Creating R/C Aircraft Plans from 3-view drawings

[Anonymous]

I'm aiming to create 3D models from 3-view drawings using an "outside-to-in" approach, i.e. create the external fuselage shape using 3-view profiles and lofting, then "cut up" that shape to extract the formers for a working model.

My aim is to create a working construction plan as well as use CAM to cut up selected parts for CNC production.I'm also hoping to make use of Fusion's parametric modelling capabilities so that I can vary the ultimate scale of my model in future.

However, despite having used other 3D apps such as G-Max for FlightSim models and Rhino 3D to a lesser extent, I just can't get my head around the processes required within Fusion 360.

I have tried a number of approaches, including drawing up the profile shapes and lofting them; or using the Sculpt command to insert "profile stations" and edit their shapes, but I was not able to manipulate one profile shape without inadvertently changing another.

I would appreciate some assistance and guidelines to steer me in the right direction.

Thanks & regards to all,

Grant W.

[davebYYPCU]

Gooday Grant,  Welcome aboard, this is the right place to be asking.

I have been doing that in Fusion, a user for 12 months, and whilst I have made some progress, I have also been through your situation (learning the workflows) as well.

Some things have frustrated me, the big one I struggle with, is balsa / glass skinning, for aerodynamic shapes, Shell and or Thicken seem to find it too complicated, and  I developed a work around.

I am not as advanced as your stated intent, 3view to plan with parts using Parameters, wow you're in for a ride.

I am doing 3view to parts at the moment, and my first experience with Scaling, with parameters, for material - did not work as expected, (last week), but I will get there.

Fusion is unique, can do what you want, forget other Program technics / workflows and develope your own as you go.

For your purposes I would learn Rule #1, and 2, as you intend to pull plans out.

When stuck, the Community will willingly help, two tips, download and use Screencast, attatch exported files with your queries.

i am happy to help with lots more detail than this brief Welcome.  Send me a PM.

Happy landings,

Browny

[Anonymous]

Hi Dave. Thanks for your reply.

I have already had some success towards meeting my goal by working within Rhino3D, which a friend of mine has. I borrowed his PC for some time, but it's since been returned, so am looking to my own installation of Fusion 360 to achieve it. I have attached an image I captured of a model of a Piper Skycycle I created in Rhino and then ported over to Fusion. It's not perfect, but by and large I am happy with it. However I haven't been able to emulate the results directly from within Fusion - as you say, it doesn't follow the same rules.