Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build

SteveNeill · 10-15-2010, 10:44 PM

I must be crazy but here I go. I've been a modeler, makeup effects and creature man for many moons now. I've worked on everything from Star Trek the Motion Picture to Ghost Busters. But I always wanted to build the Enterprise and have a big model of her. Since I missed the Custom Replicas model I figured why not build one myself.

The technique I'm using is nothing new to Radio controlled airplane builders like myself. I'm using Depron foam sheet in various thicknesses and framing up the geometry of all the basic shapes off the scale plans. Make templates and cut bulkheads and frame them up and sheet them. Now I could do foam wire cutting. CNC. Or balsa construction but this foam sheet is very user friendly and not so messy.

Once I have the shapes I glass and epoxy for strength and beating on. All the small details and window reliefs can be added as well as placements for the NAV and other lights that adorn her hull.

Once I have all the masters and the smaller parts mastered then I can mold everything in RTV silicone. GI 1000 is my poison of choice. The mother molds will be epoxy glass. Main hull parts and nacelles will be epoxy glass while the other parts such as the Bridge, impulse engines and other such details will be made out of cast Alumilite.

Lighting will be LED based and small drive motors in the nacelles to get the warp engine effects.

So far I’ve framed up the saucer and I’ve started sheeting it. Here’s some pictures and the constant updates can be found on my Blog.

Also check out my website to learn more about this old guy with a kids passion for all things fun, Star Trek and Sci-Fi. Space, submarines, ships, airplanes, yada, yada, yada.

More to come,

Steve

Jet Beetle · 10-15-2010, 11:06 PM

Sweeet! I can't wait to see this baby when she's done.

PHArchivist · 10-15-2010, 11:13 PM

Welcome aboard! So 5.5 feet?

SteveNeill · 10-15-2010, 11:18 PM

5.5 feet is correct. Thanks guys.

steve

division 6 · 10-16-2010, 08:37 AM

I thought I recognized that bench.
I've been to your site before looking at the Gato and Nautilus models.
Very nice work.

Looking forward to seeing your progress on the E.

D6

crackerjazz · 10-16-2010, 09:16 AM

Now, this is gonna be another sweet build to follow!

I've always wondered how prop builders think. I'm betting this won't be a slow build as you surely have all the ingredients and kitchen utensils to get a good stew brewing along. That first photo of you with the ship's frame in hand and all the good stuff in the background is some introduction and says it all. And the photos that followed - what technique! You'll be putting on quite a show I'm sure, and I'm happy to be part of the audience. I'm new to the forum myself, but let me greet you a hearty "Welcome aboard!"

phase pistol · 10-16-2010, 09:40 AM

Wow! Welcome and great to see your project. Which blueprints are you working from? Do you have access to Gary Kerr's?

Karl

feek61 · 10-16-2010, 10:24 AM

Awesome!!! A project I've always wanted to tackle myself! I love the models in the back-ground as well. Your tastes are very similar to mine

(ok, I see the X-1, Mercury Redstone, XB-70, etc, lol)

FANTAMATION · 10-16-2010, 11:42 AM

Welcome to the asylum Steve! You probably won't remember me but I worked with you and Mike Hoover many moons ago on "Honey I Blew Up the Kid"...... Great to have you here!!

SteveNeill · 10-16-2010, 03:03 PM

Give me a name I bet I do. You were working on the Bat boat no?

Feek61 if you want to get a better look at some of my models both scratch and kit builds go to my website. Blue prints. Lets just say they are accurate. I'm a stickler for that. Sometimes I even make my own plans when all else fails. It's so easy to be off on this model and it so often is. If you looks on my site at the Enterprise Project you'll see my CGI model of her I built is off. Nor a lot but enough to make me go back at some time and correct it.

Cracker I usually move pretty fast. But these days I have multiple projects going on between finishing my movie, building RC submarine models for customers, making masks and prosthetic ears I have a full plate. So I divide my time up as best I can.

D6 thanks go to my site and look at the big Seaview I did. It's still here the customer is nervous to have it shipped. I don't blame him.

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome and replies it very nice of you all.

Steve

FANTAMATION · 10-16-2010, 03:47 PM

Hey Steve, does Jim Davidson ring any bells?? After finishing up with you guys on the VERY small shooting crew we had for Honey Baby I then moved over to the other stage and went to work on the Bat boat / Bat mobile shots. So glad to hear a fellow fx veteran keeping their artistic plates full of great projects!!!

SteveNeill · 10-16-2010, 03:57 PM

Jim it sure does. I remember. I hope you're doing the same. Never give up or give in. There's a lot of cool stuff do do still!

Still working?? Things have really slowed down for me but it just gives me more time to do my own work now. Best of both worlds and I don't have to get up at 5 am anymore. LOL!

Steve

SteveNeill · 10-16-2010, 10:16 PM

Starting to do the bottom side. Using balsa filler to fill gaps and scratches with. Once sanded smooth the glass will lay down nicely. Here’s some pictures from tonights work. I should have the whole saucer sheeted tomorrow. A good friend of mine will be CNCing the smaller parts for me. Good news it should help speed up things a bit.

