Birdmobile Osprey 1/2 size

[Erik Zwaan]

Even at half size it still is a very impressive model and the wings of this particular model are of a great design. Great work Glen! Also the way the wings are attached to the "fuselage" with the pin solution (which makes it possible to dismount the model for storage) is very well thought of.

Cheers,
Erik

[JohnM]

Originally Posted by birder

Isn’t it impressive how sturdy this is, if you made it full size this structure would be seriously necessary
I hope this won’t get too close to the water though

I can't remember the poster's name, but I first came across this model in a post on this forum, many years back now. He posted pictures of him and his wife actually flying (Gliding) a full-size model by launching it from a 2nd-floor balcony. As testimony to its sturdiness, it survived quite a few crashes before they got the centre of balance correct.

And, as for size, I hung my 1:2 size osprey near an (as published 1:2 life-size) Canon Bald Eagle, and surprisingly the osprey had bigger wings than the eagle. The eagle was slightly stockier in the body though.

If I live long enough, one day I will build the osprey full size, and as I do have an A3 printer, I also hope to double size the Canon eagle too. I have found an indoor space big enough to "fly" them both in the void above the stairs. Hopefully, there won't be too many people falling down the stairs as they admire them.

Can't do much else nowadays, but I can still dream.

[Kevin WS]

John - I think the poster you are thinking of is Diderick!

See his thread here which has some photos along the lines you describe!

Osprey

[Michael Mash]

Paper replicates feathers extremely well.
Nice work Glen.

[Erik Zwaan]

Yeah, I remember having seen those pictures. You have a good memory Kevin!

Regards,
Erik

[Diderick A. den Bakker]

Yes, I wanted a new copy for shows - the old one (after almost 20 years!) had lost colour, and the wingtips had started sagging.

[Kevin WS]

Well, it still flew nicely Diderick!

[Erik Zwaan]

Any pictures of the landing .........?

Erik

[birder]

I've enjoyed the comments, and the words of encouragement are appreciated. Here are the feet of the Osprey, although some wished it otherwise, I did want the feet in a normal flying type pose rather than holding a fish, so have not yet built the fish part. I prefer this way for me although not per the directions on the model, so quite a bit of modifying the toes mostly. Here is about how I did them, and then will post some pics of the finished bird. I ran into some trouble getting the different areas printed to match up for color, I'm certain it was from uneven lighting of the reduction with photos, and a bit disappointing, but with some painting tried to match things up acceptably, noticeable from below but still is a pretty model to see in person, an impressive achievement by Malcolm Topp obviously a gifted artist. First here is the toe/foot construction

[birder]

Then some pictures of the finished model, I took them outside as we had nice weather, and photoshopped out the line is hanging from. What a pretty creation by Malcolm Topp, and a great gift to share with whoever would like to build it.