Model Airplanes

Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/butler-national-selling-new-learjet-component-solutions-300016423.html

In the past, creating accurate replicas of models and fantasy objects was a task left to the most talented of cosplayers. These props need not be functional, though. [Steve Johnstone] takes replica model-building to the next step. He’s designing and building a model airplane that flies, and he’s documenting every step of the way.

Armed with a variety of 3D printing techniques and years of model-building experience, [Steve] is taking the lid off a number of previously undocumented techniques, many of which are especially relevant to the model-builder equipped with a 3D printer in the workshop.

As he continues his video log, [Steve] takes you through each detail, evaluating the quality of both his tools and techniques. How does a Makerbot, a Formlabs, and a Shapeways print stand up against being used in the target application? [Steve] evaluates a number of his turbine prints with a rigorous variable-controlled test setup.

How can we predict the plane’s center-of-gravity before committing to a physical design? [Steve] discusses related design decisions with an in-depth exploration of his CAD design, modeled down to the battery-pack wires. Though he’s not entirely finished, [Steve’s] work serves as a great chance to “dive into the mind of the engineer,” a rare opportunity when we usually discover a project after it’s been sealed from the outside.

3D printing functional parts with hobbyist-grade printers is still a

Article source: http://hackaday.com/2015/01/05/3d-printing-rc-airplanes-that-fly-an-engineers-chronicle/

Local News

State Parks superintendent is named SLO County’s parks director

Article source: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/01/05/3427679/why-scavenging-through-other-peoples.html

Highlands Museum and Morehead State University team up for new space exhibit

ASHLAND — What used to be an area used for storage in the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center has turned into the recently opened “Satellites, Aerospace and the Bluegrass State” exhibit designed and built by the Morehead State University Space Science Program.

“This exhibit will help visitors gain a better understanding of where satellites are in earth’s orbit and how that relates to their function,” Eric Thomas, director of MSU’s Star Theatre, staff member of the university’s Space Science Program and designer of the exhibit, said. “It will also let visitors learn about the process of building satellites, gain a better understanding of the role of ground operations in satellite management and more about MSU’s space science programs overall.”

The Highlands Museum and MSU teamed up to be able to make this exhibit possible.

“It was so cool to meet and work with the people that build satellites,” Emily Roush, educational and marketing director at the museum, said.

The exhibit features diagrams, pictures and information, a video game that tests the ability to keep a satellite in orbit and 1:1 scale models of satellites built and flown by MSU.

“A lot of people think of satellites as these giant machines in outer space,” Roush said. “But to see a 1:1 scale model is eye opening. People don’t realize that aerospace parts are built right in our backyard, not just at MSU, but all over the state of Kentucky.”

As of now, the museum hosts a

Article source: http://www.irontontribune.com/2015/01/05/satellite-tracking/