Steve

BB43MAN · 10-17-2010, 12:05 AM

I'm liking this build a LOT!!!!!

Plus, NICE mancave!!!

PHArchivist · 10-17-2010, 01:33 PM

Damn that looks like fun!

IEDBOUNTYHUNTER · 10-17-2010, 01:42 PM

Looking great, love to watch a good scratch build.

mobius303 · 10-17-2010, 04:02 PM

She is coming along great so far. Enjoying this build.

crackerjazz · 10-17-2010, 04:29 PM

Yeah, watching scratchbuilds is just like watching how a magic trick is done. Steve, that balsa filler is wonderful. Is it a good straight replacement for putty? Off to google it up....

PHArchivist · 10-17-2010, 04:48 PM

This build makes the process of creating the curves of the saucer look very easy.

Can it really be that simple? Or is he just that good! ?

SteveNeill · 10-17-2010, 04:49 PM

Thanks guys. The filler is used for balsa but it sands so easy it matches the foam well. They both sand about the same rate and that's what you want. Once you have the basic shape and contours the whole shape will be epoxy glassed. Then I'll be able to continue on smoothing it with Ever Coat Metal glaze. Much better than Bondo. I never use it anymore. With Ever coat you can point up the shape perfectly and sands easy and smooth. Unlike Bondo. Yuck!

Steve

Steve

SteveNeill · 10-17-2010, 04:54 PM

Nope this process or technique does make it easy. The other way is to wire cut many pis sections, glues them together and sand. A good example of this method is located here on my web site. Welcome To My Website Works very well. I've been selling a book for awhile that documents these techniques: Welcome To My Website

Thanks,

Steve

PHArchivist · 10-17-2010, 06:05 PM

Is this the one?

Evercoat

SteveNeill · 10-17-2010, 06:17 PM

That's the one. I can't model without it.

Steve

PHArchivist · 10-17-2010, 07:43 PM

I may need to try that. I'm currently using Apoxie Sculpt, but I do not like the way it sands.

SSgt Burton · 10-17-2010, 07:57 PM

Wow! I'll be watching this build with great interest and can't wait to see it done!

Kevin

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10-15-2010, 10:44 PM	#1
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build I must be crazy but here I go. I've been a modeler, makeup effects and creature man for many moons now. I've worked on everything from Star Trek the Motion Picture to Ghost Busters. But I always wanted to build the Enterprise and have a big model of her. Since I missed the Custom Replicas model I figured why not build one myself. The technique I'm using is nothing new to Radio controlled airplane builders like myself. I'm using Depron foam sheet in various thicknesses and framing up the geometry of all the basic shapes off the scale plans. Make templates and cut bulkheads and frame them up and sheet them. Now I could do foam wire cutting. CNC. Or balsa construction but this foam sheet is very user friendly and not so messy. Once I have the shapes I glass and epoxy for strength and beating on. All the small details and window reliefs can be added as well as placements for the NAV and other lights that adorn her hull. Once I have all the masters and the smaller parts mastered then I can mold everything in RTV silicone. GI 1000 is my poison of choice. The mother molds will be epoxy glass. Main hull parts and nacelles will be epoxy glass while the other parts such as the Bridge, impulse engines and other such details will be made out of cast Alumilite. Lighting will be LED based and small drive motors in the nacelles to get the warp engine effects. So far I’ve framed up the saucer and I’ve started sheeting it. Here’s some pictures and the constant updates can be found on my Blog. Also check out my website to learn more about this old guy with a kids passion for all things fun, Star Trek and Sci-Fi. Space, submarines, ships, airplanes, yada, yada, yada. More to come, Steve

10-15-2010, 11:06 PM	#2
Jet Beetle Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 5,067	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Sweeet! I can't wait to see this baby when she's done.

10-15-2010, 11:13 PM	#3
PHArchivist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,902	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Welcome aboard! So 5.5 feet?

10-15-2010, 11:18 PM	#4
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build 5.5 feet is correct. Thanks guys. steve

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10-16-2010, 08:37 AM	#5
division 6 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Central Ca Posts: 3,046	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build I thought I recognized that bench. I've been to your site before looking at the Gato and Nautilus models. Very nice work. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the E. D6

10-16-2010, 09:16 AM	#6
crackerjazz Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 486	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Now, this is gonna be another sweet build to follow! I've always wondered how prop builders think. I'm betting this won't be a slow build as you surely have all the ingredients and kitchen utensils to get a good stew brewing along. That first photo of you with the ship's frame in hand and all the good stuff in the background is some introduction and says it all. And the photos that followed - what technique! You'll be putting on quite a show I'm sure, and I'm happy to be part of the audience. I'm new to the forum myself, but let me greet you a hearty "Welcome aboard!"

