My take on the NX refit (WIP)

Han Jones said:

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I really like this take on the ship. They should have used this in the new movie for the U.S.S Kelvin

Thanks Han, I'm glad you like it. Pictures will be coming soon.

Hey all,
So, after looking long and hard look at the secondary hull, i realized that i had missed the most important part of a ship-the keel. my construction design was all wrong.
after progressing a little further on the saucer I realized how heavy it is, and that the structure wouldn't be able to hold it, nor could i run electrical
in its present state....
So I went to the LHS and picked up some model grade plywood, some balsa wood and a tube of zap a gap and started again from scratch.
this is where I am at now-
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/DSC02040.jpg
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/DSC02038.jpg
http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...1/DSC02037.jpg
I have to wait for the electrical components to arrive before I skin it with balsa.

Very well done!! That's the stuff. Perfect.

Steve

Couldnt have done it without your help,

thanks Steve.

All in all, it was a good day's work.







yes, our tree is already up....

NICE!!

Steve

This is looking SWEEET!!!. Are you going to skin it in plastic or balsa ?

dude...kit worthy...consider casting it up!

space rat said:

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This is looking SWEEET!!!. Are you going to skin it in plastic or balsa ?

Thats a great question Space Rat,

I'll be skinning it in balsa, then giving it a skim coat of whatever Steve recommends (something good for scribing)
with styrene on top for any raised detail.

but I will need to set up the electrical components first, just waiting for it all to arrive in the mail.

Thanks for your interest!

West Systems Epoxy and 1-2 oz. cloth would be good!

Steve

SteveNeill said:

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West Systems Epoxy and 1-2 oz. cloth would be good!

Steve

What a guy! Thanks Steve.

This is a pretty remarkable build. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

SmilingOtter said:

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This is a pretty remarkable build. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Thanks Otter!

I very much like the direction this scratch build is heading.... very nice work sir! I look forward to viewing more!

Kuhn Global said:

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I very much like the direction this scratch build is heading.... very nice work sir! I look forward to viewing more!

and thank YOU sir! I'll put some time in today.

I like that you're taking this on. You've got a great start, keep at it! - Q

qfrost said:

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I like that you're taking this on. You've got a great start, keep at it! - Q

Thank you Sir, Will do.

Looking great Brandon. Always eager to see your progress

thanks feek.

Today I decided to work on the deflector array.

I laminated 3 sheets of 1/8" blasa, then used the compass to create rings.
the rings are 1/4" thick around so I have extra room to sand down circular. i sliced the piece off from the strip and then nipped off the corners so its easier to sand into a circle.

once i had a rough circular shape, I cut out the center so I could fit it onto a wooden pencil, then put the pencil into the chuck of my cordless drill. I then spun the drill at a low speed over a sheet of 180-220 grit sandpaper. once I had the right thickness/circumference I applied a reasonable amount of putty while the drill turned and let dry.

Once the ring was dry, I sanded it smooth with 220 and mounted it on a piece of 1/32" balsa

here is where I'm at

almost finished with the fabrication of the deflector array...

almost done...

What an interesting take on this design.

Question: why balsa and not styrene? I'm doing my first scratch build and picked styrene because having wood and plastic in the same model make me nervous (dissimilar materials, reactions to heat and humidity and all).

Devin said:

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What an interesting take on this design.

Question: why balsa and not styrene? I'm doing my first scratch build and picked styrene because having wood and plastic in the same model make me nervous (dissimilar materials, reactions to heat and humidity and all).

easy answer? cost and workability.

a strip of 1/8" styrene costs me $7.50, while balsa costs me $1.50