All Wood Wings: Constructing a FIVE FOOT Model Aircraft

- quality handcrafted wooden model military airplanes -

Constructing a 5' Model: F-15E Dual-Role Eagle

Home

Other Military Planes

How to Order

Refund Policy

Contact Us

Image courtesy of 1-StopPosterShop
©1-StopPosterShop

The Project - Replica of a F-15E Dual-Role Eagle
Scale 1:12 Length: 63.8" Width 42.8"

Customer: CLASSIFIED

Project Start Date: April 16th
Completion Date: June 7th

STEP ONE - SCALING

STEP TWO - ASSEMBLY of PIECES

STEP THREE - PUTTY

STEP FOUR - MORE PUTTY

STEP FIVE - PRIMER COAT

STEP SIX - WEAPONS

STEP SEVEN - FINAL PAINT

STEP EIGHT - DETAILING

STEP 9 - CRATING

STEP TEN - SHIPPING

The F-15E Dual-Role Eagle is the follow-on version of the F-15 Eagle - one of the most successful air superiority fighters in history. The Dual-Role was designed to meet the latest demanding tactical requirements of the USAF which include long range interdiction with heavy payload capability while maintaining unequalled self-defense when finding and attacking ground targets at night and in any weather. Having 2 crew members, the cockpit encompasses the cutting edge of technology. Navigation and targeting systems produce high resolution radar maps of the ground and deliver an extensive array of weapons with pinpoint accuracy. Fitted with low-drag weapons pylons and conformal fuel tanks, the aircraft has superior range, higher payload and survivability.

Length: 63.8 ft Wingspan: 42.8 ft Speed: Mach 2.5
Engine: Two P&W F100 turbofans at 25K lbs thrust

Any Similar Custom Model
About 5' long or 5' wingspan w/max. weapons
$1,700.00 - Shipping Extra
Detailed photos required

Model to be armed as follows:
Two - AIM 9
Two - AIM 120
Two - AIM 130
Four - GBU 12
One - GBU 28
Six - CBU 87
& Navigation Pod
& Targeting Pod

The model - in all its relevant views - is traced to scale on heavy template paper. Parts of the airplane are cut out from the scale plan in a fashion that matches the actual wood blocks that will later be used to assemble the model. Shown is craftsman Manny working on one of the two blocks of mahogany that will be used to form the aircraft's "hardpoints". While the template only assists in cutting the wood to rough oversize dimensions, hand shaping will bring the pieces to their final finished shape.

(Photo taken April 26th)

After all the pieces are cut out using a jig saw, they are glued together to form the rough model. Next the surfaces are shaped by hand - using chisels and draw knives - to get closer to the exact intended shape. Shown here is Supervisor Donald inspecting some details.

(Photo taken May 2nd)

This is a very time consuming stage that - on one hand - accurately whittles away at the model using a variety of calibration tools while - on the other hand - fills in cracks with successive coats of putty.

(Photo taken May 3rd)

Shown is Manny applying one of the more than a dozen coats of putty used to bring the model to a glass smooth finish. In between are drying times and then rubbing down bumps until a perfect surface is achieved.

Meanwhile, somewhere there are some weapons accumulating.

(Photo taken May 10th)

The model is shown hanging from its exhaust holes as it dries after getting one of several undercoats that will lead to the stage known as "Primer Ready" or the point at which the actual end color is applied.

(Photo taken May 24th)

The 17 weapons and two pods near completion although some details are still missing. Weapons and pods are mated to the model using hidden steel pins that have unique span spacing to insure client can attach easily.

(Photo taken May 29th)

The model rests in a paint booth after getting its final coat of paint mixed according to Federal specifications. Once the paint dries it will lighten somewhat. Next artists will apply details and finally a finish lacquer will cover all.

(Photo taken May 30th)

The navigation pod (left) and targeting pods show the extend of detailing given every large custom model. Eagle name tags, squadron patches, wing control surfaces and antennae are "standard" replication details.

(Photo taken June 5th)

The crate is specially built for the model, which will be covered first in bubble wrap. Pressure resistant foam is added to critical points (wingtips, nose, engine exhausts and under ropes) to give maximum lock-down and protection. Next the crate is fully filled with softer foam while accessories like weapons ride in separate packages amongst the foam. The lid is lag bolted to frame and screwed down for easy removal.

Here the model enters the crate for the first time for a "fitting" which reveals that the two studs near wingtips will have to be removed and relocated appropriately.

(Photo taken June 6th)

With both ends of crate visible at same time while loading onto the truck, its true size is revealed - 6' x 4' x 2'.

Within 72 hours it will arrive at its destination half way around the world to meet the special needs of a military ceremony planned for only two days later.

(Photo taken June 7th)