information for plans

[Nek]

Hi

Never used a forum before so here we go

I’m sure that few years back I was watching a programme on Sky TV called super model about the design and construction of a large RC warship in one of the early episodes the plan (scaled drawing) was being developed from photos of the original ship at sea. I believe that they were saying that if an element was half way down the ship in the photo that was equal to 1/3 along the ship on the elevation plan?

My question is does any one out there know how to take information from photographs and convert back into dimension or lengths that can be used to draw elevations and plans.

I hope to use this technique to design and build old obscure planes.

Is there software that will allow me to plot points on a perspective photo and convert them to plan and elevation views?

Alan
Ballarat, Australia

[Myron Beaumont]

Very interesting !Alan .Hope I can help
Firstly I must explain I m an old time RR trained draughtsman/engineer .(& photography fanatic) Several things come straight to mind !
So there are several criteria to be established. Bear with me.
1. on your photos, do what you think what are straight lines appear to be straight lines?(i'm trying to rule out wide angle & fish eye lenses!)
2.Have you the actual dimns of the bit nearest you & the bit furthest away?
3.Plot a graph of what you know is correct against what the photo tells you (obviously the more known the merrier) You will now have a type of curve to convert from perceived to real measurement .Assuming all your photos are taken with the same camera settings you'll be able to work out and draw up your real plan or elevation .There is obviously plenty of room for errors & I am only just touching on the subject Please let me know how you get on (Memories of drawing the atomium in Brussels at any angle chosen by the chief !)Myron in Newcastle England.
Can,t help with software it's taken ages to do this reply on a confuser!

[Andy Green]

I like the idea so here are my thoughts.

If you have a perspective photo I think you will have problems, with perspective and dimentions, so try and use side on photos.

Maybe better than photos are 3 view drawings.

You might try looking at scale rescources for photos and 3 views.

Now as to software, I recently recieved an email advertising a piece of software called DevCad (http://www.devcad.com/eng/) this is a full cad program, but it allows you to import a graphic and trace over it to produce a real drawing.
Now you will have to 'build' the model with spars / struts / formers / ribs ect, no software will do that. The cost is about 25 Euros.

The advert came from registering a great piece of software called IsiPlot (www.profili2.com) which I use a lot. It lets you print plans (on a std A4 printer) at any size. Brillaint when building from plans as you can scan / size to what ever you want (reasonably) and print copies to cut out and build from.

Both programs are available for free download to test and tell Steffano I sent you.

Andy

[Bob Allen]

Hi, I have searched the net for ages trying to find plans for an old Gangster 52. Does anyone out there have them, or know where I might purchase some from?. Just nostalgic about a plane I flew years ago.

Bob

[Andy Green]

I think I have the Galaxy Magician plan somewhere (the 40 size one).

I can always scan it, and you print it out with ISIplot.

 Andy 

[David Ashby - Moderator]

Bob, you could try Mick Reeves direct? I think Timbo has posted a link on your other thread....

[Myron Beaumont]

Hi Bob   I currently have my version of a "gangster" 64inch span though powered by an SC 91 ! You can see it on my gallery forum thing along with other home designs    Myron

[Cpt Biggles]

oh Gangster I had a Renagade which was a lose copy of the Gangster the kit was produced in a garage in Nottingham can't remember the mans name though. still a nice flyer both of them.

Peter 

[Former Member]

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