1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

[SofaKing01]

It's looking very good (I would paint the hinges the same color as the background color of the panels (but that's just me Sofa)

Hey J,

Thanks!

I have a few ideas for the lids and their interiors. The lid exterior will be black with all the silver and weathered greeblies attached. The hinges will probably be black as well. I'm hoping they will simply blend in with the lid. The interior skin color(s) will be a basic black but also showcase a highlight color (red and silver) of the basic greeblie color and configuration. But Scott had a GREAT idea / addition. It will DEF bring life to the panel, add some artistic license and I hope... add some fun!

 

[Holy Wookiee]

Looking good, SK. Real life has been interfering with my build schedule but I wanted to catch up on the great stuff happening here! Did I miss the part about the lids being too heavy or requiring a lock? The hinge is perfect... why not use simple cabinetry hardware for a latch?

 

[SofaKing01]

Looking good, SK. Real life has been interfering with my build schedule but I wanted to catch up on the great stuff happening here! Did I miss the part about the lids being too heavy or requiring a lock? The hinge is perfect... why not use simple cabinetry hardware for a latch?
View attachment 712472

Hey Hey HW!

I've always said that life comes first.

Whether I use the cabinet latch or a magnet, I feel using at least two of either is critical to ensure the lid doesn't come crashing down. The only issue is there just isn't enough meat between the lid and the panel surface to mount all the hardware. I can always use epoxy. I'll DEF figure it out.

 

[wook22]

Whew! I did it! I started at the beginning a few weeks ago, and I sit here at work (believe it or not, I'm a VFX artist working on EpVIII) and while I work, I read your build.
It's amazing. Your photo documenting is second to none! I can't believe the detail you put into everything, and your sticktoittiveness is beyond impressive.
It was like reading a novel, this build!
Alas, now I will have to wait like the rest, for updates.
Also, I can tell from how you respond to people and your reaction to kids that you are a kind and friendly person.
Huge props to you (pun maybe intended)!

 

[SofaKing01]

Whew! I did it! I started at the beginning a few weeks ago, and I sit here at work (believe it or not, I'm a VFX artist working on EpVIII) and while I work, I read your build.
It's amazing. Your photo documenting is second to none! I can't believe the detail you put into everything, and your sticktoittiveness is beyond impressive.
It was like reading a novel, this build!
Alas, now I will have to wait like the rest, for updates.
Also, I can tell from how you respond to people and your reaction to kids that you are a kind and friendly person.
Huge props to you (pun maybe intended)!

Hi W,

WOW! First, thanks so much for taking the time to read through the entire build! That is quite a task and you will be quizzed... It's been a fun and exciting 5 years and I have no plans to stop! I truly appreciate the kind words. And your taking time away from what must be the ultimate "dream" job to check out the latest updates and misadventures is pretty awesome. Thank you!

I really enjoy reaching out to each and every person who takes the time out of their day to post their thoughts, ideas and support. It's the very least I can do. And let's face it... we're all still kids! I've learned so much over these past few years, met some of the most amazing folks and even made friends along the way. This project is for every SW fan out there! I just hope everybody who has contributed to the project will get the opportunity to sit behind the wheel and enjoy the project as much as we have. I would really enjoy finally being able to meet everybody who made this project possible - Canobi and Josh have unlimited access

The updates should be rolling in pretty soon! We have time with the CNC this weekend, I have another 4 day weekend coming up so I'm hoping for a HUGE push forward and my finally being able to tackle those awesome Martin Baker Nav chairs! That's going to be so much fun! We're going to cut pieces for 3 chairs! I mean it would be silly to have a Nav Computer without a chair!

Thank you again for the kind words and support! Don't be a stranger! I'm now going to PM you with 1,436 questions re: EPVIII!

 

[SofaKing01]

Hey Gang,

We're getting several files ready for the CNC - 6-8 4x8 sheets of ply to be cut! By the end of the weekend (baring any issues) we should have... well... you'll just have to wait!

 

[Bengrim09]

Hi W,

WOW! First, thanks so much for taking the time to read through the entire build! That is quite a task and you will be quizzed... It's been a fun and exciting 5 years and I have no plans to stop! I truly appreciate the kind words. And your taking time away from what must be the ultimate "dream" job to check out the latest updates and misadventures is pretty awesome. Thank you!

I really enjoy reaching out to each and every person who takes the time out of their day to post their thoughts, ideas and support. It's the very least I can do. And let's face it... we're all still kids! I've learned so much from over these past few years, met some of the most amazing folks and even made friends along the way. This project is for every SW fan out there! I just hope everybody who has contributed to the project will get the opportunity to sit behind the wheel and enjoy the project as much as we have. I would really enjoy finally being able to meet everybody who made this project possible - Canobi and Josh have unlimited access

The updates should be rolling in pretty soon! We have time with the CNC this weekend, I have another 4 day weekend coming up so I'm hoping for a HUGE push forward and my finally being able to tackle those awesome Martin Baker Nav chairs! That's going to be so much fun! We're going to cut pieces for 3 chairs! I mean it would be silly to have a Nav Computer without a chair!

