Cessna 150/152 (from Ken and Dave)

[airdave]

This is a new collaborative project I have just started with Ken Uhrig.
Ken is already well known for his "old school" designs...handbuilt, hand drawn paper models.
I will be helping to update and bring one Ken's models into the digital age
and we will both be releasing models based on this design.

The Cessna 150 (scratchbuilt prototype model) shown here as built by Ken Uhrig.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/uhrigcessna02.jpg

My goal is to help Ken get this 150 available as a printed and digital model
and then I will be making the necessary modifications to produce a 152 version
which I will be adding to my own paper model catalog.

First, a little background...
this model, as you see in the photos, is Ken's original design, and the prototype kit is what we
will be working from. This model has never been published before and so we be creating the first
templates for printed and downloadable digital versions.

A second set of parts has already been created, which has been scanned and I am now in the
process of creating a vector drawing of all parts. From this, a test built will be performed, all
necessary adjustments made, and then repaints and packaging will happen.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/uhrigcessna01.jpg

The current model is 1/24 scale...big, you might think...but since the Cessna 150/152 has only
a 33 foot wingspan (smaller than P51 Mustang!), the model is an attractive size and big enough
to allow inclusion of a fully detailed interior.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/th_uhrigcessna04.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Ken%20Uhrig/uhrigcessna04.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/th_uhrigcessna03.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Ken%20Uhrig/uhrigcessna03.jpg.html)

This built model has been handpainted with a distinct striping package that Ken has asked me to duplicate.
What appears a little rough at the moment will be nice crisp digital artwork by the time we are done.

As I mentioned, in return for doing the work on this model, Ken has given me permission to use the
final template to create some of my own models. I am actually only interested in the 152 modified version
and I'll probably offer up a couple of different factory paint schemes (or whatever I find that looks cool).
This will also allow me to create custom requested versions of the 152 for those who request it
...however I will be limiting that to only paint scheme variations, and nothing too drastically complicated.

I thought it might be fun to follow along with the redraw work and see how it all comes together.
This will all take a few months until a final model hots the shops, so it should be an interesting thread.
Stay tuned.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/uhrigcessna05.jpg

Just so ya know...these will be reposted posts from www.cutandfoldforum.com
Feel free to follow along, and post comments, at either location.

[airdave]

I'm not in a big rush to redraw this model...
I have a thousand other projects on the go as usual
and Ken is on vacation (jammy dodger)

but I have already completed a couple of parts.

No details yet...not necessary until a test build is done.
Vector redrawing a model like this is perfect for cleaning up the "hand drawn inaccuracies".
No matter how good the model design, or how skilled the designer, certain inaccuracies will
be present in a hand-drawn model that can affect its assembly.

Sure, all modellers have their preference for look and artwork in a model.
Some love the look of a hand-drawn model, whereas some prefer the precision of digitally designed kit.
(I prefer a bit of both actually, I like an artistic approach)

But vector or digital design allows for perfectly straight lines, smooth arcs and curves, consistent
line thicknesses and measures, mirrored parts (right and left things) that properly match.
Thats the part I like about digital design.

But all that perfection, means nothing if two parts don't mate up properly...if the original design was
flawed...or if the digital redraw creates flaws and errors. Thats why a test build of all major components
will be done before we start adding the details and textures.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/cessnavectorsample.jpg

[Knife]

I think 1/24 scale is perfect for the 150/152. I'll be getting one as soon as it's available. Solo'ed on one back when I was a young wipper snapper of 15. Thanks for doing the update.

[fleetsailor1981]

Looking great. high level of workmanship

[RyanShort1]

Love the smaller private aircraft. Following this for sure.

Ryan

[willygoat]

This should be neat to see develop. I've spent a little bit of time in the tiny plane, and the local aviation school has there own 152 in school colors.

[airdave]

So, work continues redrawing the Cessna.
Whenever I want to get away from other work, I do a little more work on the Cessna model.

I am running into more and more artwork discrepancies.
This is expected and part of the reason why the vector redraw is a good thing.

Some right and left part (mirrored) don't match.
Some parts that must connect or overlap, aren't exactly the same shape.
This is a by product of a hand drawn model and is not uncommon.
Most discrepancies are pretty minor, but some are a little worse than others.

One of the problems with the redraw is that I can eliminate those differences...make curves
smoother, make straight lines straight, make right and left parts mirror exactly...but when
drawing something like a mirrored part, I have to decide which side of the uneven part is
more accurate than the other side.

Sometimes I can split the difference. Sometimes a part will be a little large on one side,
a little small on the other side (of the center line)...so I will just split the difference, make the
overall size correct and adjust each side to be properly mirrored.

But sometimes a part just doesn't match and I am unsure of exactly where to make the adjustments.
In this case I am doing one of two things...
I am using the uneven right and left sides of a part to create two new parts, using mirrored right and
left elements. I'll try both parts and see which one fits better.

