Model

Overview

SR-71 kit card that was created to showcase a true aviation engineering marvel and is an inspiration for kids and adults of all ages in pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This particular model uses color and sliced 3D format to really bring a highly contoured airplane to life upon assembly. The kit format is great for gifting the model to engineering clubs, friends, family, or coworkers that enjoy building and showcasing aviation engineering history. The kit includes a stand that is assembled to display the model.

Check out the SR-71, B-52, A-10, 787, and Darkstar!

Check out the full airplane kit card collection → linked here!

Profiles

• Small Kit with Frame
  • small plane kit with frame ideal for gifting to others
• Large Kit with Frame
  • large plane kit with frame ideal for gifting to others
• Small Model Pieces
  • small plane without frame ideal for assembly right off the printer
• Large Model Pieces
  • large plane without frame ideal for assembly right off the printer

Filament

As shown:

• Bambu Lab PLA Black
• Overture PLA Cement Gray
• Overture PLA Space Gray
• Esun PLA+ Fire Engine Red

Tips

• Model requires close tolerances to ensure snug but not tight or loose fit
  • Make sure the model cools to room temperature before assembly
  • Ensure filament is properly calibrated with no excessive over extrusion
• Ensure good bed adhesion
  • Make sure printer is fully calibrated
  • Make sure print bed is clean & dry (soapy water is my favorite for cleaning - simple & works)
  • Make sure filament is dry (wet filament can generate non-continuous flow that can cause bed adhesion issues)
  • Cooling & Temps - make sure they are correct for your printer, build plate, and filament

Assembly

• Remove all pieces from the kit
• Debur as needed to smooth edges
• Insert connector between engine halves
  • 
• Press engine halves together
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• Insert engine into fuselage (snaps together). Note LHS & RHS engine positions below!
  • 
• Insert outboard wing into engine (snaps together)
  • 
• Insert vertical tail into engine (snaps together; recommend to insert aft end of vertical tail first and then press down on forward end)
  • 
• Place airplane onto stand
  • 
• Enjoy!

FAQ

• How do you make the airplane kit card models?
  • Fusion 360! All of my models are created by me in a CAD environment. I love to design & print my creations!
• How can I learn how to make kit card?
  • Learn the tools & keep exploring! (YouTube is a great starting place)
  • The basic steps:
    • Create sketch for each of the major components: wing, fuselage, vertical tail, joints, etc..
    • Create solid bodies using those sketches (extrusions, lofts, etc…)
    • Add any details like blends, fillets, chamfers
    • Create the stand over the center-of-gravity (note the maker point on the image above!)
    • Fine tune tolerances in the joint (here is where a lot of 3D printing prototyping comes into play!)
    • Add kit frame