Thank you again for the kind words and support! Don't be a stranger! I'm now going to PM you with 1,436 questions re: EPVIII!

good luck having your EPVIII questions answered my step son works for ILM London and the selfish little #%$€ won't tell me anything, I've been watching and reading this thread for ages I'm truly amazed by your work and dedication I can't wait to see the rest of the Falcon because when you finish this build you will build the corridor then add more and more and more and more and more and .............................

 

[SofaKing01]

good luck having your EPvVIII questions answered my step son works for ILM London and the selfish little #%$€ won't tell me anything, I've been watching and reading this thread for ages I'm truly amazed by your work and dedication I can't wait to see the rest of the Falcon because when you finish this build you will build the corridor then add more and more and more and more and more and .............................

Hey B,

I was just kidding around! I know he wouldn't be able to tell me anything. It was all in good fun.

Thanks you so much for the kind words and your staying power! I appreciate the continued support. There will be some MAJOR changes coming this weekend to the cockpit at both the front and back! I'm pretty excited about it!

After this is finished I might build the Nav Computer... or a new cockpit? A gunner station?

 

[trainman]

There will be some MAJOR changes coming this weekend to the cockpit at both the front and back! I'm pretty excited about it!

I'm going to have to get out my Indiana Jones whip if you don't get busy on the canopy window frame and the light bars pretty soon! :devil

 

[Bengrim09]

I understand regarding the questions as does my step son ( all in the name of fun and tongue in cheek banter ) it's not worth them losing there jobs over and I don't like spoilers
cant wait to see the changes, when you do change things you always change for the better, you have a fantastic eye for the SW universe, would love to see the gunner station come to life that would be orgasmic ( would it be useable ) sit, spin and pivot ?

 

[SofaKing01]

I understand regarding the questions as does my step son ( all in the name of fun and tongue in cheek banter ) it's not worth them losing there jobs over and I don't like spoilers
cant wait to see the changes, when you do change things you always change for the better, you have a fantastic eye for the SW universe, would love to see the gunner station come to life that would be orgasmic ( would it be useable ) sit, spin and pivot ?

Hey B,

I would never think to get them in trouble. The fact that they know a little something about the movie is all of our collective dreams come true! I think we all live vicariously through them!

Thanks so much! The gunner station would be a BLAST to recreate! The panels / walls themselves seem relatively straight forward. The issue is how to position to quad gun itself. The OT had the quad hanging from above and was built using real world metal aircraft parts. My quad is a combo of MDF and PVC and is based on the 5 foot model quad - not the 1:1 scale prop.

I have NO desire to put people or the prop at risk by having it dangle above in front of the window. So, sacrifices in screen accuracy will have to be made. We'll DEF make it so people can sit and maybe pivot at a single point not swing from left to right on a track as the OT did... We'll DEF include lights and sounds to help add to the experience. The best part is that it will be both an interior/exterior prop like the cockpit.

Fellow RPFer, Wavey, has found most of the original pieces used to make almost the entire handle assembly to include the screen(s). The original parts are really tough to find!

- - - Updated - - -

I'm going to have to get out my Indiana Jones whip if you don't get busy on the canopy window frame and the light bars pretty soon! :devil

Sir, yes sir! Just wait till Sunday!

 

[Bengrim09]

Hey B,

I would never think to get them in trouble. The fact that they know a little something about the movie is all of our collective dreams come true! I think we all live vicariously through them!

Thanks so much! The gunner station would be a BLAST to recreate! The panels / walls themselves seem relatively straight forward. The issue is how to position to quad gun itself. The OT had the quad hanging from above and was built using real world metal aircraft parts. My quad is combo of MDF and PVC based on the 5 foot model quad - not the 1:1 scale prop.

I have NO desire to put people or the prop at risk by having it dangle in front of the window. So, sacrifices in screen accuracy will have to be made. We'll DEF make it so people can sit and maybe pivot at a single point not swing from left to right on a track as the OT did... We'll DEF include lights and sounds to help add to the experience. The best part is that it will be both an interior/exterior prop like the cockpit.

Fellow RPFer, Wavey, has found most of the original pieces used to make to almost the entire handle assembly to include the screen(s). The original parts are really tough to find!

