene heads! - MT

Thanks EXO! I guess some of us can breathe again I just KNEW they couldn't have settled with that supermodel version. If artists could do a good job 30 years ago, they could do all that much better NOW with CAD/CAM! I'm glad they're asking and listening to fans! - MT

That's great you could borrow a lathe and that your daughter gets to help! Are you going to put a "blade" of some kind on it? The funny part is my daughter liked the light saber battles too. We got movies of her going at it as a toddler with the TV and rolled paper tubes I took the little flashlight I used to have with a plastic reflective extension on it and made her a "lightsaber" of sorts with it epoxied in. That didn't last very long. She cracked that sucker right at the base with the plastic still in the body! At least my glue job held up! The Lego games and cartoons look silly, but they are fun and funny. My children have a little of both. At least carnage is ddepicted by plastic pieces flying everywhere versus blood I hope your saber "turns" out great! - MT