Cobra MK-III (FSW)

[Rhaven Blaack]

When I first started paper/cardstock model building, I was 13 yo at the time (a very long time ago ). I used to scratch build models using cigarette cartons (mostly due to the fact that my mum (at the time) use to work at a convenient store and I was able to get all I wanted). The very first model that I scratch built was a Colonial Viper (from (TOS) BSG). The model was 1:18 scale. I was able to build the model with a full cockpit interior that an action figure could sit inside. The only action figure was a Stormtrooper (from Star Wars). So, I would have the Stormtrooper sit in the Viper.
Unfortunately, I no longer have that model.

With that being said, back in 2021, I was talking with my brother and was telling him about the models that I recently completed and what is in the beta test build queue (as well as a few projects that I have in mind to tackle). He proceeded to ask me when was the last model that I scratch built and what was it? Then suggested challenged me to conduct another scratch build, and suggested that I build another Viper (to "relive" my childhood again. However, I think that it is more for him to relive it, than I).

After some careful consideration, I have decided to conduct another scratch build. This time, I am going to build a Colonial Viper (of my own design). The general overall theme will be based off of the COBRA MK-III. However, there will be quite a few of my own added features (i.e. think "SCARLET VIPER").
(*NOTE* This is a scratch build ONLY! I am not making a template of this. However, there might be a template of the COBRA MK-III and a FSW version later on, but not now.)
The model is (roughly) 1:32 scale.

I started with the engine block/mount. Here are the parts.


The formers are assembled.


The side skin is attached.






The end pieces are attached.






Here are the parts for the engine bases.


Internal formers are assembled.




The engine bases are assembled.






The engine bases are attached to the engine block/mount.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Starting with the fans. I cut out three circles. I then sectioned them out into 16 "wedges". I then cut two of the circles into sections to form the blades (and a base to attach them to the third circle "base").


I painted the "fan blade" (section) gray and the "base" (section) black. Then attached the "fan blade".


Showing more "blades" attached.


All of the blades are attached.


Both disc blade assemblies are finished.


I attached a center piece to the fan blade discs.


Here is the the base for the intakes.


The base is assembled.


The disc fan blades are in place


Here are the parts for the face place plate for the air-intake.


The face place plate for the air-intake is assembled. I added a few raised lines for added detail.


I painted the face place plate for the air-intake darker gray and the lines black.


The face place plate for the air-intake is placed over the fan blade discs and attached to the base for the intake.


All three air-intakes assembled.


The three air-intakes are attached to the engine bases.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I wrapped seven bands around each engine (near the rear end of the engine, just before the exhaust).


The first engine is wrapped.


All three engines are wrapped.


I added some more detailed components between to top engine and the two side engines.
These components are added before the initial painting (before attaching main shrouds/cowlings.










I added a little bit more detail and did some painting (that had to be done before shroud/cowling was applied).

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here are the parts for the cowling for the top engine. I decided to angle the sides of the front of the intake part of the cowling.


The cowling is assembled.




I dry fitted the top shroud/cowling. Yes, I know that the engines appear to be a bit short. Actually, they are. That was an accident on my part. However, I did not want to start over again. So, I decided to continue on and and make it work.




Here is the bottom shroud/cowling for the two lower engines. Since the bottom part will be covered with parts, I decided to make this all one piece.




The lower shroud/cowling is dry fitted.




I attached the shrouds/cowling




Here is a look at the front of the engine section.


Here is a look at the rear of the engine section

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Starting with the exhaust turbine. Here are the initial parts. I will have to make a total of six of them.


The turbine is assembled.


The turbine is painted.


All six turbines are complete.


Here are the backplates for the rear turbines.


These are the parts for the exhaust nozzles. I will have to make a total of three of them.


The exhaust nozzle is assembled.




The exhaust nozzle is painted.




Here are the nozzle and the turbines (on the plate).


The exhaust system is assembled.


All three exhausts are assembled. They are ready to be mounted on the back of the engines.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here are the parts for the panels for the top engine shroud/cowling.


The panels are assembled.


The panels are attached to the shroud/cowling.


I used an emery board and fine grit sandpaper to round off the edges of where I joined the pieces for the panels for a smoother (and more "finished") look.




I finished attaching the other panels to the other shrouds/cowling.


Again, I used an emery board and fine grit sandpaper to round off the edges of where I joined the pieces for the panels for a smoother (and more "finished") look.


I dry fitted the engine exhausts to see how well they will fit.




I add a few extra panels (for added greebles).

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

The next phase of development is the cockpit interior. I have started with the pilot seat.

I started by just making a simple seat form. I then rolled strips of cardstock to make the "cushions" (of course, we want our pilots to have some comfort whilst on patrol or fighting Cylons (or whatever other enemy comes their way)).






I attached side plates to cover the sides of the "cushions".






I added a headrest.


I attached a back rail that will attach to the back wall of the cockpit interior.


I painted it and added seatbelt harness.






To continue on with the cockpit interior.
I moved on to the "tub" and attached the bases for the control consoles.


Here is the joystick.


The inside of the tub is painted black. I have also attached the joystick.


Here is the starboard side control console.


Here is the port side control console. I have included a throttle control.


Here is the main control console.


The main control console is in place.


The seat is now in place.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here are the side pieces of the fuselage (with the inset greebles).


I attached the cockpit interior to the inside of the fuselage.










I closed up the fuselage, and added an extension to the back so that it will sit right in the engine section.




I attached inlet vanes to the bottom. These will also be another "point of contact" for the fuselage to the engine section.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

This piece is the center piece for the engine section.


A little paint to bring out the details.


I dry fit the center piece and engine exhausts.


I dry fit the fuselage.


I added the rest of the panels to the fuselage and small chimes on either side.








I attached the backing for the cockpit canopy.






Time for a little added colour (before it is attached to the engine section).






The fuselage is attached to the engine section.






I have added colour and attached the canopy in the open position (so that people can see the cockpit interior).

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is the tail. Yes, I am cheating a bit by using the tail from the Viper MK-II (created by Ninjatoes)




The tail is attached




The tail is painted.




Here are the wings. I have taken the wings from the the Viper MK-II (created by Ninjatoes), and converted them into a "forward swept wing" configuration.


The wings are attached.






I added the base coat of paint on the wings.








Now time for the red (squadron) striping.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here are the weapons system.


Here are the weapons system.








After I finished this build, I gave it to my brother (as a gift). Needless to say, he loved it. To this day, it still sits on his book shelf. He has told everyone who sees it that I made it and that it is made from cardstock.

 

[Kenny Conklin]

Man that is really cool and looks like it takes a lot of patience to do that! Very very nice work on all of it.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Man that is really cool and looks like it takes a lot of patience to do that! Very very nice work on all of it.

Thank you sir. It was a fun project. It brought back quite a few childhood memories. This was the sort of thing that I use to build, prior to being introduced to template kits.