1/2 studio scale TOS Galactica 95% done updated 12/22

So i have just started this a few nights ago using Charles Adams blueprints from starshipbuilder.com, I've started this now that all the t-65's are done (with the exception of some replacement parts that need shipping in the next few days). My goal with this project is to get the shape as close as possible and "mimic" the detailing as well as i can, i have started picking up some 1/2 scale kits (like a 1/144 leopold) and will be scratchbuilding some of the more important details in 1/2 scale myself. I will be happy if i can get most of the signature details close, i may build the full studio scale one someday so this may be serving as a glorified maquette for now. I also wanted to experiment with a couple of new techniques, like using the expanding foam that I saw REL use for his model, while i have carved out of foam and balsa i wanted to try this out on the "head" of the Galcatica. Let me know what you think...
mike

Sounds like a very cool project! Looking forward to following the progress.

Using the blueprints i made the skeleton of the upper head of the galactica and then filled it with the expanding foam.

Once the foam expanded the excess was carved away and shaped, i used a 15lb density foam which was hard to work. I have worked with 15lb density balsa foam before but for some reason the Smooth-on expanding foam was really tough, i will try the 8lb foam for the bottom. This is what it looked like after carving the excess, i will smooth it with body filler.



With the blueprints the main body went together really quick, it's mostly MDF laminated with styrene. I am not lighting this so the body can be solid, i would never try this with the full studio size but it's still light enough in half scale and the MDF is very stable over time, even more so with the lamination. I know not lighting this may be a crime to some, but i have lit models before and only turn them on for a few minutes a year, so it's not worth the extra work for this particular model.




The back is hollow, it needs to be for the engine details, and it will also keep the weight in the middle as the tail and head will be light (the foam does not weigh much....




With the back attached it really quickly starts to look like a Battlestar, i have started the landing bays but have not taken any pics of it yet........more to come!

Damn Mike that is awesome so far. I can't wait to see this as it goes foward.

Greg

Wow! I don't have room for a 6' G (thats crazy... ) but a 3'...hmmm

NICE!

Mike, do use a plotter to make the large prints or do you go to a print shop to get them printed?
Awsome job!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Apophis &#064; Nov 21 2006, 11&#58;49 PM) [snapback]1363305[/snapback]</div>

Mike, do use a plotter to make the large prints or do you go to a print shop to get them printed?
Awsome job&#33;
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I got them from Charles Adams at starshipbuilder.com, he did a really nice job on them...
thanks
mike

This sounds like a great project.
Nice start there, can&#39;t wait to see more.

That&#39;s a very inspirational job&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;

Very nice. Can&#39;t wait to see more progress on her.

Scott

Wow, this is an exciting project. So far the dimensions seem to balance, and I like the scale. Let see those docking bays&#33;


:fettrotj

My fav galactica&#39;s ship. That&#39;s a good start, cant wait to see more progress pics &#33;
Good luck for this project &#33;

Wow, you&#39;re moving incredibly fast&#33; Way to go, Mike&#33; Looking good.

Can you tell me more about the foam you used- brand name, where to get it, tools to use with it? I&#39;m very interested in learning to work with it myself for making molds.

For the bottom half I used Foam it 8 from smooth-on, a bit easier to carve than the 15. As for tools, i just used a raspfile and worked down to sandpaper, it needs a skim coat of something, i reluctanlty use ultafine bono, but i know that there is some coating that I&#39;ve seen used. Maybe someone else can chime in about the coating. I will get some more progress pics up this weekend.
thanks
mike

wow great job. Looking forward to see this one as it comes along.

Awesome&#33; 15lb foam, man I know that took some work to carve. The 3.5lb stuff Smooth-on has is the best for this, carves pretty easy but it&#39;s still very durable.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mslz22 &#064; Nov 24 2006, 12&#58;13 AM) [snapback]1364517[/snapback]</div>

For the bottom half I used Foam it 8 from smooth-on, a bit easier to carve than the 15. As for tools, i just used a raspfile and worked down to sandpaper, it needs a skim coat of something, i reluctanlty use ultafine bono, but i know that there is some coating that I&#39;ve seen used. Maybe someone else can chime in about the coating. I will get some more progress pics up this weekend.
thanks
mike
[/b]

Mike,

Try a skin coat of your normal resin, mix it up chilled and "screed"* it or "squeegee" with a popsicle stick along the whole structure an area at a time. Messy, yes, but should give some good results.


* Screed definitions so its clear: In masonry terminology, a screed is a straight board used to even off the surface of sand or freshly poured concrete. The screed is usually slid across the tops of the form boards holding the sand or concrete. In this process, sand or concrete remaining above the level of the forms is moved to areas in which the sand or concrete level is too low, or else simply removed as excess.
More at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_floating_screed


Hope that helps, and looking forward to seeing this one go&#33; LMK if you need and help with kit parts . . .


Ryan

You can also use epoxy resin to coat this or bondo, neither one will hurt the foam. I use a combination of both depending on the size of the piece.

REL, Ryan, thanks for the advice, i have tried the resin coating before on balsa foam, i will give it a shot on this stuff. I will try that 3lb foam when i get the chance. A quick update, you can see here the landing bays short the front and back "caps", i used plexiglass for the bottom of the landing bay and laminated MDF for the top, i also fabricated one of the thicker arms that hold the bays, i will mold and cast this blank and individually detail each as i need 4 all together. Also i have started the bottom half of the head....enjoy..
thanks again
mike..

Productive winter so far Mike. Keep em coming

Very nice it&#39;s looking great.

Wow, this will be a first: a dimensionally accurate 1/2 scale battlestar build. I built a 4 footer years ago as a prelude to my studio scale Galactica and can tell you, you will have fun matching the detailing. Difficult, but fun. Freestyle kitbashing is so much more enjoyable than trying to exactly match original detailing.

Excellent work so far and very innovative idea with the foam fill. I&#39;m looking forward to seeing her come together&#33;

Mike, Oz