Cessna T-50 "Bobcat"/"Bamboo Bomber"
As a child in the 1950's, I was inspired to learn about aviation by watching, among other things, the "Sky King" TV show. In this series, a rancher with a Cessna T-50 (and later, a Cessna 310) would often get involved in solving local crimes, catching bad guys, etc., using his plane. So, many years later, here it is.
The best thing about this project was the documentation. I made friends with Jon Larson, owner of the original "Songbird" T-50 from the TV show, who ran the Sky King Fan Club for over 50 years, and Terry Sullivan, who is restoring an actual T-50 today. Both were generous with photos, video, and countless excerpts from the original Cessna factory drawings. This allowed me to build this one very accurately, and with more detail than most of my 3D models. See Terry Sullivan's web site at http://www.cessnat50.org for updates on all things related to the T-50, as well as some helpful links.
This model was built (article here) in the same order as the actual aircraft. First, I created some temporary parts for the exterior, for reference, then began building the internal tubing structure. Later, wood parts were added to this frame, as well as all the internal components, and finally, a fabric skin with Terry Sullivan's markings.
Model Features:
- Accurate structural components, based on original Cessna drawings and photos (Some of the wood parts on the fuselage frame were omitted, due to a lack of documentation, but are representative.)
- Accurate landing gear, including brake lines and other details
- A moderately-accurate set of Jacobs 7-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engines and props
- Complete cable-and-pulley control system for ailerons, elevator, and rudder, along with movable control surfaces
- Complete interior, including an accurate instrument panel and controls, seats, and even seat belts.
- Cabin door and exterior luggage door can be opened and closed.
Note that if delivered in non-modo format, (i.e. DXF) not all textures and "paint" will transfer properly. This model is a mixture of hard-poly and sub-d parts.