Autogyro- First modeling attempt

[Guest]

Hi All,

Hope this is the right forum for my post...

I'm having a go at making a scale model of an autogyro for a university project. Idealy I would like to make the model out of metal and try to get all the materials close to what will be used on the actualy aircraft.

so I guess my main question is what are the best metals/materials to use to recreate a space frame. I've tryed googling it but get stumped about joining techniques, there's a lot of conflicting information and I've got myself completily confused about it all. I have no previous experiance or tools but am happy to buy the basics. I first thought it would just be a case of soldering a few bits together but I guess it's a bit more complicated then that...

I've hopefully attached a couple pictures of a brief wooden version I made and a 3D render of the final model. The scale will be 1/10 and it'll be about 30cm long

hopefully this all make sense and thanks very much to anyone that replys

Wes[ATTACH]80518.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]80519.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Lee W]

Welcome wes,

For a first attempt, not knowing much about flying thingieso_O (me that is), I'd say 'well done' , that's a really good effort

Lee

[Richi72]

Hi Wes,

well a good way to start is to get Styrene, some glue, a good scalpel and some sanding paper. the would not set you back that much. here is a link to the shop.

I think styrene is the easiest way to go soldering is definitely stronger but not as easy to work on. just my 2 cents hope this helps Wes

Cheers Richi

[eddiesolo]

I thing you have made a great start. As Ricardo points out styrene sheet, poles etc can be cut easily and stuck together for strength-many modellers use this and it is used a lot in RC cars/tanks/boats due to its ease and lightness. You have to ask yourself what is needed: Does the model have to present the finished item...so quality of build, materials used are more important. If you are wanting something more sturdy than wooden skewers but is a more, play around get the look and angles right then view it as a plastic model kit. I would get online and have a look at autogyros and body styles then adapt to what your wanting to achieve. Use Plasticard (styrene) comes in various sheets and thickness's, plastic tubes etc and good quality glue.

I am sure that others, far more knowledgeable than me will offer better advice.

Si

[Guest]

The old Airfix James Bond Autogyro can usually be picked up fairly easily on ebay. One of those might give you some very useful guidance and inspiration for your own project.

[Ian M]

Well as you are an engineering student ans wish to make it in the actual materials for the prototype I would suggest that you first consider how the real one it to be constructed and then build the scale model in the same way. It may sound a bit smart Alex type of reply, but I feel for the purpose of your project, it would be the best way to go.

I would start looking at aluminium tube and bar, with alu plate as connection blocks.

Ian M

[Guest]

You might find this interesting, Wes:

1/18 Scale Wallis WA-116 Agile Autogyro by Nick Karatzides

Final model presentation:


http://www.largescaleplanes.com/articles/article.php?aid=1830

Build thread:


http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=46667

Nick built a replica of one of Wallis's autogyros from scratch, designing using a CAD package and fabricating on a 3D printer - he describes the process in some detail, might be something that you could consider.

[Guest]

Wes if you want authentication then I would have a look at the metals that Albion Alloys Market not only for model making but for many uses.

They have brass aluminuim, copper and copper nickel. Solid rod and tube. Need a bit of micro welding, soldering etc but it will I think look the part.

John in the shop markets a good deal of these Albion Alloy material.

Laurie