Tecnikit 2025-2026

[Tecnikit]

As we reported in a previous message, it will not be possible to develop the Mirage IV in 2026 for reasons beyond our control.

We intend to develop a 1/32 scale MIG-25 instead.

What is in development, and in this case finally in the process of completion, are the J-58 engines in 1/23 scale for the Black Bird SR-71. This limited series, sold out in its entirety, required a year of work to achieve the cleanliness and results we were looking for.

We provide the latest photograph taken this Tuesday with the seventh and final support system, hand-made by us, which this time has succeeded, save for a few minor correctable details, in printing this enormous 17-centimeter-long compressor, intact with all the pipes in a single piece and with a unique cleanliness. As has been extracted from the printer after removing the supports and WITHOUT SANDING ANYTHING.

It's important to note that we never send our pieces to customers with supports. It's normal, even though we know our models well, to break some exceptionally fine details when removing these supports. That's why we prefer to cover this possibility ourselves and deliver the model to our customers 100% breakage-free.

Of course, this requires exceptional work time on models like this. But we've always worked this way.

Once we ship these engines, including the 1/32 scale version orders that have also been sold, we will move on to the other engine held back by orders for this project.

The J79 GE3 for the F-104A, F-104B, and which could be used for the NF-104A. Although technically the NASA F-104A used the 3B, the 3 is certainly almost identical to the 3B.

Development of this engine was halted a year ago due to a lack of detailed documentation.

It's possible we'll do some detailing for some of the aircraft we've already worked on.

But what's certain is that we're turning our attention to new super-detailed 1/32 scale F-8E Crusader projects from Trumpeter. This aircraft has always been a beauty due to its strange, ramshackle shape. And we're convinced it will be another great success for the quality achieved, just as the exterior details of the Mirage III E were.

This is the route outline. This doesn't preclude other developments.

Thank you for your support !!

Javier Povedano
Tecnikit

 

[Tecnikit]

Hello again !!

As you can see, we are finally in the final stage of the J-58 engine. In this case, the 3D design of the afterburner, the deflectors, the injectors in the afterburner, and the last stage of the turbine.

Other photograph shows the afterburner already finished and mounted behind the compressor, showing the nozzle. Several parts are painted white, as they need to be improved because they were not printed correctly to the quality we expect.

The important thing is that you can see the quality of the surfaces as they come out of the printer, without the need for sanding. This prevents details from being destroyed when trying to fix poor surface quality. This can be detected in roughness or steps on surfaces that should be smooth.

This year-long adventure is coming to an end. A project of this magnitude, which we believe to be unique in the world in terms of complexity and level of precision in the world of 3D printing for model making, has allowed us to learn a lot about the limits of the most perfect printers that exist, the limits of their software, and what for some is unimportant: scale.

To understand this properly, the difference between printing at 1/32 and 1/23 meant that we had to completely remodel the model.

The important thing is that we got there and achieved it. From here on, we must print and send all the orders, which are not few, and move on to other models with the experience we have gained.

Javier Povedano
Tecnikit.com

 

[Tecnikit]

We are showing the final version of the J-58 engine, which is now ready for printing without any further modifications.

As you can see in the bottom image, the 1/23 scale the afterburner has had to be divided into 3 parts, not 2 as shown in a previous image in this thread. This was done to achieve the best possible quality in each section by minimizing the number of contact points for the print columns.

In total, the engine will consist of 10 parts, 7 of which are shown in this image. This is in addition to the 4 hydraulic piston shafts for the nozzle panels, which are made of brass.

The 1/32 scale version will not require as many parts.

From here, the final printing for shipping begins. We remind you that with the new changes, each 1/23 scale engine requires approximately 40 hours of printing time. And due to their size, they cannot be printed in batches.

Once again, a huge thank you to all the customers who have ordered this motor. First, for supporting us with your orders. And second, for your immense and exemplary patience.

Javier Povedano
Tecnikit.com

 

[Tecnikit]

Here are the first parts already printed in series.

You can see the quality of each part fresh from the printer. With surfaces free of skipping layers. All clean of supports but most still need to be thoroughly cleaned and fitted into their counterparts to ensure a perfect fit.

The design system of building our own printing columns is a complete success. Printing the parts almost in mid-air with minimal pressure on the weakest parts. We continue printing. Take it easy. We are in the final step but the minimum print cycles are 15 hours to obtain 4 parts.

Meanwhile... designing the first F-8 parts.

Javier Povedano
Tecnikit.com