I’ve had one major component to do, to complete the overall shape of the viper – the wings! I had laid out the frame some time ago, but upon review I discovered some of the angles were not quite right. I ended up having to unpick some of the frame work to get it looking right.
I built some formers out of 1mm aluminium sheet and angle, cut out lightening holes and dimpled them for strength. Then I laid out the basic structure. The problem was, not having enough table space to accommodate the structure – at around 4 metres long it’s a large component. I made do with what I had and began assembly.
With the base structure assembled, I figured it was an opportune time for a test fit and some photos. I had to move everything half a metre sideways so that I could sit the tail fin on top of the high engine. I then sat the wing frame in it’s approximate position on the port side engine housing. I’m happy with the overall shape – everything seems to line up and fit where it’s supposed to. Whew!!
Next it was time to cut to size some 0.6mm aluminium sheet for the wing skin. I attached the skin with clecos and did a further test fit of the wing – just so I could stand back and enjoy the sight of an all aluminium 1:1 Colonial Viper.
Note the wing leading edge is slightly angled, as per the filming models and full size mockup – this was some interesting geometry to work out and it took me some time to get it looking right. I think I’ve got it reasonably close.
I still need to work out how to mount the wings so that they can be removed for transport. Also, building the wing with enough strength so that it can be mounted at the engine housing and support the front tip on which the guns are mounted. I noticed on the full size filming mockup, an additional wing mounting existed on the side of the engine intake. I’m hoping to avoid this and build it as per the miniatures, with the mounting points only on the main engine housing.
Well there we have it, true to my original vision, a full scale aluminium viper work in progress, reminiscent of the WW2 era warbirds like the P51 Mustang or P47 Thunderbolt in natural metal.
Still plenty of challenges ahead of me, but now that the overall shape is defined, it’s a big step in the right direction.
Stay safe out there.
Project Colonial Viper Blog 
FRAK that looks amazing mate. I bet you are as proud as punch. Just the overall shape is sooo satisfying! I am truly excited. Mine is kind of there, but kind of in limbo while I get this new hangar all sorted out with power and such. I can’t wait to see these two together at an event! I’ll send you an email.
Baz.
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Thanks Baz! A big milestone for me to get this far. A long build with plenty of building ahead of me, but I believe it’s a one of a kind with the aluminium construction.
Getting the two together will be an historic event 😎
Cheers
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Maaate! I discovered you were doing this a year back and just thought I’d drop in for another look. Well done!! you’re making one of my dreams come true 😀 Please tell me you’re up for letting fellow fans drop in to see this work of art in person at some stage. I swear I’m the nicest BSG geek ever! I remember watching this original show with my mum as a 6 year old. I’m going to try and 3D print a helmet and blaster at some stage. I’m restoring a ‘VW Karmann Ghia’ at the moment and could probably use some of your metal working skills lol. Keep up the fine work, I’ll be dropping by more frequently now 🙂
Cheers
Isky (from Brisbane)
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G’day Isky, great to hear from another Oz BSG geek 😁. Thanks for your interest and feedback. I’m more than happy for you to drop by to see the viper in person. I’ll be interested to hear how you go with the helmet and blaster 3D printing – I’ll need both down the track myself.
A Karmann Gaia – very cool 😎 I love old school cars and have a few of my own projects in progress.
So much to do, so little time…
Cheers Scott
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Scott hi! I’m so sorry mate I never thought you actually replied to me. Too be honest I was always a little disappointed that I hadn’t heard from you. But I see I was just completely wrong. You did! I guess I just don’t know how this ‘wordpress’ site works. Sorry mate.
That’s such great news! I can’t wait to come a see this beast. I’ll seriously make the drive 😀 Thanks so much for being so cool. And absolutely, I’ll try my best to get the helmet and blaster done. In fact I started my first ever youtube channel 2 months ago mate if you’re interested in staying in touch and seeing some of my 3D adventures come to life. I’ll definitely do dedicated videos for both the blaster and helmet. My channel is call ‘DIY Dump Rat’. It features mainly me finding amazing things at the dump and fixing them or reusing them. It also covers my love of 3D printing, as well as a massive home cinema I’m building. I’ll also eventually be doing some restoration work on my Karmann Ghia.
I actually just saw an interview you did on a channel called ‘Experimental Aircraft Channel’ and decided to check out how you were going with this, That’s how I found out you actually DID reply to me lol. Thanks so much for that. And ‘so much to do, so little time’… you can say that again.
Cheers
Isky
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