Curtiss XP-55 Ascender 1:33 [Orlik] - Page 4

**smithdr** · #31 10-08-2020, 09:59 PM

That looks fantastic, Lex. I have that model and it's good to see the pitfalls. Thanks for building it!

Dan

**YOAVHOZMI** · #32 10-08-2020, 10:31 PM

it looks great.

YOAV

**JCK** · #33 10-09-2020, 01:53 AM

Hello Lex,

you did really excelent work. What a coincidence, a few days ago I found the Shinden in my card model collection (one of my favourite aircrafts). But it has no cockpit. So I will try to bulid it as next with custom cockpit. Keep going!!

**smp** · #34 10-09-2020, 10:16 AM

What a lovely model of an interesting aircraft.

So what is all the ballyhoo about the Germans teaching the world about swept wings? Looks to me like we weren't so aerodynamically deficient as some sources would have us believe.
sp

**Lex** · #35 10-18-2020, 12:13 PM

Thanks all. I must thank Orlik for publishing this, and really look forward to more builds of this interesting aircraft.

@Jacek, if I do get round to building the Shinden (next year perhaps?), I will be able to offer additional canopies for those who are interested. If you are interested in one at all please stay tuned.

@SP, The XP-55 did not sweep its wings for high speed performance - but, neither did the Me-262. I believe both were done simply to balance the aircraft. Me-262 had wing mounted jet engines that affected the CG location relative to the lift centre, whereas XP-55 (and Shinden) had a canard configuration with rear mounted engine causing similar issues. The XP-56 and Ho-229 were tailless and needed a certain amount of sweep so that the (t)ailerons can provide a pitching moment against the CG as well. So, none of these early members swept their wings for the 'right' reasons as popular science would led us to believe.

Today, wheels.

I wasn't satisfied with the tiny rotary tool I had (it appeared to be off centre), so instead this set of wheels were 3D printed. There is the added benefit that the internal recess is very well defined. 3D prints need a lot of sanding and that took some time too. It was only after the process that I realised what I had lacked, when making previous wheels: filler. It is difficult to sand a cardboard wheel straight to the right shape and surface finish, it is much easier when one can fill in the gap during each pass. Maybe I will try paper wheels again next time.

The kit provided the wheel hubs, I had the holes hollowed out for some added effect, and also added a rim outside. These have been built prior to printing the wheels, as I needed to measure the exact size and depth of the hub.

**rifleman** · #36 10-18-2020, 01:42 PM

well done on the wheels they look great and look the part 10/10

**Dane** · #37 10-18-2020, 03:18 PM

No one in the world likes to make the bed ... And I thought - only my children. :-)))

**Isaac** · #38 10-18-2020, 04:20 PM

Are those 3D printed wheels plastic or resin?

Also, who makes it? Did you design them?

Isaac

**Doug J** · #39 10-18-2020, 11:16 PM

I just love your build and you did a fantastic job!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

**Lex** · #40 10-19-2020, 08:30 AM

Hi Isaac. Thank you for asking. It is low-quality plastic 3D printing, done in two halves, and I made the models myself. It is simple enough that anyone could do, and costed like nothing.

Dane, yes, don't you agree that when something is undone it gives a sense that someone is living here :P