Scratch build 1/72 Gulfstream G650 ER
...So I've always wanted to build models from scratch because I knew there where some aircraft that just weren't available from manufacturers. Recently I made the decision to give it a go. Part of why I build airplanes models is because its a way to fly the aircraft I'll never be able too fly by building and daydreaming about flying them. I've always wanted to fly on lavish business jets like the Hawker 850XP that's posted here in IModeler. So after building that one I wanted a bigger better jet and decided on the cream of the crop; the Gulfstream G650 ER, The fastest, longest range and one of the newest biz jets available. And at $65 million dollars there's certainly no way I'm flying on let alone owning one so a model had to be made. I was pretty sure no manufacturer has produced a kit of one so scratch building one was the only answer and I decided to jump into the water with both feet. I looked on line for plans or drawings but couldn't find usable drawings so I knew i had to make my own. Roughly two weeks later I had plans that I was happy with and could begin working from. So the plan is to use the drawings, carve wooden masters of the parts and vac form over those masters. So far I have a still kinda rough fuselage which is what you see in the included pictures. After I finish that I will start work on the vertical tail, wings, then the engines. I'm. Hoping this will only take till the end of the year but we'll have to wait and see. Hope you like what I have so far.
Any feed back or tips from anyone who's taken on an endeavor like this whould be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys, Kurt
Well...you have more drive, determination (and talent) than I possess to have THAT rather daunting task ahead. I wish you luck, however...you've certainly picked an outstanding example to model - the ultimate biz jet indeed.
That is quite a project. I'm having trouble completing a vac kit, let alone building one from scratch! I would suggest making your fuselage halves from clear sheet, that way you'd simply have to mask your windows! (The windscreen would be a separate piece, but that would be the case anyway so it's not like it's any more work.) I do have my pilots license, but fly a lowly 172. To feed my inner Walter Mitty I also turn to modeling and also flight sim. I've been spending a lot of time in a Lightning T.5, but strangely the Gulfstream is something the FS community is also screaming for.
Sounds like so much fun Kurt ! best wishes to you.
Great concept, following with interest! Cheers to you Kurt!
Nice work so far, are you going to vac form the fuselage or will this be a wooden model, great work.