Some WIP teasers...

[VectoredThrust]

Just some teaser shots to show everyone that I still exist and, when time allows, work on profiles!

Both of these projects are still in the WIP stage, so don't take them as final!

[VectoredThrust]

Both of these projects are based on the incredible line work of our very own Otterkins. Without him these projects would be stuck on the drawing board instead of the assembly line.

[Aircraftprofiles]

Great NM effect on the F-104 !! can´t wait for the final result...Good work !

[VectoredThrust]

Thanks! I call it PNMF (Polished Natural Metal Finish)...

[Supah]

Both of these projects are based on the incredible line work of our very own Otterkins. Without him these projects would be stuck on the drawing board instead of the assembly line.

Either the F-104G line work has been edited or it still inaccurate as it was a mix of F-104A, C and G parts. Nice high polish effect for a factory new machine, I doubt they stayed that clean for more then a week in operational conditions though Are you sure the inlet Shock Cone was made out of metal?

[VectoredThrust]

Either the F-104G line work has been edited or it still inaccurate as it was a mix of F-104A, C and G parts. Nice high polish effect for a factory new machine, I doubt they stayed that clean for more then a week in operational conditions though Are you sure the inlet Shock Cone was made out of metal?

Hi Supah!

These are still WIPs . The F-104 project, as shown, was merely a test of the polished NMF finish. I have not gone back in and trimmed out the C and G lines yet. It will accurately represent an A model aircraft when complete. There will be some weathering: minor dings, dents, scratches, soot and stain marks. Polishing compound would also build up in recesses and this will be represented as well.

Early in their service career most A models were routinely kept in a pristine and polished state. As time wore on, however, the finish began to deteriorate and ground crews paid less and less attention to keeping the aircraft immaculate. To me, the definitive F-104 is a polished A model... and that is what I have chosen to represent here.

The Shock Cone on the A model (and I believe all subsequent models) were made of metal.

[Aircraftprofiles]

Can you give us an insight to how you mak eteh NM finish ? It really looks good ! I hav ebeen wanting to do a F7U in NM for a while...although the USN birds never was this polished, it might be useful knowlage.

Thanks

[VectoredThrust]

Can you give us an insight to how you mak eteh NM finish ? It really looks good ! I hav ebeen wanting to do a F7U in NM for a while...although the USN birds never was this polished, it might be useful knowlage.

Thanks

AP,

I used gradient meshes and blending modes in Illustrator to create the finish. I imagine you could replicate the effect using Photoshop layers. Not 100% sure how to explain that process, though!

[Supah]

Hi Supah!

These are still WIPs . The F-104 project, as shown, was merely a test of the polished NMF finish. I have not gone back in and trimmed out the C and G lines yet. It will accurately represent an A model aircraft when complete. There will be some weathering: minor dings, dents, scratches, soot and stain marks. Polishing compound would also build up in recesses and this will be represented as well.

Early in their service career most A models were routinely kept in a pristine and polished state. As time wore on, however, the finish began to deteriorate and ground crews paid less and less attention to keeping the aircraft immaculate. To me, the definitive F-104 is a polished A model... and that is what I have chosen to represent here.

The Shock Cone on the A model (and I believe all subsequent models) were made of metal.

I believe the intake shock cone was made out of another material on atleast dutch Fokker built F-104G's (and as such also a lot of the german machines as they were also built by Fokker) and was electrically heated as part of the de-icing equipment. There was a switch for it in the cockpit, I have heard stories from pilots that touching it post flight if the de-icing equipment had been used was painfull and failure of the heating system could lead to engine failures.

[VectoredThrust]

I believe the intake shock cone was made out of another material on atleast dutch Fokker built F-104G's (and as such also a lot of the german machines as they were also built by Fokker) and was electrically heated as part of the de-icing equipment. There was a switch for it in the cockpit, I have heard stories from pilots that touching it post flight if the de-icing equipment had been used was painfull and failure of the heating system could lead to engine failures.

The F-104G intake lips definitely were, and I imagine the shock cones must also have been heated. It would certainly make sense considering the climate differences between the US and Europe.