X5 model

Goodyear K-type Blimp

A non-rigid airship was a class of blimps built by the Goodyear Aircraft Company of Akron, Ohio for the US Navy. These blimps were powered by two radial air-cooled engines mounted on outriggers on the side of the control car that hung under the envelope.

anti-submarine warfare (ASW) duties in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea. All equipment was carried in a forty feet long control car. The installed communications and instrumentation equipment allowed night flying. The blimps were equipped with the ASG-type radar, that had a detection range of 90 miles (167 km), sonobuoys, and magnetic anomaly detection (or magnetic airborne detection (MAD)) equipment. The K-ships carried four Mk-47 depth bombs, two in a bomb bay and two externally, and were equipped with a 50-cal (12.7 mm) Browning machine gun in the forward part of the control car. An aircrew of 10 normally operated the K-ships, consisting of a command pilot, two co-pilots, a navigator/pilot, airship rigger, an ordnance man, two mechanics, and two radiomen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K_class_blimp
The Progress
3 July 09
A contact from Mr. Crawford, USA. Inquiry of 3 Whiskey subs and future cooperation.
11 July 09
3 Whiskey subs sail through the sea, goes to America
15 July 09
Starting the project and collecting data of the blimp.
29 July 09
Mr. Crawford send a package contains a set of drawings, photos and a model kit. The package has lost during the shipment. (?)
30 July 09
The 3 Whiskey subs just arrived. It takes 20 days journey to USA.
25 August 09
Based on some photos and pictures, 3D modeling started. Rough model and sketch created.

11 Sept 09
Great picture from Mr Crawford, a side view drawing of K-type family with technical specifications.
12 Sept 09
Correspondence between the CG artwork and the actual plan.

13 Sept 09
First preview of the incomplete model, some very small parts will added.

15 Sept 09
CNC Software simulation of gondola. Using Roland MDX-40, spindle: conical 0.15 mm 10deg.

17 Sept 09
Parts assembly plan

2 Oct 09
Master model design for spin casting. Part will cast in 3 steps to minimize shrinkage.
1. Clear core.
2. Windows bump with clear core inside.
3. Final part with windows part inside using white opaque resin.

5 Oct 09
The core's model finished.

13 Oct 09
Good result, less deformation with core inside.

16 Oct 09
Comparison of polyester clear resin (Yukalac 831) and regular resin (Yukalac 157 BQTN-EX). Same characteristics with curing time around 45 minutes.

5 Nov 09
First trial, casting using yukalac 157 with talc in green color.

10 Nov 09
Next trial using white color resin mixture without talc.

10 Dec 09
Mr. Crawford's package coming. How beautiful, lots of rare rockets model. Feels like get a present from my dad. Thanks to Ron and Louise.

14 Dec 09
For some 'reasons I will hibernate till mid of Jan 2010. Mr. Crawford has a cancer, but I believe he will be fine in 1-2 months.
31 Dec 09 Midnight
Happy New Year

20 Jan 10
The master model of envelope almost finished, just add some minor details like surface control position, any visible rod etc. Looks like 88 mm projectile........

22 Jan 10
My Birthday. Good luck Andhika, cry no more and pray 5 times everyday.
May Allah Almighty blessed you always.
23 Jan 10
Mooring tower model finished and preparing for mold casting.
3 Mar 10
Envelope mold making for plastic vacuum forming.
Directly casting into wood model is not a good idea, I won't do it again.