The other option is drawing a new part based on the design, but almost from scratch, using the
necessary references.

Both of these options work with a test build of the part. A test build will confirm if a part has been
properly redrawn or what further adjustments need to be made.

In the sample below...pay attention to the wall/door panel parts. This is part of the Interior of the
plane...and these wall panels should match and fit the inside of the cockpit. However it does not match
the shape of the outside fuselage parts...the rear window cutout, for example, has a very different
shape to it. I have redrawn the parts as they have been handdrawn, since we already know they can
be manipulated into shape...but I've also drawn a new set of panels (at the top of the image) that more
closely match the fuselage exterior parts. A test build will confirm which part fits better and requires the
least amount of adjustment.
Just a side note...when I am designing parts, I always think about the less experienced modeller. Its easy
to say "well it can be manipulated into shape quite easily"...but I think a better fitting part, will make the
assembly of the model more enjoyable and less intimidating for the novice modeller. Thats why I tend to
put a lot of emphasis on the redraw process and adjusting things like mirrored parts.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Ken%20Uhrig/sample2.jpg

[Don Boose]

This is a very worthy project. The original model is excellent, and the redraw to become available as a download is very good news. It is most interesting to watch you as you turn a hand-drawn model into an executable (buildable) computer graphic model.

Don

[airdave]

Got an email from Ken Uhrig ...hes back from vacation...

and I have the vector redraw of the Cessna finished.
(well...most of it)

I still need to get together with him and discuss a couple of areas
before I finalize the set of vector parts.
There are some areas with small discrepancies and I need to know
if Ken wants to keep the original design on those parts or allow the
vector adjusted parts. Things like right and left mirrored parts, and such.
*Its his model, and he has to be happy with the final artwork.

So, once the vector artwork is approved I will give him a full set of plans to
do a test build. This will be the final verification of all the artwork and allow
for any final adjustments before we start applying textures and colouring.
I can post some pics when we get to that point.

[airdave]

For those interested...

had a big sit down recently with Ken Uhrig.
And went over the redraw of the Cessna model.

Its in his hands right now.
I produced a "white" model for him to test build.

He should get back to me (at his leisure) with a list of any fixes and necessary changes
along with a built model with some reference markings.
These will help me establish all the crossover points between parts to make
sure striping and graphics are properly aligned.

He's already established one part that needs a redraw due to an artwork error
in the original model...so once I get that sorted, he can continue with the build.

He's taking photos of the white build, so I will be able to post a couple for your entertainment.
Stay tuned.

[DWest]

Sounds good, looking forward to this one!

[richkat]

1/24?........you know I'm in.......Rich

[airdave]

Quick update on the Cessna...

Ken is still working on the test build of my vector redrawn template.
He reports a few small changes he wants to make to the model,
a few parts that need tweaking.

He is only about halfway through the build since he has many other
projects on the go...which is fine with me, I don't want to deal with it
right now! lol I also have many things I am trying to finish.

Should hopefully have another report on the Cessna project in July.

[richkat]

Great, looking for it..........Rich

[MacSongLi]

Thanks for the update Dave, look forward to seeing it in July.

Gary

[kcorbin]

I would love to have this model as well. Here is a Cessna 150 color scheme for you, its a nice orange color. This was our plane, so you can see why I have an interest in the model. We had lots of fun air time flying around the San Juan Islands in Washington State USA. But this photo was taken just north of Arlington, WA.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pfmvjk2D_eQ/VN96Ydf2pEI/AAAAAAAAFc8/Kfbmf6KbHQI/w1000-h702-no/320306_512761845418155_90839642_n.jpg

[airdave]

Cessna has stalled(!) due to many other projects.
We will eventually get back to it.

I'm committed to helping Ken Uhrig get this model into the shop.
After the initial kit is done for Ken, I will look at (and consider) doing some other paint schemes.
But to be honest, I have so many other projects, that the Cessna might not be a priority for me.

[RyanShort1]

Some of us in the civilian flight world would be interested in a repainters version. I am on that list.

[richkat]

Don't let this model die Dave, I for one would love to build it. And there has to be about 100,000 paint jobs out for this plane....Rich

[RyanShort1]

You just need to get an agreement with some school that flies 150/152s to sell them in their liveries for some fee. Might actually pay for the time involved.

[kcorbin]

If you are going to sell printed models the air museums will likely be interested in it since the 150 was a very popular small airplane. It is also popular with flying clubs.

[Gillian G]

Is there any progress on this model? I would love to build it.

Thanks,
Gillian

[mbauer]

Ah-ha! I'll be watching these designs develop. Have time in both a 150 and a 152. Sweet flying airplanes! Easy to land, know you were down when you could here the tires rolling!

Don't forget about the taildragger version they use here in Alaska!

Didn't know about this thread till tonight!

Once again Dave helps another!

