Rhodesian G Car FN MAG (update 20th Dec 24)
Being the aviation geek I am, and the son of Rhodesian parents, I've had an affinity towards the days of old and what went on during that time period.
This drove me to do a Rhodesian Alouette 3 G Car with an FN MAG.
A bit different from the norm.
I was enspired by another individual in this group to do just that, and thought I'd give it a go. And in doing so I'd like to thank that gentleman for such inspiration and also congratulate him on the out come of his K car.
You know who you are sir.
I would also like to thank, Mr Hugh Bombford of the Retired Rhodesian Services Association in New Zealand, who sent me some great photos of the display they have at the Lion and Tusk Museum in Tauranga NZ.
Thank you sir.
I hope I can create a model that will inspire others in the future, just as I have been inspired by those before me.
Now to the guts of it.
As depicted by the photos I have uploaded.
I'm using a Heller kit for this build as that is what I have available.
I have had to design and 3d print my own elephant ears (Air intake baffles) for this project.
I have uploaded the g code on thingaverse.com for those who would like to print their own. It's completely free to use. So please drop by and have a look.
Just search for;
Rhodesian Alouette 3 elephant ears.
As can also be seen, in the photos. I have fitted these parts to the engine. They look OK. Nothing a bit of paint and sanding won't sort out.
I also have some parts on order to enhance this project and bring a bit more flare.
I am also working on drawing out and 3d printing the back seat for this project. Something I may also add to thingaverse.com.
Otherwise, please stay tuned and I hope you will join me on this journey.
Thank you.
As of 20th December and a very busy year.. Please see attached pictures of my progress. The model is coming along well...a few little bits to finish up and do but not far off a completed project.
I redesigned the air intakes and had to make a few items from scratch like the rear bench...the gun mount and the step along the one side.
This project has pushed my skills to the max and has been a hell of a challenge to fit as much detail as I have into this. I look forward to showcasing the completed model soon!
Thank you.
Not sure what I'm looking but will stay tuned for completion of it. Always worthwhile to see something out-of-the-ordinary.
Thank you, mate.. yes, sorry, a bunch of photos didn't upload yesterday. Still learning to navigate this page.
I'll do my best to make things more clearer and a bit more professional in time.
Roan, nice work on the drawing for air intake baffles. The ability of a modeler to draw and create his own parts is really opening new avenues for modelers and a far greater level of detail. It looks like you are using a filament printer, if you can afford it or save up, I highly recommend you get yourself a resin printer. The fidelity of the print is much higher and gives you a better representation of your excellent drawing. You may also want to post your progress in one of the group builds so people can follow your progress.
Thank you Walt.
Yes indeed. A resin printer would solve alot of issues and provide cleaner parts for sure, with more detail as well. One day. Hopefully soon.
At the moment I find a bit of sanding and plastic filler to smooth parts out works OK.
Oh right I was wondering how I continue my blog. Apppologies. Very new to this. I shall look into it and proosibly switch to that.
Thank you so much for your input and I appreciate your support.
Thank you
A nice approach on the air intakes, Roan @roanhonywill
Love to follow your progress on this Rhodesian Alouette.
To be able to update and for others to follow your progress more easily, you might consider starting a topic in one of the groups. Usualy the headlines are used to display a final build.
Hi John
Yes indeed I'll look into it. My appologies. Quite new to the page.
As mentioned by others I'll definitely look into it. Thank you very much sir.
Excellent job so far, Roan! Would be nice if you enter your progress in one of the groups here, such as the Helicopters GB:
https://imodeler.com/groups/helicopters/
Thank you very much Spiros.
I will definitely do so.
Really appreciate it.
Very interesting, Roan. I’ve always wanted to build a Rhodesian Allouette, either a G or a K. That Heller kit is hard to come by these days.
Hello John. Gosh they are fairly abundant here in the UK.
In fact Amazon has them for £11. Below is just the link for that; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heller-80289-Alouette-Securite-Civile/dp/B0002HZYIO/ref=asc_df_B0002HZYIO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=641815691696&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15649268939029130638&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007434&hvtargid=pla-935728262852&psc=1&mcid=f83c2da7e29835acb9933233a36204c3&th=1&psc=1