This project began back in March when the world and the UK where I live was thrown into COVID-19 lockdown. Suddenly, many of us who previously had little time to fill in our busy lives, found ourselves with whole days and weeks.
I thought it would be interesting to blog the process of modelling a 3D printed aircraft, hoping that others also with some time on their hands may be keen to follow along and learn some Fusion 360 skills. I don't really remember exactly why I picked the Cessna 337 but I am very grateful I did as it drew the attention of Lee Ray.
Lee is a long time RC enthusiast and co-host of the RC Roundtable podcast, however most importantly he is also a huge fan of the Cessna 337. Lee stumble across an image I had posted on instagram whilst building the 337 prototype and got in touch.
One of the problems I had completing this project during lockdown was that I couldn't get out and flight test the model often. So I decided to try a community approach and release the 337 anyhow.
You can listen to Lee's story on the podcast but is is fair to say he had to endure a rollercoaster ride getting his newley acquired 3D printer to play ball. The results though are fantastic and I am extremely grateful to Lee for sticking with it and sharing his experience and feedback with me which has been incorporated into the model.
When I look back on 2020 and lockdown I doubt there will be much to celebrate, but seeing Lee's video of the maiden flight certainly bought a smile to my face.
See the Cessna 337 page here.
That SkyMaster is a nice looking plane and flies quite well!