Wright 1903 Flyer

I am proud to introduce the result of countless hours spent 3d modelling. I present to you a highly detailed and comprehensive model of the infamous 1903 Wright Flyer, created by the well known Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright. It is credited for being the first powered aircraft. This desktop model is meticulously detailed, featuring everything from the engine to the chainrings behind the propellers. It has a fast total print time of around 1 and a half hours (depending on the printer and settings used it may vary). It also does not require any supports.

.gcodes/Print files - PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING

None of the print files attached are for MMU users and are made assuming that you paint the parts their respective colour. That being said, I would recommend that users that have the filament colours required slice the model themselves (unless you wish to paint the parts). The print files attached are for users who do not have the 3 necessary filament colours, brown, black, and silver.

Necessary materials

• Glue #1(something fast drying that would not require holding a part in place forever)

• Wing material (tissue paper is what I used, but crepe paper is excellent as it delivers a fabric like texture that mimics that fabric used in the actual plane. You can use standard printer paper but it is definitely not recommended as it may snap the frame during assembly).

• Glue #2 such as PVA or a glue-stick. 

• It is not recommended to use fabric unless you are able to hem the edges or get a very clean cut, as the fabric can sting very easily, and is thus not recommended for most users. You may also experience trouble with gluing the fabric on.

Printing

As the model parts are very thin, some amount of post-processing may be required due to the lower frame being prone to stringing. The whole model should be printed in brown filament apart from the engine (small box with a a few cylinders on the side), chainrings (looks like a circle cut into thirds), and the frame that holds the propellers (triangular frame). 

Assembly

1. Post process the model, but be careful not to snap its delicate parts. Then paint if necessary.

2. Cut out your wing material (the one used to cover the wings, front elevators and rudders, see material list if you have any confusion as to what that may be) in pieces roughly the size of the parts but not the shape.

3. Using a cocktail stick or thin object, gently and lightly apply glue #2 onto the frame of the parts that require material. Don't put glue on both side as only one side has material on it. Don't forget the rudder and front elevators!

4. Add the wing material on top. Note that for parts with pins (such as the lower frame or front elevator -  the part with the thin rods on it that are lined up in rows) you need to gently force on the paper, which will eventually create a small hole in the paper into which the rod perfectly fits into. You can choose to do 2 layers of material depending on how the first layer turned out and your personal opinion (I used 2 layers as the paper was somewhat thin. Do note that 2 layers requires another layer of glue on top of the first layer of material and also should be done after the first layer has dried.

5. Cut around the frame, being careful to not cut the frame as it might snap.

6. Add glue #1 onto the tip of the rods and around where the contact point would be between the lower and upper wing, and don't forget the contact point back where the rudder is. Then carefully stack on top. The same idea applies for the front elevator, which may also need to be held in place. attach the 2 skids together with the small pole as shown in the model photos. Once that and the frame have dried, glue together like the photos. Glue the motor onto the wing as shown in the photo meanwhile glue the gear onto the propeller frame on the end without the slight extension. Do this on both frames. Then glue the propeller onto the frame. Now glue the propeller assembly onto the wing and proceed to hold or support the frame in place until dried. The pointed end should be the part making contact with the frame. Glue together the front wing and then glue that in place onto the long front bit of the skids.

7. You are now finished. Well done. Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments.