[TC25] 42025 Cargo Plane

[Seasider]

Time for me to post where I’ve got to with my entry (mainly initial thoughts and some scaling).

I set out some initial rules:

1. I wanted to make a version of a set I had

2. I didn’t want to do a UCS Supercar

So I initially wanted to do a mini version of 42069 Extreme Adventure but that would have meant changing the colours due to the lack or purple small arches. My mind then wandered to helicopters and aircraft and this led me to this …

Which is the propellor from 42002 Hovercraft overlaid on the 42025 Cargo Plane.

This gives you a 9/17th scale … or roughly 0.53 … which to me seems like a good challenge.

So from this I’ve been playing around in Stud.io using the initial model someone had created (thanks) and worked out some basic dimensions.

This gives me some interesting dimensions to play with including a front fuselage width and height of 6 studs which I might increase to 7 to avoid half stud fun.

In terms of the plan. I don’t really have one. I’d like to get as many of the original functions in as possible but we’ll see how that goes as the original had lots:

ailerons and elevators controlled via a stick

deployable flaps

motor powered propellers

retractable landing gear

opening nose

rear ramp

I’m also in the process of building the original so I can have it to hand for scaling.

[Thirdwigg]

I'm happy you are taking up this project, and I think the scale will work well. I always liked this plane, so I look forward to what you can accomplish.

[howitzer]

I also briefly considered this set, as it's interesting and functional and probably the best ever set in its category, but then settled for another. Looking forward to your progress.

[Paul B Technic]

I am really keen to see how this works out.

[Seasider]

So it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Work (during the week) and life (at weekends) have generally got in the way of serious progression on this. But this is where I’ve got to so far … 

First of all I built this …

then I build a 1/2 scale frame for sizing which gave me this …

then I started work on the elevators and then ailerons which lead me to this …

Which was refined further to this to get the control stick and main wing in a better position …

Then I decided to work on the engines and soon worked out getting them linked was going to be problematic so I’ve left them as free spinning at the moment …

which leaves me with this on my desk (well on the carpet in the photo!) …

Excuse the colour vomit I’ve just been playing with what parts I’ve got around me. It’s a shame the new tiny fairing panels don’t come in white, so it’s got black engine cowls and might end up with more black on the cockpit … which I’m planning to tackle next. (Hopefully this coming weekend)

Edited July 24, 2023 by Seasider

[MangaNOID]

I never studied planes before so I think I just learnt something about aeroplanes and controls from looking at your small build 

[Jurss]

Nice progress.

[Thirdwigg]

I'm glad to see an update @Seasider, and this progress looks good. The functions look good, and the general shape seems right where it needs to be. I'm interested in how the body will look, and how you will do the landing gear.

[Seasider]

So an update from this weekend, first thing to tackle was the cockpit.

which resulted in this and it’s 6 wide! Which is technically what the fuselage width and height should be.

Placing it roughly on the rest of the build looks like this

I think the position is about right

Then I started on the main landing gear and I wanted to get a mechanism to work in a similar manner to the original model. After lots of playing around with a concept model I then built it neatly as this.

The photo shows retracted and deployed positions and I was really pleased with this little build. BUT … it won’t fit with the engines so I need a rethink. I’m wondering about some Tesla Falcon door style might give me the kinematic I need.

the rest of my time has been putting 80% of this all into Stud.io. As much as anything so I know what parts I need in what colour.

So where I am at the moment is I don’t think I’ll get a correctly coloured model built in time. As I’ve still got lots to work out and little build time with work and life.

But I’m determined I’m going to finish it and in the correct colour scheme even if I miss the deadline as when I do get the rare build time I’m loving this little model