TEAM Composite, Me-163 Komet - Project Update

Ahmed Basal brought in the 1st 45% fuselage made from the group’s molds.

Although it had no formers in the front yet, it is looking ready for the wings!  The vertical fin and rudder are complete and simply plug in to the rear of the fuselage.  Using string and a digital scale, Ahmed weighed it at 16.5 lbs as of this meeting.

This prototype will not be using the retractable skid as it is a flight model.

Ahmed tells us that he plans to test-fly this prototype in early June 2023! Look forward to seeing more this summer!

Darren Bitzer’s, Aichi M6A Seiran 晴嵐 (3DLabPrint)

Darren shared his latest 3D-printed Flying Model Project.  It's 3DLabPrint Aichi Sieran.

It's a neat older design that Darren had bought a while back, hoping a friend would help him with it.

3DLabPrint was founded in 2015 in Brno, Czech Republic.

The Aichi M6A Seiran is a submarine-launched attack floatplane designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II.  It was intended to operate from I-400 class submarines whose original mission was to conduct aerial attacks against the USA.

Darren finally found a 3D printer that was more user-friendly and faster at printing, so he made the leap.  He brought a Bambulab P1P (bambulab.com) to finally started his project.  Darren’s hoping to have flying this summer at the lake.  Here’s a couple of YouTube Videos:

Chris has been looking to have the coolest looking planes at the field!  He’s found a source of 1/5th scale miniguns from China and has been 3D printing housing and fairings for them.

I look forward to seeing everyone this summer and again in October 2023 for our 1st SFM Meeting!

Larry Sorenson’s, T-One Models, A-10 WartHog

Larry brought in his turbine powered twin A10 Warthog project.  The A-10 is from T-One models.  Included in the 1/7th scale kit are electric retracts and brakes, with a detailed cockpit, and an operating canopy.

It's illuminated with formation lights, position lights, and landing lights.  Simulated turbo fans add to the look, and freewheel with airflow.  Split aileron "decelerons" are functional.

The jet is powered by a pair of Xicoy X120 engines.  An auxiliary fuel tank has been added which should give flight times in the 8-10 minute range.

This model will be flown with a full load of ordnance. A custom mechanism from the Launer Ordnance Works is fitted to each of the eleven wing pylons. This allows mounting and demounting in seconds with no tools needed.

The markings recreate a one-off commemorative color scheme for the Michigan ANG.  This celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Red Devils and the 107th Fighter Squadron.

While preparing this model to fly, Larry enjoyed learning about the history of the Warthog and ground support aircraft in general.  Along the lines of the P47, Sturmovik, Skyraider, and others, it's all about supporting the troops on the ground!

We look forward to seeing it fly once the snow melts!

Jon Bomers, Who's Check'in Us Out!

Jon wanted to share with everyone a quick breakdown of where our visitors login from.  While it has varied from year to year he pulled the data from This Building Season October 1, 2022 until April 15, 2023.

You'll also note that device access continues to move to more mobile devices.  This means that after 20 years Jon has to stop procrastinating and build a New Website!  If you've got some thoughts on structure and design of our new website, please send your suggestions to Jon.