Spitfire Computer Project

Kikbox · **Posted:** Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:10 pm

Hello all, this is my first post to this forum. I have not built a model aircraft since I was very young but I enjoy building custom computers. I recently embarked on a project to build a Spitfire themed computer case and I am looking for some input from people who really know their WWII planes!

The case is custom airbrushed with a detailed mural of a dog fight and now I am beginning to fabricate the front of the system to include a diamond plate bezel and large intake fan for a nose cone like the one on the Spitfire. I would like to continue the theme by creating some kind of heavy duty case handle that will allow the owner to easily transport the computer.

I have been looking into actual antique fighter plane hardware but given my limited knowledge of old planes I wanted to get input from you all. What kind of hardware could I use to create a case handle that will continue my spitfire theme? I have looked into throttles but they cost an arm and a leg. However I may be able to use parts of an old throttle for less money while still maintaining the integrity of my theme.

Can anyone think of other ways I can enhance the case?

Some possible ideas:

.50 cal gun barrel cooler - I may be able to build something like this myself. Maybe mount it right down the center of case top.

Spitfire spade grips with fire button, maybe one in front and one in the back

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11319

A .30 cal barrel shroud would be shorter and lighter, not to mention far less expensive.

global111 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:20 pm

The spade grip could be on the front, with the fire button as on/off switch??

Scott Rose · **Posted:** Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:04 pm

The spade grip should really be built as a joystick!

Kikbox · **Posted:** Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:41 pm

Thanks for the input guys. I am still mulling over the final design of the handles but I am digging the idea of the spade grip with a power butting int it! That's a sweet idea.

Here are some pics of what I have so far:

Dimension is given to the bullet holes by adding highlights and shadows. The simple addition of highlights and shadows really gives the impression that the bullets punched through the metal leaving not only a hole but a dent in the process. Smokey black stains are added to create the kind of burns you might see on the side of a plane from hot exhaust. We also added some running rust stains around the screws by including a hint of orange.

We plan to continue this theme on the parts I will be creating for the next set of mods. The case is really starting to look battle tested!

airfixkid · **Joined:** Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:37 pm **Posts:** 3

hey maybe you could get someone to build a model of a spitfire and mount it on the top of it or flying across the side of it :spit

Kikbox · **Posted:** Thu Dec 07, 2006 4:05 pm

I am finally getting back to this project! I am going to continue by pimping out the inside of the box and installing the hardware. It will be interesting to see how I can continue the theme on the inside of the case.

Putting the 120 in the top of this case is pretty easy. The right tools and experience make all the difference. This case has a built-in vent for an 80mm fan on the top. I can use that vent to find my center and I start by using a 1 1/2" hole saw in my hammer drill to punch a small hole for the draw stud on my 4.5" punch.

After the 1 1/2" hole is cut I drop in the punch and tighten it down. A quick check with the ruler lets me know it's centered that I crank down the punch with a huge ratchet wrench and it's done. Less than 5 minutes and we have a blow hole.

The 120mm billet blowhole kit looks great with the shinny diamond plate.

Elroy13 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:36 pm

Looks good!

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