Spitfire 3D

I want to start this blog by letting you know a bit about the Spitfire project that I am doing with the AutoCAD software. This will be a long term project inspired by my lifelong interest in the history of flight and the awe for those who moved this dream forward.

Paint Reference-"Buzz" Beurling Spitfire

Aircraft

This aircraft is one of the most highly regarded aircraft in the Royal Air Force and its allied forces in WWII. With its Rolls Royce Merlin engine, the Mk.I could climb at a rate of 2'500 ft/min. The engine was also highly used in the four engine Avro Lancaster bomber. Both planes were part of the RCAF fleet.

Ref PDF-Flying Model Designed by Dave Phillpotts

Model

I found this flying  design for a balsa model on Aerofred.com. The plans provided all the details to build the cross section for the model. The plans are designed in a way where most of the major components were easily traced. The bulk of the build is Lofting the section but there are certain places where the curves are much more complex. I will need to learn some new techniques to get these components built right. I was inspired to make this because a friend built a 1:48 scale Mk.IV with fully working prop and control surfaces. I am considering doing the same thing in the long run to learn animation within the AutoCAD software.

Reference CAD drawing

Texturing

I've been watching some videos on texture mapping and the Spitfire build is set up so I can better understand the workflow and tools involved with creating your own textures. As a 2D project, I would like to recreate the above CAD drawing. It can be found on Unlimiteddetails.com. I would like to figure out how to take the 2D skin and apply it to the 3D model.

My reproduction of the "Buzz" Beurling Spitfire paint Scheme-Click image for Portfolio