Mike

[mbauer]

I would love to have this model as well. Here is a Cessna 150 color scheme for you, its a nice orange color. This was our plane, so you can see why I have an interest in the model. We had lots of fun air time flying around the San Juan Islands in Washington State USA. But this photo was taken just north of Arlington, WA.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pfmvjk2D_eQ/VN96Ydf2pEI/AAAAAAAAFc8/Kfbmf6KbHQI/w1000-h702-no/320306_512761845418155_90839642_n.jpg
That an Aerobat version?

Visited Arlington back in the 90's when I flew my Cherokee 140 down from Alaska (1974 150 hp full IFR [dual navs] and long range tanks+wing leveler system-Remember Loran-c?). Spent a week there, visiting realatives, before flying on to Idaho and Utah. Was cool watching the RV's and the Glassair that was there. Another pilot invited us (my two pre-teen kids and myself) to check out his homebuilt SE5 replica. Great airport and truly awesome people! Even saw a Christavia MK2 that was there getting reading for its first test flight. The owner was surprised I knew what it was. At the time I was working on a Christavia MK4 at home. Bought the Cherokee for the Firewall forward parts.......Ended up flying the wings off of it! 424 hours in 18-months.

Mike

[RunwayOneSixRight]

That an Aerobat version?

Visited Arlington back in the 90's when I flew my Cherokee 140 down from Alaska (1974 150 hp full IFR [dual navs] and long range tanks+wing leveler system-Remember Loran-c?). Spent a week there, visiting realatives, before flying on to Idaho and Utah.

Mike

I'll be flying down to Arlington (KAWO) from KPAE tomorrow in a 172.
Neat story!

-RunwayOneSixRight (Matthew)

[mbauer]

I'll be flying down to Arlington (KAWO) from KPAE tomorrow in a 172.
Neat story!

-RunwayOneSixRight (Matthew)
150hp or the newer ones with 180hp? Either way I'm jealous...Lost my medical a few years ago to illness.

Flew an older 172 here in Kenai that had the 180hp STC'd. Great short field plane. Used to rent it and load camping gear with mountain bikes and go hunting with it. If you could get it stopped, it would take-off no problem with room to spare.

Then someone ran it out of gas and landed short of the runway in Homer, sad day- I had it reserved next for a flight to Anchorage. Totalled (not only that, but the flying club couldn't get insurance after that)

Ended up flying the Mooney MK20 (231) the next day.

At the time, 172 (180hp) was $55 wet, the Mooney 231 was $100. The Mooney was cheaper than the 150's, 152's or 172 (150 hp) to go the 65-air miles, but was equal to the 180hp 172. The Mooney was rented the first day, but I was able to get the 180hp 172 that day to go north. Sadly had to wait a day and reschedule the Mooney. (15-minutes one way vs., 34 counting pattern times)

Besides the Mooney was fun, just used lots of runway....(full autopilot with RNAV, 4-place oxygen and a turbo to get you up-stairs fast-and to keep you there-had issues with shock cooling though if you descended to fast). Great fun to fly it wide-open 10 feet above of the trees, didn't work to well for wildlife viewing though..

Mike

[mbauer]

Learned Soft field techniques in the 150, not sure that 152 would go where the 150 will! Skinny little round tube landing gear....

Mike

[airdave]

I forget what my last report was, but Ken and I had got to the point of a final white-build test/prototype of the Cessna model..

And he was building my last adjusted version to test the fit and alignment of parts.
Which, apparently he got done before heading off to Florida at the beginning of the year.
(which he does every Winter, the lousy bum)

Unfortunately, in the meantime, I've started a number of other projects that I now want to finish.
So, I can't give a definitive timeframe when I will get back to this.
But rest assured, I eventually will.

[Loui]

any news update on this model Dave??...

[airdave]

No, I got sidetracked again with many other projects! lol
The biggest being the Tutor Jet model.

I also haven't talked with Ken (Uhrig) in many many months.

To be real honest, I lost most of my interest in this project.
There are already quite a few Cessna 150/152/172 kits out there
so I am unsure how attractive this kit is from a retail standpoint.
(And that is a concern for me, with so many project ideas...I have to prioritize.)

I'll bet I come back to the project, one day, when I have nothing else to work on.
But for now, its on the far-back-burner.

[Knife]

Lots of Cessna 150/152/172 kits? I only know of a couple of Cessna 172 kits. I was looking forward to your Cessna 150 as it's the only one I know of, at least with any detail. Please pick up the project again.

Also noticed that the Tudor Jet is for sale now over at ECardModels.com, congrats on bringing that project over the finish line.

[airdave]

I keep seeing Cessna models.
I got the impression that there have been quite a few produced over the years.
Sure, probably of varying quality and detail.
I haven't really acquired any myself, so I can't point you to them at the moment..
(I have one 172 kit in my collection)

As I said, when I run out of major projects, I'll go back to it.

[Loui]

ok, Thanks for the info Dave.