10-16-2010, 09:40 AM	#7
phase pistol Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York Posts: 14,611	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Wow! Welcome and great to see your project. Which blueprints are you working from? Do you have access to Gary Kerr's? Karl

10-16-2010, 10:24 AM	#8
feek61 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Sunshine State Posts: 1,366	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Awesome!!! A project I've always wanted to tackle myself! I love the models in the back-ground as well. Your tastes are very similar to mine (ok, I see the X-1, Mercury Redstone, XB-70, etc, lol)

10-16-2010, 11:42 AM	#9
FANTAMATION Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 243	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Welcome to the asylum Steve! You probably won't remember me but I worked with you and Mike Hoover many moons ago on "Honey I Blew Up the Kid"...... Great to have you here!!

10-16-2010, 03:03 PM	#10
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Give me a name I bet I do. You were working on the Bat boat no? Feek61 if you want to get a better look at some of my models both scratch and kit builds go to my website. Blue prints. Lets just say they are accurate. I'm a stickler for that. Sometimes I even make my own plans when all else fails. It's so easy to be off on this model and it so often is. If you looks on my site at the Enterprise Project you'll see my CGI model of her I built is off. Nor a lot but enough to make me go back at some time and correct it. Cracker I usually move pretty fast. But these days I have multiple projects going on between finishing my movie, building RC submarine models for customers, making masks and prosthetic ears I have a full plate. So I divide my time up as best I can. D6 thanks go to my site and look at the big Seaview I did. It's still here the customer is nervous to have it shipped. I don't blame him. Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome and replies it very nice of you all. Steve

10-16-2010, 03:47 PM	#11
FANTAMATION Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 243	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Hey Steve, does Jim Davidson ring any bells?? After finishing up with you guys on the VERY small shooting crew we had for Honey Baby I then moved over to the other stage and went to work on the Bat boat / Bat mobile shots. So glad to hear a fellow fx veteran keeping their artistic plates full of great projects!!!

10-16-2010, 03:57 PM	#12
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Jim it sure does. I remember. I hope you're doing the same. Never give up or give in. There's a lot of cool stuff do do still! Still working?? Things have really slowed down for me but it just gives me more time to do my own work now. Best of both worlds and I don't have to get up at 5 am anymore. LOL! Steve

10-16-2010, 10:16 PM	#13
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Starting to do the bottom side. Using balsa filler to fill gaps and scratches with. Once sanded smooth the glass will lay down nicely. Here’s some pictures from tonights work. I should have the whole saucer sheeted tomorrow. A good friend of mine will be CNCing the smaller parts for me. Good news it should help speed up things a bit. Steve

10-17-2010, 12:05 AM	#14
BB43MAN Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 446	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build I'm liking this build a LOT!!!!! Plus, NICE mancave!!! Last edited by BB43MAN; 10-17-2010 at 12:05 AM. Reason: typo

10-17-2010, 01:33 PM	#15
PHArchivist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,902	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Damn that looks like fun!

10-17-2010, 01:42 PM	#16
IEDBOUNTYHUNTER Modelmaker for Hire Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: TexASS Posts: 887	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Looking great, love to watch a good scratch build.

10-17-2010, 04:02 PM	#17
mobius303 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 227	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build She is coming along great so far. Enjoying this build.

10-17-2010, 04:29 PM	#18
crackerjazz Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 486	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Yeah, watching scratchbuilds is just like watching how a magic trick is done. Steve, that balsa filler is wonderful. Is it a good straight replacement for putty? Off to google it up....

10-17-2010, 04:48 PM	#19
PHArchivist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,902	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build This build makes the process of creating the curves of the saucer look very easy. Can it really be that simple? Or is he just that good! ?

10-17-2010, 04:49 PM	#20
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Thanks guys. The filler is used for balsa but it sands so easy it matches the foam well. They both sand about the same rate and that's what you want. Once you have the basic shape and contours the whole shape will be epoxy glassed. Then I'll be able to continue on smoothing it with Ever Coat Metal glaze. Much better than Bondo. I never use it anymore. With Ever coat you can point up the shape perfectly and sands easy and smooth. Unlike Bondo. Yuck! Steve Steve

10-17-2010, 04:54 PM	#21
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Nope this process or technique does make it easy. The other way is to wire cut many pis sections, glues them together and sand. A good example of this method is located here on my web site. Welcome To My Website Works very well. I've been selling a book for awhile that documents these techniques: Welcome To My Website Thanks, Steve

10-17-2010, 06:05 PM	#22
PHArchivist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,902	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Is this the one? Evercoat

10-17-2010, 06:17 PM	#23
SteveNeill Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,913	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build That's the one. I can't model without it. Steve

10-17-2010, 07:43 PM	#24
PHArchivist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 16,902	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build I may need to try that. I'm currently using Apoxie Sculpt, but I do not like the way it sands.

10-17-2010, 07:57 PM	#25
SSgt Burton Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,674	Re: Studio Half Scale TOS Enterprise Scratch build Wow! I'll be watching this build with great interest and can't wait to see it done! Kevin

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