- - - Updated - - -



Sir, yes sir! Just wait till Sunday!

cant wait

 

[Bengrim09]

I'm going to have to get out my Indiana Jones whip if you don't get busy on the canopy window frame and the light bars pretty soon! :devil

oh now my imagination is running wild !!! When you do the canopy windows it's going to look fantastic when you look in BUT when your sat inside looking out have you thought about ( just for fun ) a wrap around projector screen with the chase of the fighter going towards ( that's not a moon it's a space station ) Death Star .....
so sorry I'm a big kid again :$

 

[Lt Washburn]

I have some general CNC questions that maybe your particular example can answer. Does it matter whether it's plywood or MDF as to the quality of the cuts? Can it can cut edges at a precise angle, for assembling pieces that aren't at right angles? Can it route channels with angled sides...like a wide V-shape? And to what dimensional tolerances can it accurately cut shapes to? 1/16"? 1/32"?

Thanks!

 

[Smeeon]

I have some general CNC questions that maybe your particular example can answer. Does it matter whether it's plywood or MDF as to the quality of the cuts? Can it can cut edges at a precise angle, for assembling pieces that aren't at right angles? Can it route channels with angled sides...like a wide V-shape? And to what dimensional tolerances can it accurately cut shapes to? 1/16"? 1/32"?

Thanks!

This is a rabbit hole of a question. I've taught entire 1 hour long classes at conventions about this stuff. I'll try to consolidate and keep it brief.

(Edit: see below)

Plywood is stronger but much more expensive, the layers give it strength. It cuts nicely as long as you follow machine/bit instructions.

MDF can have a softer edge and must be handled carefully to ensure the edges don't get dinged up too badly but for the most part cuts identically to plywood.

This is a 3 axis CNC meaning it can cut, at most, what's called 2.5D (not 3D) google 2.5D CNC for the long description. In short, the bit moves in and out at a right angle to the material. And you can put other bits in it that have specific angles. Search V-groove bits for examples.

Cutting accuracy on this $18,000 machine is approx 1/10,000th but it starts seeing what's called backlash errors at around 1/1000th.

For more precision work, a smaller desktop CNC would be a better option.

I hope that helps a little!



- Daniel Valdez - Full Scale Falcon Team

 

[SofaKing01]

Hi Gang,

UPDATES! I'm really excited to be posting this next round of updates... ENJOY!!!

The weekend started with the usual... sanding, filling, sanding, filling, etc...

To add more visual interested to one of the extension panel boxes I designed and laser cut several more greeblies

Adding more interest

Primer

Let's add some wires...

And more

I then primed the hinge and lock set...

I then designed and laser cut NEW side panels for the extension boxes

I wanted to add more visual interest to the areas that didn't have the half circle fins...

More laser cut pieces

Primer

The longer edges have large holes - these are the new drill / mounting points for the nuts and bolts which bolt everything together

I don't need holes to be drilled here so I designed simple round covers

Note the unpainted circle with the small hole

Tap the hole

Drill

Just need to clean up the surrounding area of any wood grain and we now have new evenly spaced mounting points

Let's get back to adding more visual interest!

Even in a galaxy far far away... they have zip ties!

I then went through the pile of tangled pinball machine wires and... untangled... ugh

These will all mount to the cockpit entrance

I then had a GREAT idea... I took this old monitor piece

Mod'd the wire housing

Several of the red wires will fit snug in place

Close it up

Rough fit inside the extension panel

Attach the electrical hose

LOVE IT!

In all my excitement... I made a small error. The new wire harness wasn't spaced correctly and was in the way of the bolt holes

WHOOPS... time to recut

Yeah... that's not going to work

I designed and laser cut a new harness

Designed and laser cut new side panels

And now for the best part... Daniel and I spent ALL day Sunday with the CNC cutting pieces of 3/4" ply

We cut the canopy!

And then we cut 3 sets of...

Armrest pieces for...

The NEW NAV CHAIRS!

Two nav chairs and a third sitting in pieces...

A HUGE thank you to both OperaScot for taking the time to build the model for the new canopy and Daniel for helping with the CNC! Thanks, guys! I love ya both!

I'm hoping to have all 3 nav chairs (minus paint and greeblies) and the canopy frame put together by next weekend! We have LOTS of 3D printing to do for the nav chairs as well. Fellow RPFer and Falcon Project member Izzy is working to get many of these greeblies finished up. He's already put in some serious overtime on these and I'm really excited to see what he comes up with next!

More to Follow so Stay Tuned!

 

[rubble]

WOW, massive progress here. Congrats again for a superb update.

Just remembering SK, a while ago you teased a major announcement, have I missed it?

R

 

[joberg]

Sofa! Loads of progress pics here...beauty all around:cool

 

[Friendly flyer]

Monday morning, check!

Cup of coffee, check!

My favourite thread on RPF full of goodies, check!

 

[KilTheMaskedGuy]

wait where do you build / expose this?