3D Printed 1:72 Blue Steel Missile Trolley

[dr_g 867]

I'm currently (very slowly) building the new Airfix Vulcan, and wanted to display the Blue Steel missile included in the kit separately from the model. There are a couple of trolleys / transporters available in 1:72 kit form, but I wanted the 8-wheeled version, since I kind of liked the robust look of it better than the skinny low-level loading trolleys. I assume it's compatible with the Vulcan (looking at several reference pictures), but it's really just something to put the thing on.

So after finding some decent online images (not easy) I contacted the RAF Scampton museum, who kindly sent me some further detail pictures with a tape measure for scale, and some measured key dimensions such as section sizes and tyre diameters. I really wanted to go and see it for myself, but at the time I had Covid, so that was that. After a few aborted attempts, I fired up the CAD package, got the rule, dividers, protractor and calculator out, and made a start:



The actual cradle centre distance doesn't seem to correspond with where they should locate on the Airfix missile, at least not relative to the control surfaces. The Airfix missile is however about the right length. Anyhow, I shortened the whole thing to fit the Airfix model, and ended up with this:









I've wanted a resin 3D printer for ages, but like computers though, I always put off getting one becasue the "next best thing" was always around the corner. However, when I saw the Anycubic Photon Ultra (a DLP printer) I thought I'd get one for Christmas (also got the wash and cure station). This project seemed like the perfect test for it:



It's a small build voulme, but perfect for what I need for 1:72 aircraft parts and 1:12 car details. The resolution is amazing:



The tyres are only 7 mm in diameter, but the treads I modelled are all there:



It takes some knowledge of the process to get the best results, especially in terms of build orientation and supports required for overhanging bits. I'm not pretending these are optimum, but they worked after 3 iterations:



These are the wheels and some other parts:



And the component parts ready for assembly:



This is it after painting, weathering, addition of a data plate (actually 1:48 Luftwaffe!) and assembly. the only items not printed are the small brake actuation rods above the front and rear transvers members:





And with the Airfix missile:



It still needs the securing straps adding, and I need to refine the missile a bit to more match the detail included in the trolley, and am currently trying to find references for the top surface, where presumably there are a load of connection points for attatching to the aircraft, and electrical stuff etc.



But for now, back to trying to finish the Vulcan...
 

[Gorby 17,213]

That looks fantastic!

[RWG686 33,100]

39 minutes ago, dr_g said:

trying to find references for the top

May help:

https://www.keymilitary.com/article/weapons-war-blue-steel-nuclear-missile

[dr_g 867]

20 minutes ago, RWG686 said:

May help:

https://www.keymilitary.com/article/weapons-war-blue-steel-nuclear-missile

I think I read that, but again no top views. Thanks!

[dixieflyer 4,388]

Wow! Just wow.  Way more smarts and brains than I have.

[Hutch6390 2,153]

Great job - I wouldn't know where to start 

[RWG686 33,100]

2 hours ago, dr_g said:

top views.

It seems as if it was quite smooth on top with the lifting points recessed.

Here's a photo. I'm off to look at V Bomber books..tough job eh!

[dr_g 867]

35 minutes ago, RWG686 said:

It seems as if it was quite smooth on top with the lifting points recessed.

Here's a photo. I'm off to look at V Bomber books..tough job eh!

Thanks very much. I’ve seen that image already, but it’s difficult to tell exactly what’s what.

[Miggers 7,769]

AEC Mandator Blue Steel loader.

 

 

Edited January 14 by Miggers

[Col. 7,396]

Splendid work Doc and good use of your new toy  You're clearly making short work of learning the new skills required with it.

[dr_g 867]

1 hour ago, Miggers said:

AEC Mandator Blue Steel loader.

 

 

I think that's available in 1:72 already. Interesting vehicle, but I wanted something a bit less obtrusive to go next to the Vulcan.

[Muttley 2,312]

Splended work Doc. Amazing thendetain you can get with he printers.

Am looking at a printer at some point, and these have never a bad word said.

 

I'm off to Dux on friday for the Hurricanes thingy. I'm sure they have a Blue Steel so will have a look at the top for you. Failing that off to YAM soon, and I always stop at Midlands who have one.

[dr_g 867]

2 minutes ago, Muttley said:

Splended work Doc. Amazing thendetain you can get with he printers.

Am looking at a printer at some point, and these have never a bad word said.

 

I'm off to Dux on friday for the Hurricanes thingy. I'm sure they have a Blue Steel so will have a look at the top for you. Failing that off to YAM soon, and I always stop at Midlands who have one.

Much apprecited Muttley. I went to Duxford twice this year, and Cosford, and in never once occurred to me to look at the top of the missile.

[Muttley 2,312]

Hi Doc, well Dux was a bust, their Blue Steel is tucked under the Vulcan wing, with about 3 inches to spare!

[dr_g 867]

12 hours ago, Muttley said:

Hi Doc, well Dux was a bust, their Blue Steel is tucked under the Vulcan wing, with about 3 inches to spare!

Thanks anyway Muttley.

[Lost Cosmonauts 4,947]

Really lovely work. Very nicely done